What is a Citation? Definition and APA Citation Example Explained

Learn what a citation is and see an example in APA format, including author, year, title, and publisher details for proper referencing.

480 views

A citation is a reference to a source of information that is used in the composition of a piece of writing or work. For example, in APA format, a book citation might look like this: Smith, J. (2020). The Theory of Everything. Universe Press. This citation includes the author's name, publication year, title of the book in italics, and the publisher.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What is the purpose of a citation? A citation gives credit to the original source of information used in your writing, helping to avoid plagiarism and allowing readers to locate the source.
  2. How do you format a book citation in APA style? In APA style, a book citation includes the author's last name and initials, publication year in parentheses, the book title in italics, and the publisher's name.
  3. Why is it important to cite sources in academic writing? Citing sources supports your arguments, provides evidence, and respects intellectual property by acknowledging the original authors.

Watch More

For more insights on academic writing and referencing, explore our guides on different citation styles like MLA and Chicago, and tips for effective research documentation.

  1. Do In-Text Citations Need to Be Paraphrased? Understanding Proper Citation Practices Learn whether in-text citations require paraphrasing and how to properly attribute sources to avoid plagiarism in academic writing.
  2. What Are Emphasize Examples? Definition and Key Uses Explained Discover what emphasize examples are and how they help highlight key points in writing and speeches for clearer, more persuasive communication.