Many people confuse citing and siting because they sound the same but mean very different things.
Using the wrong one can make writing unclear or unprofessional.
This guide explains the difference, shows correct usage, highlights common mistakes, and gives real examples so you’ll always know when to use citing and when siting is right.
Citing or Siting – Quick Answer
- Citing → Refers to mentioning or referencing a source.
Example: “When writing an essay, always cite your sources.” - Siting → Refers to choosing a location for something.
Example: “The company is siting its new office near the river.”
✅ Quick rule: If you are talking about references, choose citing. If you mean location or placement, use siting.
The Origin of Citing and Siting
- Citing comes from the Latin word citare, meaning “to summon or call upon.” In English, it evolved to mean referencing a source of information in writing.
- Siting comes from the word site, from Old French site, meaning location or position. In English, siting describes the act of choosing or placing a location.
Over time, both words developed distinct uses, but their pronunciation stayed very similar, which is why confusion is common.
British English vs American English Spelling
Both words are spelled the same in British and American English, but their usage frequency can vary.
| Word | Meaning | Example (US) | Example (UK) |
| Citing | Referencing a source | “She is citing the latest study.” | “She is citing the latest study.” |
| Siting | Choosing a location | “The park is siting the new bench.” | “The park is siting the new bench.” |
Key point: Spelling doesn’t change between US and UK English. The distinction is purely meaning.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
- US audience: Use citing for references and siting for location.
- UK/Commonwealth audience: Same rule applies; meaning stays constant.
- Global/SEO writing: Always pick the word based on context, not region. Misusing can hurt readability and credibility.
✅ Tip:
If unsure, ask yourself: “Am I talking about referencing a source or placing a location?”
Common Mistakes with Siting or Citing
- Wrong: “He is siting the study in his essay.”
Correct: “He is citing the study in his essay.” - Wrong: “We are citing the new building here.”
Correct: “We are siting the new building here.” - Confusing “siting” with “sighting” (seeing something).
- Example: “Birdwatchers are sighting rare birds.”
- Example: “Birdwatchers are sighting rare birds.”
- Using “citeing” or “siteing” → incorrect spellings.
Quick Tip: Remember, “cite” = reference, “site” = location.
Citing or Siting in Everyday Examples
Emails:
- Correct: “Please cite the sources in your report.”
- Correct: “We are siting the new office near the main road.”
News articles:
- Correct: “Experts are citing recent data to support the study.”
- Correct: “The council is siting a new playground downtown.”
Social media:
- Correct: “Don’t forget to cite your sources!”
- Correct: “They are siting the festival in Central Park.”
Formal writing:
- Correct: Academic paper: “When citing a book, include page numbers.”
- Correct: Business report: “The company is siting warehouses strategically.”
Citing or Siting – Google Trends & Usage Data
- Citing is searched more frequently than siting, especially by students and researchers.
- Siting is commonly searched by architects, planners, and construction professionals.
- Popular regions for citing searches: United States, Canada, UK.
- Popular regions for siting searches: Australia, UK, US construction industry.
✅ Insight: Always consider audience and industry when deciding which word to use.
Comparison Table of Citing vs Siting
| Feature | Citing | Siting |
| Meaning | Referencing a source | Choosing a location |
| Part of Speech | Verb | Verb |
| Common Usage | Academic, formal writing | Architecture, planning |
| Examples | “Citing studies” | “Siting a building” |
| Spelling US/UK | Same | Same |
FAQs:
1. Can I use “siting” instead of “citing” in an essay?
No. Use citing for references; siting is for locations.
2. Is “citing” only for academic writing?
No. It can be used in blogs, articles, emails, or any situation where references are mentioned.
3. Does British English use “siting” differently?
No. Meaning stays the same; only context may vary slightly.
4. How do I remember the difference?
Think: Cite = reference, Site = location. Easy mnemonic: Citing → Citation, Siting → Site placement.
5. Can “siting” refer to people?
Indirectly. Usually about places or objects, not people.
6. Are “citing” and “citinging” the same?
No, citinging is incorrect. Always use citing.
7. Which word is more common in Google searches?
Citing is far more common, especially among students and researchers.
Conclusion:
The difference between citing and siting comes down to meaning, not spelling style.
Citing refers to sources and references, while siting refers to location or placement.
Context is everything.
A simple check helps:
source → citing,
location → siting.
Choosing the right word keeps your writing clear, credible, and professional.
Gain More About:
Reign or Rein: Which One Is Correct and When to Use Each?
I’m English language author writing emphasises clarity, structure, and close attention to language. My work is often examined for stylistic comparison, focusing on Grammar work, narrative control, and subtle thematic development.
