Ibid: The Latin Word That's Trying to Stay Relevant
So, you're knee-deep in a research paper and you've just realized the glorious world of footnotes. Congratulations! You've entered a realm where precision and pedantry collide in the most beautiful way possible. But wait, there's this pesky little Latin word floating around called ibid. What on earth is it doing there, and why should you care? Let's dive in.
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| When To Use Ibid In Footnotes Chicago Style |
Ibid: The Reluctant Footnote Rockstar
Ibid is Latin for "in the same place." In the grand scheme of footnote life, it's like that one cool older cousin who's always trying to be edgy but ends up just being kinda annoying. In the past, ibid was the go-to for repeated citations. You'd use it to point to the exact same source as the previous footnote, saving you the trouble of typing out the whole shebang again.
The Rise and Fall (and Possible Resurrection) of Ibid
But then, something happened. The world of academia, ever the trendsetter, decided ibid was so last century. Enter the shortened citation. It's like ibid's cooler, more concise sibling. Instead of relying on that old Latin standby, you can now simply repeat the author's last name, a shortened title, and the page number. It's quicker, easier, and less likely to make your professor's eyes glaze over.
QuickTip: Pause at lists — they often summarize.
But hold your horses! While the 17th edition of the Chicago Manual of Style has officially thrown ibid under the bus, there's still a small, but dedicated fanbase out there who refuse to let it go. Some argue that ibid can still be useful in certain situations, like when you're citing the same source multiple times in a row. So, while it's not exactly en vogue, it's not completely dead and buried either.
How to Use Ibid (If You Dare)
Okay, so you're convinced that ibid is the only way to go. Here's a quick rundown on how to use it:
QuickTip: A careful read saves time later.
- Use it sparingly: Don't go overboard. Ibid is meant to be a shortcut, not a crutch.
- Be consistent: If you start using ibid, stick with it throughout your paper. Don't switch back and forth between ibid and shortened citations.
- Know the rules: Make sure you understand the specific guidelines for using ibid in your style guide.
FAQ: Ibid Edition
How to know when to use ibid?
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- Use ibid only when citing the exact same source as the previous footnote.
How to use ibid if the page number is different?
Tip: Reread slowly for better memory.
- Write ibid., followed by a comma and the new page number(s).
How to use ibid in Chicago 17th edition?
- While ibid is still technically allowed, it's generally discouraged. Use shortened citations instead.
How to avoid using ibid?
QuickTip: Compare this post with what you already know.
- Use shortened citations for repeated sources.
How to decide between ibid and shortened citations?
- Consider the frequency of citations and your personal preference.
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