Kindly cite the source

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Kindly cite the source" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when requesting someone to provide the reference or origin of information they have presented. Example: "In your research paper, kindly cite the source of the statistics you mentioned to support your argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He did not cite the source of the information.

The New York Times

The BBC did not cite the source for its report.

The New York Times

Again, cite the source.

Huffington Post

If the source is valid then we can cite the source.

Huffington Post

When this material is used, please cite the source.

Unicef

If possible, try to cite the sources.

WikiHow

If the SFInX was used in a project, we kindly request to cite the instrument by citing this publication.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

4. Cite the sources of your information.

HuffPost

Cite the sources of the facts and ideas you use.

WikiHow

Read How to Cite a Website to know how to cite the website you may use as a source.

WikiHow

On the production side, many photographs have been kindly loaned, and the source of each is acknowledged in the captions.

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When requesting source attribution in formal documents, use "Kindly cite the source" to maintain a respectful yet authoritative tone.

Common error

Avoid phrasing your requests too indirectly. While politeness is important, excessively passive constructions can weaken your message. For instance, instead of "It would be greatly appreciated if the source was kindly cited," use the more direct "Kindly cite the source."

Linguistic Context

Kindly cite the source" functions as an imperative phrase, specifically a polite request. It instructs the recipient to provide a reference or attribution for information presented. Ludwig's examples show how similar phrases are used in various contexts to ensure transparency and credibility.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Kindly cite the source" is a grammatically correct phrase used to politely request the attribution of a source. While Ludwig's examples indicate it's not frequently used, its formality makes it suitable for academic and professional contexts. Alternatives such as "Please provide the source" may be used in more informal settings. Remember to avoid overly passive constructions to maintain clarity and directness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Please provide the source

More direct and less formal.

Kindly provide the reference

Uses "reference" instead of "source", suitable for academic contexts.

Please attribute the original source

Emphasizes the act of attribution.

It would be appreciated if you could cite the source

More polite and indirect.

Can you cite your sources?

A direct question, suitable for less formal settings.

Cite the source, please

A more abrupt and direct request.

Indicate the source, please

Uses "indicate" which is slightly less common than "cite".

Please credit the original author

Focuses on giving credit to the author.

Reference your source material

More specific; refers to "source material".

Acknowledge the original source

Emphasizes acknowledgement.

FAQs

How to use "Kindly cite the source" in a sentence?

You can use "Kindly cite the source" when requesting someone to provide the origin of information; for example, "In your research paper, kindly cite the source of the statistics you mentioned to support your argument."

What can I say instead of "Kindly cite the source"?

You can use alternatives like "please provide the source" or "please reference the source" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "Kindly cite the source" in informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "Kindly cite the source" is generally more suited for formal or professional contexts. In informal writing, a more direct request like "cite your source" might be more appropriate.

What does it mean to "cite the source"?

To "cite the source" means to give credit to the original author or creator of the information you are using in your work. This is done to avoid plagiarism and to allow readers to verify the information you have presented.