Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
please cite
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"please cite" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is commonly used in academic or professional writing to request that the reader provide a citation or reference for a piece of information or idea mentioned in the text. For example: "In his research paper, the author argues that climate change is the main cause of coral reef degradation (please cite)." Here, the phrase "please cite" is used to remind the reader to include a proper citation for the information presented.
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
49 human-written examples
Can u please cite the instance when u spotted this?
News & Media
"Please cite three socialist positions taken by Obama, or even one".
News & Media
If so, please cite specific sections and explain why you feel so strongly that school children should not be exposed to such information.
News & Media
If you want to submit the recipe too, we'll share it on our resources platform so others can have a go (please cite who owns the recipe if it's not your own).
News & Media
Please cite the present paper and Perron et al. (2017) if you use these datasets.
Science
For citation purposes please cite the original:http://www.inljournal.com/?_action=articleInfo&article=22.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
11 human-written examples
For GEO linking and citing, please refer to http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/geo/info/linking.html.html
Science
For further details, please refer to the cited articles.
Science
For more statistical details and detailed description of the annotation methods used in DAVID please refer to the cited references above and references therein.
Science
Note: this version of the visual does not include the elements of the descriptive argument as found in the original, please refer to the article cited for the full visual.
Science
For further background and analysis on many of the themes discussed below, please refer to the original sources cited in Table 2.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "please cite" is less suitable for casual conversation or informal writing.
Common error
Avoid using "please cite" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for more natural expressions like "where did you hear that?" or "can you provide the source?"
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "please cite" functions as a request for source attribution. It's used to ensure the validity and reliability of information by prompting the user to provide evidence or references. As Ludwig AI explains, it is commonly used in writing to request a citation.
Frequent in
Science
67%
News & Media
21%
Formal & Business
12%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "please cite" is a common and grammatically correct way to request source attribution, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly used in formal settings like scientific papers, news articles, and business communications, it ensures the credibility and validity of information. While "please cite" is frequently encountered in academic writing, it may be less appropriate for casual or informal contexts. Alternatives such as "cite your source" or "provide a reference" can be used depending on the desired level of formality. Remember that the most appropriate use of the phrase "please cite" is when source validation is critical, such as providing evidence or references in support of a claim or argument.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
provide a reference
This is a more general request for a reference.
cite your source
This is a more direct and concise command.
document your sources
This phrase is about providing a record of all sources.
kindly provide a citation
This alternative is more formal and polite.
indicate the origin of this information
This is a more formal way of asking for the source.
list your references
This alternative is specific to compiling a list of references.
reference the original work
This alternative emphasizes the act of referencing.
attribute the information to its source
This alternative highlights the importance of giving credit.
acknowledge the author
This phrase focuses on recognizing the original author.
give credit where it's due
This is a more idiomatic expression emphasizing ethical sourcing.
FAQs
How do I use "please cite" in a sentence?
Use "please cite" to request a source for information. For example, "The data suggests a correlation between exercise and mental health (please cite)."
What are some alternatives to "please cite"?
You can use alternatives such as "cite your source", "provide a reference", or "reference the original work" depending on the context.
Is "please cite" formal or informal?
"Please cite" is generally considered formal and is appropriate for academic or professional writing. In informal settings, less direct phrases are preferable.
Can "please cite" be used in spoken English?
While grammatically correct, "please cite" is more commonly used in written English. In spoken language, you might prefer phrases like "can you tell me where you got that information?"
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested