What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
citation
Example
Make sure to include a citation for every piece of information you use in your research paper. [citation: noun]
Example
The author cited several studies to support their argument. [cited: past tense verb]
quotation
Example
The writer included a powerful quotation from a famous speech to emphasize their point. [quotation: noun]
Example
She quoted the author's exact words to provide evidence for her claim. [quoted: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Citation is more commonly used than quotation in academic writing and research papers. Citation is a standard practice to give credit to the original sources and maintain academic integrity. On the other hand, quotation is used selectively when it is necessary to directly present the exact words of another person.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between citation and quotation?
Both citation and quotation are formal terms used in academic and scholarly writing. They are expected in formal contexts to demonstrate proper research and attribution. However, citation is more versatile and can also be used in less formal settings, such as citing sources in a blog post or article.
