How to cite sources in your writing (Chicago)

Rules and examples

Rules and examples

Basic principles

Rule

Insert a footnote reference at the point where you have used the source. In the footnote, give an abbreviated citation that includes author surname, title of the work (shortened if necessary), and page number (where relevant). Book titles are italicised; article titles are enclosed in quote marks.

Example

The most recent study highlighted several reasons why this occurred.¹Pioneer life in the south was anything but glamorous.²________________
1. Dobben, "The Hudson," 22.
2. Harrison and Shaw, Country Style.

Citing more than one source at the same point in your assignment

Rule

When citing more than one source in the same note, separate each by a semi-colon.

Example
This interpretation is common.³________________
3. Bakhita, Typefaces; Dalton, Australian Icons.

Citing a specific page reference

Rule

When quoting a source directly or referring to a specific page of a source, give the page number(s).

Example
The emotions surrounding this topic have been described as "rapidly approaching hysteria".⁴As Dalton has stated, "fools will rush in when given half the chance".⁵________________
4. Pratt, "Sport and Exercise," 87.
5. Dalton, Australian Icons, 22.

Citing a source with two or more authors

Rule

Two or three authors: Give the name of all authors each time the source is cited.

Example

Earlier research produced troubling data.⁶A later analysis confirmed this.⁷________________
6. Harrison and Saw, Country Style, 63-71.
7. Worley, Hitchin, and Ross, Integrated Strategic Change.

Rule

Four or more authors: Give the name of the first author only followed by 'and others'. (All names are given in the full citation entry in the bibliography.)

Example
The earlier analysis was reported with some explanation.⁸The method used was based on a similar study.⁹________________
8. Bryant and others, "Education Levels," 15.
9. Staples and others, "Non-melanoma Skin Cancer."

Citing a personal communication (email, interview, conversation)

Rule

Give the date of the communication preceded by the type of communication. Note: a personal communication does not need a full citation entry in the bibliography.

Example
This was related to me by John Green.¹⁰________________
10. John Green, email message, July 30, 2001.

Citing a source that you have taken from another source

Rule

Refer to both sources in the note and give an entry for both sources in the bibliography.

Example

Dalton's findings are a case in point.¹¹________________
11. Dalton, Bushrangers, cited in Dobben, "The Hudson," 6.

Citing a source by an author with a long name (organisation, agency)

Rule

Give the full name followed by the initials in round brackets in the first note. In subsequent notes for the same organisation, use the initialism.

Example
Health costs are higher in rural regions.¹²One quarter of the population was found to be obese.¹³________________
12. Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), Australia's Health, 2.
13. AIHW, Rural Australia and Health Issues, 75.

Citing a source with no author

Rule

Give the first two or three words of the title to direct the reader to the reference list entry (which will be under title in full). Italicise titles of books; enclose titles of articles in quotation marks.

Example

The recommendations made were followed completely.¹⁴This situation appears to be becoming more serious.¹⁵________________
14. Survival Skills.
15. “Meddling Claims.”