a citation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a citation" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a reference or quotation from a source, typically in academic or formal writing. Example: "In my research paper, I included a citation from a well-respected journal to support my argument."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A citation in a Supreme Court case.

The New Yorker

Such a citation could mean additional penalties.

The New York Times

"No," Ms. Ernst replied, "it's a Citation.

The New York Times

Each got a citation and $5,000.

The New York Times - Style

It was about a citation.

Cornell University

Scarcely a sentence passes without a quotation or a citation.

The New York Times - Arts

"In that case, they might get a citation.

The New York Times - Travel

And a citation is not always an endorsement.

The New York Times - Science

Each honoree receives $10,000 and a citation of merit.

The New York Times - Books

They should give me a citation for cleaning up".

The New York Times - Arts

There was a citation of cases.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a citation" in academic writing, ensure that the citation style (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.) is consistently followed throughout the document.

Common error

Avoid mixing different citation styles within the same document. Choose one style and adhere to it consistently to maintain clarity and credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a citation" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It denotes the act of referencing or quoting a source in academic or formal writing, as seen in the Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a citation" is a commonly used noun phrase referring to the act of acknowledging a source of information. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its frequent use in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When incorporating "a citation" into your writing, consistency in citation style is crucial. Alternatives such as "a reference" or "a quotation" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to prioritize credible sources and adhere to a single citation format throughout your work to maintain clarity and authority.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reference

Focuses on the act of mentioning a source but is less formal.

a quotation

Specifically refers to using the exact words from a source.

a source

Refers to the origin of the information, rather than the act of citing it.

a mention

A broader term indicating any kind of acknowledgment of a source.

a credit

Implies acknowledging someone's contribution or work.

an acknowledgement

A formal recognition of a source's contribution.

a footnote

A specific type of citation, often used in academic writing.

a bibliographic entry

Refers to a detailed entry in a list of sources.

a law enforcement summons

This refers to a legal notice to appear in court or pay a fine.

a formal commendation

Expresses an official form of praise or recognition.

FAQs

How do I properly use "a citation" in a research paper?

When including research findings or ideas from other sources, provide "a citation" immediately after the borrowed information. Follow a specific citation style (e.g., MLA, APA) and include all necessary details to allow readers to locate the original source.

What's the difference between "a reference" and "a citation"?

"A reference" is a general term for acknowledging a source, while "a citation" specifically refers to the act of formally attributing information to its original source within a text.

Is it acceptable to use "a citation" from Wikipedia in academic writing?

While Wikipedia can be a starting point for research, it is generally not considered an authoritative source for academic purposes. It's best to verify the information found on Wikipedia with more reliable sources and provide "a citation" to those original sources instead.

What are some common types of "a citation"?

Common types of "a citation" include in-text citations, footnotes, endnotes, and bibliographic entries. The specific format will depend on the chosen citation style.