What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
referencing
Example
Make sure to include proper referencing in your essay to avoid plagiarism. [referencing: noun]
Example
She referenced several articles in her research paper. [referenced: verb]
citation
Example
The author provided a citation for each quote in the article. [citation: noun]
Example
He cited several studies to support his argument. [cited: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Citation is more commonly used than referencing in academic writing and research. Citation is essential for providing evidence and support for arguments or claims, while referencing is necessary for creating a comprehensive list of sources used in a written work.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between referencing and citation?
Citation is typically associated with a formal and academic tone, while referencing can be used in both formal and informal contexts, such as in a bibliography for a non-academic work.
