Here’s Some Insight on “Cite,” “Site,” and “Sight”
What’s the Difference Between “Cite,” “Site,” and “Sight”?
- Cite can only function as a verb and refers to “quoting something by way of example or proof to support your argument.”
- ○ Our findings were cited in several of the most prestigious science journals.
- Site can function as a verb and noun and has to do with the location or placement of something.
- Sight can also play the role of both a verb and noun, and has to do with the ability to see.
- ○ They showed us the proposed site of the new building.
- ○ We caught sight of several different types of whales.
“Cite” vs. “Site” vs. “Sight”
We were cited and then taken to a site to sight some spectacular sights.
No, that’s not gibberish; it’s English. And that sentence makes complete sense if you know the difference between cite, site, and sight.
If you don’t know the difference between these three homophones, don’t worry. We’ll go over their definitions and provide example sentences below.
“Cite”–Definition & Examples
Cite can only ever be used as a verb. It means “to quote something by way of example or authority to support what you’re saying.”
The rambunctious teenagers cited the first amendment when they got in trouble for talking during class.
Many students are taught how to cite when writing to avoid plagiarism. This means they write an exact quote, paraphrase, or directly reference a passage from a book, author, or any other type of source (and give them credit).
She cited several studies to support her research paper.
Cite can also mean “to officially or authoritatively order someone to appear in court.”
He was cited for littering.
Students may be familiar with what a citation is: a reference to a book, paper, or author in academic writing.
Or maybe you’ve unfortunately received a citation, which can also be a summons to appear in court.
In any case, knowing what a citation is can help you remember how to spell cite.
“Site”–Definition & Examples
Site can function as both a noun and a verb.
As a noun, site refers to a location. It can be “a place where a building or set of structures is or will be situated.” It can also be a place where something has happened or that is used for a specific activity.
You’re looking at the future site of Boise’s newest football stadium.
We had no idea we were standing on a sacred site.
Emma and Beatrice were walking towards the picnic site.
As a verb, site means “to put something in a certain place or particular position.”
The table with water bottles was strategically sited at the end of the finish line.
It’s also common for site to refer to a website.
Have you checked out the company’s new site? It’s pretty cool!
“Sight”–Definition & Examples
Sight can also function as a noun and verb, and in both instances, have to do with seeing (think eyesight).
As a noun, sight refers to “the function of seeing.” Sight is also used when talking about places or things that are regarded as “worth seeing.”
He temporarily lost his sight.
Italy has countless beautiful sights.
When used as a verb, sight means “to suddenly see something.”
The scientist sighted the evasive snow leopard in several different locations.
Do You Have Your Sight on Flawless Writing?
So, when it comes to cite, site, and sight, just remember that:
- Cite has to do with citations.
- Site mostly refers to where something is situated.
- Sight indicates something with vision or eyesight.
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