be cited to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be cited to" is not correct in standard written English.
It is likely intended to refer to the act of referencing or quoting a source in academic or formal writing. Example: "The findings of the study should be cited to support the argument presented in the paper."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

What will Guantánamo be cited to justify, two centuries from now?

The New Yorker

"I support some creativity in figuring out what can be cited to give us useful context.

The New York Times

It could factor into recruiting, for programs with higher and lower standards that would be cited to recruits.

The New York Times - Sports

Worsening violence by Islamist militants along the northern border with Afghanistan might be cited to justify such an action.

The Economist

Even if that obstacle is overcome, patient confidentiality may be cited to prevent ready exchange of information.

The Guardian

appeals tribunal in Geneva, said that Chinese trade data shows a virtually complete halt in shipments to Japan last autumn could be cited to buttress any W.T.O.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

What specific evidence is cited to support that claim?

The New York Times

It is no coincidence that Chairman Bill Thomas's name was cited to make this improbable transition".

The New York Times

The verse, from the Old Testament, has often been cited to condemn homosexual behavior.

The New York Times

Two factors are cited to explain the departure of Korean-owned stores.

The New York Times

Empirical evidence from other sources is cited to lend support to this argument.

Reliability Engineering & System Safety

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To improve the flow and accuracy of your writing, always double-check that your citations are correctly formatted and that the sources you're referencing are relevant and authoritative.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on the phrase "be cited to". Instead, vary your language to accurately reflect the nature of the reference. For instance, use "be referenced in" when mentioning a source within a broader context, or "be quoted from" when using direct quotations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be cited to" functions as a passive construction where an entity is being referenced or quoted for a specific purpose. While grammatically questionable, its intent is to indicate that information or authority is being drawn from a source.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

52%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be cited to" is a passive construction intended to indicate that something is referenced or quoted. Ludwig AI identifies its grammatical status as incorrect, yet notes its common occurrence in various sources including News & Media and Science. To ensure clarity and grammatical accuracy, it's advisable to use more precise alternatives like "be referred to", "be referenced in", or "be quoted from". While "be cited to" may be encountered, opting for these alternatives will enhance the credibility and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be referred to

Emphasizes the act of mentioning or directing attention to something, rather than a direct quotation or citation.

be referenced in

Focuses on the inclusion of a source within a larger work or discussion.

be quoted in

Specifically highlights the use of direct quotations from a source.

be attributed to

Indicates that a statement, idea, or work is credited to a particular source.

be mentioned in

Suggests a brief or passing reference to a source.

be credited to

Focuses on giving recognition or acknowledgment to the originator of an idea or work.

be sourced from

Emphasizes the origin or provenance of information.

be derived from

Highlights the process of obtaining or developing information from a particular source.

be taken from

Focuses on the act of extracting information or material from a source.

be based on

Indicates that an idea, argument, or work is founded upon a particular source.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to using "be cited to" in academic writing?

In academic writing, it's better to use more precise phrases like "be referred to", "be referenced in", or "be attributed to" to clearly indicate how a source is being used.

Is "be cited to" grammatically correct?

While "be cited to" appears in some publications, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. It's safer to opt for alternatives that are more widely accepted and understood.

How can I ensure my citations are accurate and properly formatted?

Always double-check your citations against the original source and follow a consistent citation style (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago). Tools like citation management software can help maintain accuracy and consistency.

When should I use "be quoted from" instead of "be cited to"?

Use "be quoted from" specifically when you are directly quoting a source. If you're simply referencing the source's ideas or findings, "be referenced in" or "be attributed to" are more appropriate.