How to Write a Parenthetical Citation
In academic writing, it is crucial to provide proper citations when referencing sources. A parenthetical citation is a common method used to cite sources within the text. This article will guide you through the process of writing a parenthetical citation, ensuring that you give credit to the original author and avoid plagiarism.
Understanding Parenthetical Citations
A parenthetical citation is a brief reference inserted in the text of your document, usually within parentheses. It contains key information about the source you are citing and allows readers to locate the full reference in the works cited or references list. The specific format of a parenthetical citation may vary depending on the citation style you are using, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago.
Determining the Required Information
The first step in writing a parenthetical citation is to determine the required information based on the citation style you are using. Different styles have specific guidelines for what information to include in the citation. Common elements include the author’s name, publication year, and page number (if applicable). Consult the guidelines of your chosen citation style to ensure you include all the necessary details.
Identifying the Source Type
Next, identify the type of source you are citing, such as a book, article, or website. Different source types require different information in the parenthetical citation. For example, a book citation may include the author’s name and page number, while a website citation may only include the author’s name or the first few words of the website title. Knowing the specific information required for each source type will help you construct an accurate parenthetical citation.
Including Key Elements
When writing a parenthetical citation, there are certain key elements you should include:
- Author’s Last Name: In most parenthetical citations, you should include the author’s last name. This helps readers identify the source of the information.
- Publication Year: Include the year of publication to help readers locate the source in the reference list.
- Page Number (if applicable): If you are citing a specific page or range of pages, include the page number(s) in the parenthetical citation. This helps readers locate the exact information you are referencing.
Placement within the Sentence
The parenthetical citation should be placed at the end of the sentence or clause that contains the cited material. It should be placed before the closing punctuation mark, such as a period or comma. By positioning the citation correctly, you clearly indicate which information in your text is derived from external sources.
Example Parenthetical Citation
Here is an example of a parenthetical citation in MLA style:
“This is a direct citation” (Chapman, 2019, p. 126).
Conclusion
Writing a parenthetical citation involves determining the required information, identifying the source type, including key elements such as the author’s last name and publication year, and placing the citation correctly within the sentence. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and help readers locate the original sources. Remember to consult the specific guidelines of your chosen citation style for further details.
Sources
- https://nwtc.libanswers.com/faq/212597
- https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_in_text_citations_the_basics.html
- https://www.scribbr.com/citing-sources/parenthetical-citation/
FAQs
Introduction
In academic writing, it is crucial to provide proper citations when referencing sources. A parenthetical citation is a common method used to cite sources within the text. This article will guide you through the process of writing a parenthetical citation, ensuring that you give credit to the original author and avoid plagiarism.
Understanding Parenthetical Citations
A parenthetical citation is a brief reference inserted in the text of your document, usually within parentheses. It contains key information about the source you are citing and allows readers to locate the full reference in the works cited or references list. The specific format of a parenthetical citation may vary depending on the citation style you are using, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago.
What is the purpose of a parenthetical citation?
A parenthetical citation serves to acknowledge the original author and give credit for the information or ideas used in your work. It allows readers to locate the full reference in the works cited or references list.
What information should be included in a parenthetical citation?
The specific information included in a parenthetical citation depends on the citation style being used. However, common elements may include the author’s last name, publication year, and page number (if applicable).
How do I format a parenthetical citation for a book?
When citing a book in a parenthetical citation, include the author’s last name and the page number (if applicable). For example, (Smith 45) or (Smith, 2019, 45).
How do I format a parenthetical citation for a website?
When citing a website in a parenthetical citation, include the author’s last name (if available) or the title of the webpage. If there is no author, you can use the name of the organization responsible for the website. For example, (Johnson) or (“Title of Webpage”).
How do I place a parenthetical citation within a sentence?
The parenthetical citation should be placed at the end of the sentence or clause that contains the cited material, before the closing punctuation mark. For example, “This is a direct quotation” (Smith 23).
How do I handle multiple authors in a parenthetical citation?
If there are two authors, include both last names separated by “and” or an ampersand. For example, (Smith and Johnson) or (Smith & Johnson). If there are three or more authors, include only the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” For example, (Smith et al.).
Can I use abbreviations in parenthetical citations?
Abbreviations should be used sparingly and only if they are commonly understood. For example, you can abbreviate “et al.” for “and others” when citing multiple authors.
How do I cite a source with no page numbers in a parenthetical citation?
If the source does not have page numbers, you can use other identifying information, such as chapter numbers or section headings, or omit the page number altogether.
Conclusion
Writing a parenthetical citation involves providing the necessary information to give credit to the original author and allow readers to locate the full reference. By following the guidelines of your chosen citation style, you can ensure accurate and consistent citations in your academic writing.