Ibid: The Lazy Researcher's Best Friend (Or Foe, Depending on Your Professor)
So, you're knee-deep in a research paper, and you've just cited a brilliant source. You're so excited about this new information that you want to use it again in the very next footnote. But wait, don't break out the keyboard just yet! Enter ibid, the Latin word that means "in the same place." It's like the academic equivalent of copy-pasting, but with a touch of intellectual snobbery.
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| How Does Ibid Work Chicago |
What is Ibid, Really?
In the realm of Chicago style citations, ibid is a shortcut. If you’re citing the exact same source in consecutive footnotes, you can use ibid instead of writing out the full citation again. It's like saying, "Yeah, I know I just mentioned this book/article/website. Deal with it."
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But there's a catch! The 17th edition of the Chicago Manual of Style has kind of phased out ibid. Now, you're supposed to use shortened citations instead. But let's be honest, who has time for that? Ibid is still widely used and understood, so don't panic if you see it in your professor's notes.
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How to Use Ibid (For Now)
- Consecutive citations, same page: If you're citing the same source and page number, simply write ibid.
- Consecutive citations, different page: Write ibid., followed by the new page number.
Example:
Tip: Focus on clarity, not speed.
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- Smith, John, The Ultimate Guide to Avoiding Citations, (New York: Lazy Press, 2024), p. 12.
- Ibid.
- Ibid., p. 15.
When Not to Use Ibid
- Different source: If you're citing a new source, even if it's by the same author, you can't use ibid.
- Citation after a block quote: If you have a long block quote, you can't use ibid in the next footnote, even if it's the same source. It's just rude.
Ibid: Friend or Foe?
Ibid can be a time-saver, but it can also be a slippery slope. Overusing it can make your paper look lazy and unprofessional. So, use it wisely, and don't be afraid to switch to shortened citations if your professor prefers that style.
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Remember: The most important thing is to be consistent and clear in your citations. If you're unsure about how to use ibid (or shortened citations), consult your style guide or ask your professor.
How-to Questions About Ibid in Chicago Style
- How to use ibid: As explained above, use ibid for consecutive citations of the same source and page. For different pages, use ibid., followed by the new page number.
- How to know when to stop using ibid: If you cite a different source, even by the same author, or if there's a block quote, stop using ibid and start a new citation.
- How to format ibid: Ibid is always italicized.
- How to use shortened citations: This is an alternative to ibid. Check the Chicago Manual of Style for specific guidelines.
- How to avoid citation errors: Be consistent, be clear, and proofread carefully!
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