CSE In-Text Citations
Master CSE (8th edition) in-text citations with this complete guide. Learn the correct format for every scenario, including single and multiple authors, direct quotes, and sources with missing information.
In-Text Citation Rules
Below are the CSE in-text citation rules for every common scenario you will encounter when writing your paper.
Single Author
Citation-Sequence: superscript¹ | Citation-Name: superscript¹ | Name-Year: (Smith 2024)
Two Authors
Citation-Sequence/Name: same superscript | Name-Year: (Smith and Jones 2024)
Three or More Authors
Citation-Sequence/Name: same superscript | Name-Year: (Smith et al. 2024) — for 3+ authors
Direct Quote
Use the same numbered reference or (Author Year, p. X) in Name-Year system
No Author
Use the organization name or a shortened title in Name-Year: ([Anonymous] 2024)
No Date
Name-Year system: (Smith [date unknown]) or (Smith [ca. 2020])
Quick Examples
Here are real-world CSE in-text citation examples for different source types:
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Cite in CSE Now →Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I format an CSE in-text citation?
- For a single author in CSE, use the format Citation-Sequence: superscript¹ | Citation-Name: superscript¹ | Name-Year: (Smith 2024). For two authors, use Citation-Sequence/Name: same superscript | Name-Year: (Smith and Jones 2024). For three or more authors, use Citation-Sequence/Name: same superscript | Name-Year: (Smith et al. 2024) — for 3+ authors.
- How do I cite a direct quote in CSE?
- For direct quotes in CSE (8th edition), use the format: Use the same numbered reference or (Author Year, p. X) in Name-Year system.
- What if there is no author or no date in CSE?
- When there is no author in CSE, use: Use the organization name or a shortened title in Name-Year: ([Anonymous] 2024). When there is no date, use: Name-Year system: (Smith [date unknown]) or (Smith [ca. 2020]).