Cite

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Cite" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in academic or formal contexts to refer to the act of referencing a source of information or evidence. Example: "When writing your research paper, make sure to cite all your sources properly to avoid plagiarism."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think if you're Jane Seymour - I always cite her because we're often confused with one another - if you're that kind of actress, you can do that kind of work.

The Guardian - Film

A target would be set to reduce the number of people who cite delays in benefits being processed as the prime reason for using food banks.

The Guardian

And all the other instances that police from Lancashire to south London cite as one of their growing crime areas: of people stealing to eat because they can't afford basics.

The Guardian - Opinion

That Obama, when asked about transparency, has to cite a court that operates in complete secrecy demonstrates how little actual transparency there is to any this.

The Guardian - Opinion

Universities commonly cite a high drop-out rate for refusing to give more chances to pupils from poorer areas.

The Guardian - Opinion

Both Ukip and the Tories cite immigration as an issue coming up on the doorsteps.

The Guardian

People often cite admirably high-minded reasons for wanting to visit a specific foreign country.

The Guardian - Travel

Admirers cite Kennedy's televised address to the nation, referring to the battle over racial segregation as a "moral crisis", and his readiness to use the National Guard to force the whites-only universities of the south to open up to black students.

The Guardian

Mike and Rosie Carter, 56 and 57, who live just outside Stowmarket, cite previous attempts to close the town's crossings and believe it to be on a target list drawn up by the taskforce that developed the Norwich in 90 plans.

The Guardian

I'm going to cite lots of it because this is the study the mining industry is trying to claim backs its case (my bolding).

The Guardian

Very few outsiders actually bother to find out why the city is the way it is and those making comparisons with their own cities or regions rarely cite any actual research.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always provide full citation details when you "cite" a source, including the author, title, publication date, and page number. This ensures readers can easily find the original source.

Common error

While "cite" is perfectly acceptable in academic and formal writing, it can sound overly formal in casual contexts. Consider using alternatives like "mention" or "refer to" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "cite" functions primarily as a verb, used to reference or quote a source. This can involve directly quoting material or mentioning a source to support an argument, as evidenced by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

29%

Science

28%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Cite" is a versatile verb with a neutral-to-formal register, commonly employed across news, business, and scientific contexts. Its primary function is to attribute information to its source, crucial for academic integrity and providing support to claims. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and very common, with numerous examples demonstrating its usage. While "cite" is widely used, consider alternatives like "refer to" or "mention" depending on the formality and context. Remember to always provide full citation details to ensure credibility and allow readers to verify your sources. Overall, mastering the proper use of "cite" is essential for effective communication in both academic and professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Refer to

Emphasizes a direct link or connection to a source.

Make reference to

Similar to 'refer to', but may imply a more general or indirect connection.

Quote

Specifically highlights the use of direct words from a source.

Mention

A more general term for bringing something to attention.

Adduce

Implies bringing forward as evidence.

Invoke

Suggests calling upon a source for support or justification.

Point out

Highlights a specific aspect or detail from a source.

Draw attention to

Similar to 'point out', but may emphasize the importance of the information.

Allude to

Indicates a subtle or indirect reference.

Name

Simple term for identifying a source.

FAQs

How do I use "cite" correctly in a sentence?

"Cite" is typically used to credit a source of information. For example, "You must "cite" your sources to avoid plagiarism".

What are some alternatives to "cite"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "refer to", "mention", or "quote".

Is it necessary to "cite" every source I use?

Yes, to maintain academic integrity and give proper credit, you should "cite" all sources you use in your work.

What's the difference between "cite" and "reference"?

"Cite" is a verb that means to quote or mention a source, while "reference" can be a noun referring to the source itself or the act of mentioning it. You "cite" a source in your text and then include a full "reference" in your bibliography.