I cited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I cited" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a source or reference that you have mentioned or quoted in your writing. Example: "In my research paper, I cited several studies to support my argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Hence the three reactions I cited above.

The New York Times

(The F.T. editorial I cited earlier got that bit right).

The New Yorker

"I cited that about the 2010 election," Frank said, recalling the Tea Party's rise to power.

The New Yorker

(I cited that in my piece on raw milk in last week's issue of the magazine).

The New Yorker

In my previous post, I cited some opinion-poll data; here is some more.

The New Yorker

The examples I cited are among the 150 bookmarklets on the site.

The New York Times - Tech

The evidence I cited was flow-rate data from reported oil-industry projects.

The Guardian - Opinion

The research I cited last week indicates that there usually is such an effect.

The Guardian - Opinion

It became such a mantra that I cited the photo repeatedly over the years.

The Guardian - Opinion

The N.R.A. is all too aware of the poll findings I cited above.

The New Yorker

Popowycz seemed unaware of many of the specific incidents I cited.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I cited", ensure that the source you are referencing is clearly identified and accessible to your audience. This enhances credibility and allows for further exploration of the topic.

Common error

Avoid repeatedly using "I cited" without explaining the relevance or significance of the cited material. Always provide context to demonstrate why the citation is important to your argument or discussion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I cited" functions as a statement of reference, indicating that the speaker or writer has previously mentioned or made use of a particular source or piece of information. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I cited" is a grammatically correct and very common phrase used to indicate that a source or piece of information has been previously referenced. Ludwig confirms its validity and widespread use. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts, but also appears in scientific and formal business writing. When using this phrase, it is important to clearly identify the source and explain its relevance to enhance credibility and clarity. Remember to avoid overuse without proper context to ensure your writing remains engaging and informative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I referenced

Replaces "cited" with a direct synonym, focusing on the act of referring to something.

I made reference to

A more formal way of saying "I referred to".

I mentioned

Indicates a brief or casual reference, suitable when less emphasis on formal citation is needed.

I alluded to

Suggests an indirect or implied reference, useful when the connection is not explicit.

I pointed out

Highlights the act of bringing something to attention, often a specific detail or fact.

I took note of

Emphasizes that the speaker considered something to be important or worthy of attention.

I drew attention to

Emphasizes the act of making something noticeable or significant.

I quoted

Specifies that the reference involves directly reproducing someone's words.

I gave as an example

Focuses on providing an instance to illustrate a point.

I referred back to

Implies revisiting a previously mentioned topic or source.

FAQs

How can I use "I cited" in a sentence?

Use "I cited" to indicate that you have referenced a specific source or piece of information. For example, "I cited several studies in my research paper to support my hypothesis".

What's the difference between "I cited" and "I mentioned"?

"I cited" implies a more formal and direct reference to a source, while "I mentioned" suggests a more casual or brief reference without necessarily providing a formal citation.

Is it appropriate to use "I cited" in academic writing?

Yes, "I cited" is perfectly appropriate in academic writing to indicate that you are referencing or quoting a source. It's important to follow the specific citation style (e.g., MLA, APA) required by your institution or publication.

What can I say instead of "I cited"?

You can use alternatives like "I referenced", "I mentioned", or "I referred to" depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.