cite that

USAGE SUMMARY

'cite that' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that you want someone to provide a reference or source for a particular fact or statement. For example, if your friend told you that apples are good for your health, you might respond with, "Can you cite that?" This means that you want them to provide evidence (a reference or source) to support the statement they made.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The audit does not cite that loan guarantee.

The New York Times

ADAM GOPNIK: Yes, I cite that book in my piece.

The New Yorker

"Trilling stood against us," Porter bragged, proud anytime he could cite that name.

The New Yorker

Mitt Romney's supporters cite that same mess as the salient reason he's running.

The New York Times

Some AIDS activists cite that as evidence that "patents kill .This is unfair.

The Economist

His admirers today cite that diplomacy as Mr. Kvamme's biggest strength.

The New York Times

Over and over, his listeners cite that quality as helping to drive their support.

The New York Times

The papers must reflect that research accurately, and must appropriately attribute and cite that research.

Harvard University

You know and I know that politicians only cite that figure when it suits a rhetorical purpose.

The New York Times

Proponents of the wild card often cite that race as validating the creation of the extra playoff spot.

The New York Times

Today, chief executives throughout corporate America often cite that rule to explain why they sell some businesses and buy others.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cite that" in academic or professional writing, ensure the citation adheres to the required style guide (e.g. APA, MLA, Chicago).

Common error

Avoid using unreliable or non-authoritative sources when you "cite that" information, especially in formal contexts. Always prioritize peer-reviewed research, reputable news organizations, or established institutions.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cite that" is as a verb phrase, where "cite" acts as a transitive verb requiring an object ("that"). Ludwig indicates that it's used to request substantiation or a source for a claim. The examples show the phrase functioning within questions and statements seeking evidence.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

31%

Science

23%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cite that" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for requesting evidence or a source to back up a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves the purpose of challenging or verifying information. While it finds application in diverse fields like news, academia, and science, its usage is more prominent in news and media. For formal writing, you might prefer alternatives like "reference that". Overall, understanding its function and context ensures effective communication and enhances the credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

reference that

Similar in meaning, but replaces "cite" with "reference", which has a slightly broader application.

source that

Focuses on the act of providing a source, rather than the formal act of citing.

provide evidence for that

More explicit and formal, asking for direct evidence to support a claim.

substantiate that claim

More formal and challenges the validity of the "claim" and asks for strong supporting evidence.

where is that from

Informal way of asking for the origin or source of information.

can you back that up

More colloquial and challenges the statement, asking for proof.

attribute that to

Focuses on identifying the originator or cause of something.

verify that statement

Implies confirming the accuracy of a statement, often through external sources.

document that

Highlights the need for written or recorded proof.

validate that assertion

A very formal alternative, requiring an impartial validation of the facts.

FAQs

How can I use "cite that" in a sentence?

You can use "cite that" when you want someone to provide a reference or source for a statement they've made. For example, you might ask, "Can you "cite that" statistic from a peer-reviewed study?"

What are some alternatives to "cite that"?

Alternatives include phrases like "reference that", "source that", or "provide evidence for that", depending on the level of formality and the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "cite that" in academic writing?

Yes, "cite that" can be used in academic writing, particularly when questioning the validity of a claim or requesting further substantiation. However, it is typically more common to see the phrase "reference that" in formal academic contexts.

What does it mean when someone asks me to "cite that"?

When someone asks you to ""cite that"", they are requesting that you provide a source or reference to support the information you have presented. They are looking for evidence that your statement is based on credible information.