When is it necessary to use citations in writing?

Citations play a crucial role in academic writing because they serve to give proper credit to the original sources of ideas, arguments, data, or research findings that you incorporate into your own work. When you use ideas or data developed by other authors, it is essential to cite these sources to acknowledge their contributions and to avoid plagiarism. This practice not only enhances the credibility of your writing by supporting your claims with authoritative references but also allows readers to trace the origins of your information, further enabling them to explore your topic in greater depth.

Additionally, citing your previous work is important in maintaining academic integrity and providing continuity in your research. It helps to show how your own ideas have evolved over time and allows others to build upon your findings in future studies.

Using citations is not limited to direct quotations or the requirements set by publishers, as proper attribution is a foundational principle of scholarly writing that extends to all forms of expression—inclusive of paraphrased ideas and data. Common knowledge, on the other hand, typically does not require citation as it comprises information that is widely recognized and accepted within a field.