Cite your sources

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Cite your sources" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to provide references or evidence for the information they have presented, particularly in academic or research contexts. Example: "In your research paper, make sure to cite your sources to support your arguments and give credit to the original authors."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

Cite Your Sources is at the Chisenhale Gallery until 9 June.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You must cite your sources.

The New York Times - Books

3. Always cite your sources.

The New York Times

One specific comment was: "Cite your sources.

The New York Times

Be sure to cite your sources.

The New York Times

Be sure to include all evidence you gathered and to cite your sources.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

If in any doubt, err on the side of caution and cite your source.

Columbia University

Be careful not to plagiarize: Use quotation marks around lines you use verbatim from another source, or rephrase and cite your source.

The New York Times

As long as you cite your source, you can put facts out there very quickly.

Huffington Post

Your teacher may want your to cite your source.

WikiHow

Then, cite your source using the proper Bibliography format.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing research papers, immediately record source information as you gather it. This prevents forgetting sources and simplifies the citation process later.

Common error

Stick to one citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.) throughout your document. Mixing styles creates confusion and detracts from your work's credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cite your sources" functions as an imperative, a command or instruction. It's a call to action, urging the audience to provide evidence for their claims, as shown by Ludwig's examples, where it's frequently used in academic and journalistic contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Academia

30%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cite your sources" is a command to provide evidence and give credit to the original authors. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in academic, journalistic, and general writing. As such it's a fundamental element in avoiding plagiarism and maintaining integrity. When in doubt, remember to "reference your materials" to add credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Reference your sources

Focuses on providing a list of references.

Provide your citations

Emphasizes the act of giving detailed references.

Give credit to the original authors

Highlights acknowledging authorship.

Document your research

Suggests thorough record-keeping of research materials.

Acknowledge your sources

Focuses on openly admitting where information came from.

Attribute information to its origin

More formal way to say to give credit.

Substantiate your claims with evidence

Shift focus towards backing claims with supporting details.

Avoid plagiarism by giving credit

Highlights preventing academic dishonesty.

Verify your facts

Stresses fact-checking and validation.

Back up your statements

Stresses on using source to strengthen your sayings.

FAQs

Why is it important to "cite your sources"?

Citing sources gives credit to the original authors, avoids plagiarism, and strengthens the credibility of your work.

What happens if I don't "cite your sources" properly?

Failure to properly cite sources can result in accusations of plagiarism, which can lead to academic or professional consequences.

What are some different ways to "cite your sources"?

Different citation styles, such as MLA, APA, and Chicago, provide guidelines for formatting citations. Choose the style appropriate for your field or as instructed by your teacher.

What if I'm just paraphrasing? Do I still need to "cite your sources"?

Yes, even when paraphrasing, you must "reference your sources" to give credit to the original author and avoid plagiarism.