How to Cite Sources in an Essay

Complete guide on how to cite sources in an essay. Learn APA, MLA, and Chicago citation formats with examples. Plus, use our free auto-citation tool.

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Why Citing Sources Matters

Improper citations lead to plagiarism accusations, lost points, and academic integrity violations. Each citation style has different rules that are hard to memorize.

APA Citation Format

Learn the basics of APA, MLA, and Chicago citations — then use our automatic citation generator to handle the formatting. Focus on your writing, not on comma placement.

How it works

Determine which citation style your professor requires
Understand the basic format (in-text + reference list)
Use our auto-citation tool to generate properly formatted citations
Include in-text citations where you reference sources
Build your reference list/Works Cited/bibliography

Example

APA in-text: (Smith, 2024, p. 45) | MLA in-text: (Smith 45) | Chicago footnote: 1. John Smith, *Title* (Publisher, 2024), 45.

Want the method, not just the tool?

How to Write an RRL (Review of Related Literature) — The chapter students rewrite the most — because nobody teaches you to argue with sources instead of listing them. Structure, synthesis examples, and how to name your research gap.

Try it on your own document

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Frequently asked questions

What happens if I don't cite my sources?

Failing to cite sources constitutes plagiarism, which can result in a failing grade, academic probation, or expulsion depending on your institution's policy.

How do I know which citation style to use?

Check your syllabus or assignment guidelines. Generally: APA for social sciences, MLA for humanities, Chicago for history and arts.

Do I need to cite common knowledge?

No. Facts that are widely known ('Water boils at 100°C') don't need citations. When in doubt, cite the source.