FAQ: How do I do an in-text citation in Chicago Style?

In-Text Citations

The notes-bibliography method of the Chicago Manual of Style (18th ed.) uses superscript numbers for in-text citations which should be placed at the end of the quotation or paraphrased information. The citation information appears in a footnote and will usually have a corresponding bibliography entry. See the Citation Quick Guide This link opens in a new window for examples of commonly used source types.

For more details, see section 13.18: Source Citation Overview This link opens in a new window. For a detailed discussion of notes, see 13.27–64 This link opens in a new window.

Superscript In-Text Citation Example

According to science journalist Erica Gies, plans for future water infrastructure must include the restoration of natural ecologies, or what Gies refers to as “Slow Water”: “The natural systems we are destroying could be our salvation.”¹

Corresponding Note Entry Example

1. Erica Gies, Water Always Wins: Thriving in an Age of Drought and Deluge (University of Chicago Press, 2022), 8, 27.

Corresponding Bibliography Entry

Gies, Erica. Water Always Wins: Thriving in an Age of Drought and Deluge. University of Chicago Press, 2022.

Shortened Footnote

To make the notes easier to read, you should shorten citations of sources that have already been fully listed in earlier notes or in the bibliography. For more information on shortened footnotes, see 13.32–39 This link opens in a new window.

Shortened Note General Format

2. Last name of author, Title of work cited usually shortened if more than four words, paper number or range if direct quote. 

Shortened Note Example

2. Gies, Water Always Wins, 45.

More Information

• Citation Quick Guide This link opens in a new window (Chicago Manual of Style)
• Chicago Style Guide (Shapiro Library)

Disclaimer

This information is intended to be a guideline, not expert advice. Please be sure to speak to your professor about the appropriate way to cite sources in your class assignments and projects.