Citation vs. Footnote: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sawaira Riaz || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 18, 2023
A citation is a reference to a source; a footnote provides additional information or context at the bottom of a page.
Key Differences
A citation is primarily a method of crediting original sources of information, while a footnote is a note or comment placed at the bottom of a page for clarification.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
In academic writing, a citation often indicates where specific data or ideas were sourced, whereas a footnote can provide supplementary information or tangential comments.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
While citations are essential for avoiding plagiarism by attributing information to its original author, footnotes enhance the reader's understanding without cluttering the main text.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Most style guides have specific formats for citations, determining how to reference books, articles, or websites. In contrast, the content and style of a footnote are often left to the discretion of the writer.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
A citation typically interacts directly with the content, pointing the reader to the original source, while a footnote might offer a digression, an aside, or additional context that is secondary to the main argument.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Location
Within the text or in a bibliography/reference list
At the bottom of a page
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Content
Source details (author, title, publication date)
Explanations, asides, clarifications, or source details
Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
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Citation and Footnote Definitions
Citation
A reference indicating the source of information.
Always include a citation when using someone else's work.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Footnote
An additional piece of information provided for context or clarification.
The footnote offered a concise history of the event.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
Citation
A way to give credit to authors for their original ideas.
The essay lacked proper citations, leading to concerns about plagiarism.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Footnote
A note placed at the bottom of a page in a book or document.
She added a footnote to clarify the meaning of a technical term.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Citation
A method of acknowledging borrowed information in writing.
Proper citations ensure academic integrity in your paper.
Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
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Footnote
A brief addition to a text to elucidate or cite references.
He often used footnotes to add humor or personal anecdotes.
Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
Citation
A note within a document that refers readers to a source.
The research paper had numerous citations, indicating thorough research.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Footnote
A comment or citation placed below the main text.
The author used a footnote to give credit to the original source.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Citation
A mention of a source in a standardized format.
Each citation should have the author's name, publication date, and title.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
Footnote
An explanatory or referencing note in a document.
The footnote provided insight into the author's thought process.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Footnote
A note placed at the bottom of a page of a book or manuscript that comments on or cites a reference for a designated part of the text.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 12, 2019
Citation
A quotation of or explicit reference to a source for substantiation, as in a scholarly paper.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 12, 2019
Footnote
Something related to but of lesser importance than a larger work or occurrence
A political scandal that was but a footnote to modern history.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 12, 2019
FAQs
Where can you typically find a footnote in a document?
A footnote is typically found at the bottom of a page in a document.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 18, 2023
Are citations essential in academic writing?
Yes, citations are essential in academic writing to avoid plagiarism and give credit to original authors.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
What is the main purpose of a citation?
The main purpose of a citation is to give credit to the original source of information.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Can footnotes contain citations?
Yes, footnotes can contain citations or any additional information related to the text.
Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
How is the format for citations typically determined?
The format for citations is typically determined by specific style guides like APA, MLA, or Chicago.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
Can citations be found in the text and at the end of documents?
Yes, citations can be in-text (parenthetical or footnote) and also in a bibliography or reference list at the end.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
What might a footnote include besides a citation?
A footnote might include clarifications, additional context, explanations, or asides.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
Is it possible to have a document with citations but no footnotes?
Yes, a document can have citations within the text or in a reference list without any footnotes.
Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
Can footnotes be humorous or anecdotal?
Yes, footnotes can be used in any manner the author chooses, including adding humor or personal anecdotes.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
Is a footnote always required in academic papers?
No, a footnote is used at the discretion of the writer to provide additional context or information.
Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
What's a common symbol indicating a footnote in a text?
A common symbol indicating a footnote is a superscript number or asterisk.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Are citations only for directly quoted material?
No, citations are also used for paraphrased information, ideas, or facts derived from another source.
Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Why are citations important in research?
Citations validate the credibility of information, allow readers to access original sources, and give credit to original authors.
Sara Rehman
Oct 18, 2023
Can footnotes be used in fiction writing?
Yes, footnotes can be used in fiction for various purposes, including adding depth, humor, or additional context.
Janet White
Oct 18, 2023
In which academic style are citations typically footnoted?
In the Chicago style, citations are typically provided in footnotes.
Harlon Moss
Oct 18, 2023
How does a citation differ from a bibliography?
A citation refers to a specific source within the text, while a bibliography lists all sources used in a document.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
What happens if a writer doesn't provide proper citations?
Omitting proper citations can lead to charges of plagiarism and diminish the credibility of the work.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
Can footnotes and endnotes serve similar purposes?
Yes, both footnotes and endnotes provide additional information, but footnotes are at the page's bottom, while endnotes are at the document's end.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
Are footnotes exclusive to printed materials?
No, footnotes can also appear in digital documents or online articles.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 18, 2023
Do footnotes disrupt the flow of reading?
While footnotes provide extra information, they can be skipped and returned to, so they don't necessarily disrupt the reading flow.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 18, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
