What Does Cite Mean?
Cite is a verb meaning to quote or reference a source as evidence or authority. You cite books in essays, cite laws in legal arguments, or cite someone for a traffic violation.
Cite functions as a verb.
What Does Site Mean?
Site is a noun meaning a specific location or place. It can refer to a physical location (construction site) or a digital one (website).
Site functions as a noun.
Cite vs Site: Key Differences
| Cite | Site |
|---|---|
| Verb: to reference or quote | Noun: a place or location |
| Used in academic and legal writing | Used for physical or digital places |
| "Cite a source" | "Construction site" |
Examples of Cite in a Sentence
- Please cite your sources at the end of the paper.
- The lawyer cited three previous court rulings.
- The officer cited the driver for running a red light.
- Researchers cite this study more than any other in the field.
Examples of Site in a Sentence
- The construction site is closed on weekends.
- We found a perfect site for the new office building.
- Bookmark this web site for future reference.
- The archaeological site dates back 2,000 years.
How to Remember the Difference
You cite when you write (both actions involve writing). A site is where something sits.
Common Mistakes
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The building site was referenced in the report. | The building site was referenced in the report. | This is correct. 'Site' means location. |
| Remember to site your references. | Remember to cite your references. | Referencing sources requires the verb 'cite.' |
| The web cite has been updated. | The web site has been updated. | A location on the internet is a 'site.' |
If you are unsure which word fits, try Rephrasely's free grammar checker to catch errors instantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What about 'sight'?
'Sight' relates to vision or something you see. 'The sunset was a beautiful sight.' It is different from 'cite' (reference) and 'site' (location).
Can 'cite' be used as a noun?
Informally, 'cite' is sometimes used as a short form of 'citation,' but this is casual. In formal writing, use 'citation' as the noun form.
Is 'website' one word or two?
Both 'website' and 'web site' are accepted, but 'website' (one word) is the standard spelling in most style guides today.