You must use in-text citations to indicate when you have incorporated a source into your work. Citations are required for direct quotations and for paraphrased/summarized information. Every in-text citation should correspond to a reference list entry which provides the full details of the source. Formatting details for reference list entries are located on the other pages of this guide.
Citations are identified by numbers enclosed in square brackets. Each new source should be identified with a new citation number in sequential order: the first source you cite in your work is [1], the second is [2], etc.
Direct quotations should also include a page number/range or other locator such as figure number or timestamp.
Examples for direct quote:
[Citation number, p. page number]
[1, p. 161]
[Citation number, pp. page range]
[1, pp. 181-185]
Example for paraphrase/summary:
[Citation number]
[4]
See below for more information on directly quoting and paraphrasing/summarizing.
Tips:
Short Quotations
When you incorporate words directly from a source, you must cite the source by directly quoting from it. Fit quotations within your sentences, enclosed in quotation marks, making modifications to ensure the sentences are grammatically correct.
Example Narrative Citation
[4, p. 79] indicates that, “quotations are effective in research papers when used selectively.”
Remember that “[q]uotations are effective in research papers when used selectively” [4, p. 79].
In 2003, Gibaldi wrote that, “quotations are effective in research papers when used selectively” [4, p. 79].
In 2003, Gibaldi wrote: "Quotations are effective..when used selectively" [4, p. 79].
Longer Quotations
If a quotation is 40 words or more, omit quotation marks and use a block format in which the quotation is indented about ½ inch (or 5 spaces) from both margins. Cite the source at the end of the block quote, after the final punctuation mark.
Example:
Co-presence does not ensure intimate interaction among all group members. Consider large-scale social gatherings
in which hundreds or thousands of people gather in a location to perform a ritual or celebrate an event. In these
instances, participants are able to see the visible manifestation of the group, the physical gathering, yet their ability
to make direct, intimate connections with those around them is limited by the sheer magnitude of the assembly. [5, pp. 324-325]
How to Cite When Altering a Direct Quotation
When you need to leave out part of a quotation to make it fit grammatically or because it contains irrelevant/unnecessary information, insert ellipses (three dots).
Example:
In 2003, Gibaldi wrote that, “Quotations are effective...when used selectively” [4, p. 79].
If you must add or slightly change words within a quotation for reasons of grammar or clarity, indicate the change with square brackets.
Example:
In 2003, Gibaldi wrote that, “Quotations are effective in [academic writing] when used selectively” [4, p. 79].
Even if you put information in your own words by paraphrasing (incorporating specific content from the source but in your own words) or summarizing (providing the key points of the source without making mention of specific content) you must still cite the source. A page number is optional, but may be required by your instructor for all citations, not just direct quotations.
Examples:
Within the research paper, quotations will have more impact when used judiciously [4].
Several different studies, including [1], [2], and [4], suggest that smokers are more likely to have a higher risk of getting cancer.
Studies suggest that smokers are more likely to have a higher risk of getting cancer [1], [2], [4].
The in-text citation for images appears as a caption underneath the image that you copied or adapted for your paper. Begin the caption with the word "Figure", a number, and a title. Follow this with "Source:" and the reference list entry number in brackets.
If you adapted the figure, begin the citation with "Adapted from" followed by the citation number in brackets.
Example
Figure 1: Wind Turbine
Source: Adapted from [3, Fig. 1]
Tips:
A secondary source is one that is discussed by the author you are reading. You do not read the original report but instead get the information second-hand from the author. IEEE guidelines do not allow the use of secondary sources. Because you did not read the original report, you cannot include it in your research. Contact a librarian to assist you with locating the original source.
According to the current IEEE guidelines, private communications (e.g., emails, phone calls, and interviews) are a type of unpublished source but must still be cited in your reference list. It is recommended that you make the medium of communication clear in your writing.
| Template | Example | |
| Reference list entry |
First Initial. Surname, private communication, Abbreviated Month Year of communication. |
G. Kaur, private communication, Aug. 2024. |
Note that previous versions of IEEE did not include private communications in the reference list. Ask your instructor whether you are required to list emails, phone calls, and interviews, or other private communications in your reference list.