How to Cite Author and Page Number
In academic writing, accurately citing the author and page number is crucial for giving proper credit to the original source of information. This practice not only demonstrates academic integrity but also helps readers locate the specific information cited. In this article, we will discuss various citation styles and provide guidelines on how to cite author and page number correctly.
APA Style
The American Psychological Association (APA) style is widely used in the social sciences. To cite an author and page number in APA style, follow these steps:
1. Include the author’s last name and the year of publication in parentheses after the author’s name.
2. Place the page number in parentheses after the citation.
Example: (Smith, 2020, p. 45)
MLA Style
The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is commonly used in the humanities. To cite an author and page number in MLA style, follow these steps:
1. Include the author’s last name and the page number in parentheses after the author’s name.
2. Place the year of publication in parentheses after the page number.
Example: Smith (45)
Chicago Style
The Chicago Manual of Style offers two citation formats: author-date and notes-bibliography. Here’s how to cite an author and page number in each format:
Author-Date Format:
1. Include the author’s last name, the year of publication, and the page number in parentheses after the author’s name.
2. Separate the page number with a comma if it follows the year of publication.
Example: (Smith 45)
Notes-Bibliography Format:
1. Include the author’s last name and the page number in parentheses after the author’s name.
2. Create a full citation in the bibliography with the author’s name, the title of the work, and the publication information.
Example: (Smith 45)
Chicago Style for Government Documents
When citing government documents in Chicago style, follow these steps:
1. Include the author’s name, the title of the document, and the page number in parentheses after the author’s name.
2. Place the publication date in parentheses after the title, followed by a comma and the page number.
Example: (Smith, “Title of Document,” 2020, p. 45)
Conclusion
Accurately citing the author and page number is essential for maintaining academic integrity and providing readers with reliable sources. By following the appropriate citation style and format, you can ensure that your work is properly credited and easily accessible to others.
