cite to

USAGE SUMMARY

"cite to" is not correct or usable in written English.
You could use the phrase "cite from" when you are quoting something from a source. For example, "She cited from the paper to support her argument."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Aren't you glad you didn't cite to this Web page?" it asks.

The New York Times

Appropriate restriction of the set of function might lead the behavioral approach from theoretical cite to practical engineering.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

In this decision, the court did not cite to or rely upon DeGidio's declaration.

Harvard University

Coconut does have some unique qualities that enthusiasts cite to explain its alleged health benefits.

Harvard University

What are some examples you like to cite to illustrate those links?

Harvard University

And in attacking the Booker shortlist, what great champion of "readability" does Jeanette cite to prove her point?

The Guardian - Opinion

The settlement states that ChicoBag "will not cite to any archived EPA websites". "They're freaking out.

The New York Times

In my experience, when I've seen other judges cite to foreign law, they're not using it to drive the conclusion.

The Washington Post

These are also official, federal government publications that local activists and public officials can cite to spur reform.

The Washington Post

When was the last time you saw a brief cite to the 1679 Habeas Corpus Act of England?

Harvard University

On our site, the full citation is visible, so readers can quickly identify and cite to it.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of using the phrase "cite to", opt for more grammatically correct alternatives like "cite from", "refer to", or "make reference to" to ensure clarity and precision in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "cite to" even if you encounter it frequently. Although it's widespread, it's generally considered incorrect. Choose more appropriate alternatives to maintain the credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cite to" functions as a verb phrase indicating an action of referencing a particular source. However, Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically incorrect and should be replaced with more suitable alternatives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Academia

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

While the phrase "cite to" appears frequently across diverse sources such as news articles, academic papers, and online forums, Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically incorrect. It's advisable to substitute it with more acceptable alternatives like "cite from", "refer to", or "make reference to". Although "cite to" might be understood, using correct grammar enhances the credibility and clarity of your writing, especially in formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cite from

Specifies the source from which the information is being cited. It emphasizes the origin of the information.

refer to

Indicates a general reference to a source without necessarily quoting it directly. Broader in scope.

make reference to

Similar to "refer to", but slightly more formal. Highlights the act of making a reference.

quote from

Indicates a direct quotation from a source. More specific than "cite" or "refer".

draw from

Implies taking information or inspiration from a source. Suggests a derivative relationship.

base on

Indicates that something is founded or relies upon a particular source or idea. Stronger emphasis on foundation.

allude to

Subtly suggests a connection to a source without explicitly mentioning it. Implies indirect reference.

attribute to

Assigns the origin of an idea or work to a specific source. Emphasizes authorship or origination.

mention

Simply acknowledges a source briefly, without detailed reference or quotation. Minimal connection.

point to

Highlights a source as evidence or support for an argument. Suggests evidential value.

FAQs

What's a more appropriate way to phrase "cite to" in academic writing?

In academic writing, it's best to use more formal and grammatically correct alternatives such as "cite from", "refer to", or "make reference to".

Is "cite to" ever considered correct in informal writing?

While "cite to" may appear in informal contexts, it's still generally considered grammatically incorrect. It's advisable to use alternatives like "refer to" even in informal settings to maintain clarity.

Which is correct, "cite to" or "cite from"?

"Cite from" is the correct and preferred phrasing. "Cite to" is generally considered grammatically incorrect.

What can I say instead of "cite to"?

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