An in-text citation is found in the body of a research paper. It tells your reader where you found any information or ideas that are not your own. It is a shortened citation in parentheses and includes:
the author’s last name,
publication year,
and the page number (if quoting).
When is an in-text citation required?
An in-text citation is required whenever you use someone else’s words or ideas:
Quoting – Using someone else’s exact words. Make sure to include a page number and place quotation marks around the quotation. If a quote is more than 40 words, use the directions on the page for blocked quotes (or the handout linked below).
Paraphrasing – Rephrasing someone’s writing or ideas into your own words. Page number not required but include if it will help your reader locate the relevant information.
*** Remember: Each source listed on the reference page must correspond to at least one in-text citation in the body of the paper; each in-text citation must correspond to a source listed on the reference page.
