citation formats

Citation formats are standardized ways to credit sources used in writing, ensuring clarity and consistency. Different fields and publications prefer specific styles, such as APA (American Psychological Association), which emphasizes the author and date; MLA (Modern Language Association), which highlights the author and page number; or Chicago style, used for detailed notes and bibliography. Each format has rules for arranging author names, titles, publication info, and more. They help readers locate sources, avoid plagiarism, and lend credibility to your work. Choosing the proper style depends on your discipline or instructor’s requirements, but all aim to clearly attribute ideas and facts to their original authors.