Cite vs Site vs Sight: Which One Do You Need?
Cite is to quote a source. Site is a place. Sight is what you see.
Cite the study. A building site. Out of sight.
The test that settles it
Only cite is normally a verb. If the word is a thing, ask whether it is a location (site) or something seen (sight).
“please ___ your sources” → an action, so cite.
“a beautiful ___” → something seen, so sight.
Cite: to quote or refer to
To name a source as evidence, or to give someone a formal summons. Its noun is citation.
The paper cites forty studies.
He cited cost as the reason.
She was cited for bravery.
Swap in quote or refer to. If it works, cite.
Site: a place
A location where something is, was, or will be. Now also a place on the web. As a verb it means to place something.
They chose a site near the river.
An archaeological site.
The factory was sited outside town.
Could you stand on it? Then site.
Sight: vision, or something seen
The sense of seeing, the range of it, or a thing worth looking at. It also names the aiming device on a rifle.
Her sight is failing.
The ship came into sight.
The gardens are a wonderful sight.
Does it involve the eyes? Then sight.
Side by side
| Cite | Site | Sight |
|---|---|---|
| To quote | A place | What is seen |
| Verb | Noun (and a verb) | Noun |
| Gives citation | Gives situated | Gives sighting |
| Cite a source | A website | Out of sight |
Where people get it wrong
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Please site your references. | Please cite your references. | Quoting sources. |
| a construction cite | a construction site | A place. |
| love at first site | love at first sight | Seeing. |
| The rare bird was sited twice. | The rare bird was sighted twice. | Seen, not placed. |
Practice — choose the right word, then check yourself.
- The essay failed to ___ any sources.
- They bought a ___ on the edge of town.
- The mountains were a spectacular ___.
- A whale was ___ off the coast.
- He ___ three recent studies.
Show the answers
1. cite 2. site 3. sight 4. sighted 5. cited
Frequently asked
Which is right for a web page?
Site — it is a place, even a virtual one. Website is one word.
What about sightseeing?
The seeing word: you are going to look at sights.
More words people confuse
