cite

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "cite" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to a source of information, such as a book, documentary, or other piece of writing. For example, "The professor cited the work of famous philosophers in his book."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I think if you're Jane Seymour - I always cite her because we're often confused with one another - if you're that kind of actress, you can do that kind of work.

The Guardian - Film

A target would be set to reduce the number of people who cite delays in benefits being processed as the prime reason for using food banks.

The Guardian

And all the other instances that police from Lancashire to south London cite as one of their growing crime areas: of people stealing to eat because they can't afford basics.

The Guardian - Opinion

That Obama, when asked about transparency, has to cite a court that operates in complete secrecy demonstrates how little actual transparency there is to any this.

The Guardian - Opinion

Universities commonly cite a high drop-out rate for refusing to give more chances to pupils from poorer areas.

The Guardian - Opinion

Both Ukip and the Tories cite immigration as an issue coming up on the doorsteps.

The Guardian

People often cite admirably high-minded reasons for wanting to visit a specific foreign country.

The Guardian - Travel

Admirers cite Kennedy's televised address to the nation, referring to the battle over racial segregation as a "moral crisis", and his readiness to use the National Guard to force the whites-only universities of the south to open up to black students.

The Guardian

Mike and Rosie Carter, 56 and 57, who live just outside Stowmarket, cite previous attempts to close the town's crossings and believe it to be on a target list drawn up by the taskforce that developed the Norwich in 90 plans.

The Guardian

I'm going to cite lots of it because this is the study the mining industry is trying to claim backs its case (my bolding).

The Guardian

Very few outsiders actually bother to find out why the city is the way it is and those making comparisons with their own cities or regions rarely cite any actual research.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cite", always provide complete and accurate bibliographic information for your sources to maintain academic integrity and allow readers to verify your claims.

Common error

Avoid providing insufficient detail when you "cite" sources. Always include all necessary information such as author, title, publication date, and page numbers to ensure your citations are verifiable and credible.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cite" is as a transitive verb. It indicates the action of referencing or quoting a source to support a statement or argument. As Ludwig AI explains, it is a correct and usable term in written English for referring to sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

27%

Science

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "cite" functions as a transitive verb used to reference or quote a source, thereby lending credibility and authority to claims. According to Ludwig AI, "cite" is grammatically sound and commonly employed in written English. Predominantly featured in news, formal business documents, and scientific literature, its formality ranges from neutral to formal. Remember to provide comprehensive details when citing to avoid common errors such as incomplete citations. By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate sources into your writing and fortify your arguments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Quote

Specifies the exact repetition of words from a source.

Refer to

Focuses on mentioning or alluding to a source without necessarily quoting it directly.

Make reference to

Highlights the act of specifically pointing out a source or piece of information.

Adduce

Emphasizes the presentation of something as evidence or proof.

Mention

Implies a brief or casual reference.

Point out

Draws attention to a specific detail or piece of information from a source.

Invoke

Suggests using a source for support or justification.

Allude to

Involves making an indirect reference to something.

Name

Focuses on identifying the source or author.

Document

Highlights providing evidence or proof through written records.

FAQs

How do I use "cite" in a sentence?

Use "cite" when you want to refer to a source of information or authority to support your argument. For example, "The author cites several studies to support her claim."

What is the difference between "cite" and "quote"?

"Cite" means to refer to a source, while "quote" means to reproduce the exact words from a source. You can cite a source without "quoting" it directly.

What can I say instead of "cite"?

You can use alternatives like "refer to", "mention", or "make reference to" depending on the context.

Is it necessary to "cite" sources even if I paraphrase?

Yes, you must "cite" your sources even when paraphrasing. Paraphrasing involves putting someone else's ideas into your own words, but the ideas still originated from another source, which needs to be acknowledged.