Can You Cite Information from a Footnote? A Guide to Proper Citation

Learn how to properly cite information from a footnote, including examples and tips for APA style referencing.

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Yes, you can cite information from a footnote. When doing so, include the relevant details in your reference list and in-text citation. For example, in APA style, you might write: Smith (2020) noted that “this concept is vital” (p. 23, footnote 1). Clearly indicate the footnote number and page where the information can be found.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Can I use a footnote as a primary source for citation? Yes, you can cite information from a footnote as long as you include the necessary details like the footnote number, page, and author in your reference list and in-text citation.
  2. How do I cite a footnote in APA style? In APA style, include the author, year, page number, and footnote number in your in-text citation, e.g., Smith (2020) stated that ‘this concept is vital’ (p. 23, footnote 1).
  3. Is it better to cite the main text or the footnote in academic writing? You should cite the source where the information is found. If the footnote contains the original information, cite the footnote directly to be precise.