Cite Every Sentence? Chicago, Are You Serious?
So, you're staring at a blank page (or screen), and the words "Chicago style" loom ominously. Your heart sinks as you contemplate the sheer volume of information you're about to consume. A question arises, a question that has plagued countless students and researchers alike: Do I really have to cite every single sentence?
The Citation Conundrum
Let's get one thing straight: Chicago style is not known for its brevity. It's like the verbose uncle of citation styles, always ready with a long-winded explanation. But fear not, young scholar! You don't have to become a human footnote factory.
The golden rule is: cite when in doubt. If you're unsure whether an idea is common knowledge or if you've borrowed it from someone else, slap on a citation. It's like wearing a seatbelt – better safe than sorry.
When to Cite, When Not To
- Common Knowledge: Things like "the sky is blue" or "water is wet" generally don't require citations. Unless you've got a groundbreaking new theory about the color of the sky, of course.
- Facts and Statistics: If you're dropping knowledge bombs like "there are over 7 billion people on Earth," you'll probably want to back it up with a citation.
- Direct Quotes: This one's a no-brainer. Every word that isn't yours needs a citation.
- Paraphrased Information: Even if you put it in your own words, you still need to give credit where credit is due.
The Fine Art of Footnoting
Once you've decided what needs citing, it's time to unleash your inner footnote ninja. Chicago style prefers footnotes to in-text citations, which is great news for those who love tiny numbers at the bottom of the page.
But here's the kicker: you don't have to write out a full citation every time. After the first full citation, you can use a shortened version. It's like using nicknames – efficient and friendly.
The Bottom Line
Citing in Chicago style can feel like a never-ending game of whack-a-mole, but with a little practice, you'll become a citation pro. Remember, the goal isn't to annoy your readers with endless footnotes; it's to give credit where credit is due and build credibility for your work.
So, relax, take a deep breath, and dive into the world of citations. You might even find it strangely satisfying.
How-To Questions
- How to know if something is common knowledge? Use your judgment. If you're unsure, cite it.
- How to format a Chicago style footnote? Check the Chicago Manual of Style for the exact guidelines.
- How to shorten a footnote? Include the author's last name, a shortened title, and page number.
- How to avoid citation overload? Plan your research carefully and use direct quotes sparingly.
- How to stay sane while citing? Take breaks, listen to calming music, and reward yourself with chocolate.