Many writers search for “siting or citing” because these words look alike but have completely different meanings. A small spelling error can change the message of a sentence, especially in academic papers, professional emails, reports, or journalism.
The confusion happens because both are formal verbs ending in -ing, yet one refers to location and the other to sources.
People usually look up this difference while proofreading important content and want a fast, reliable answer.
This guide delivers exactly that clear definitions, correct usage, common mistakes, real examples, and practical advice so you can choose the right word every time and write with confidence and credibility.
Siting or Citing – Quick Answer
Citing means quoting, referencing, or mentioning a source.
Siting means placing or locating something in a specific position.
Examples:
- ✔️ She is citing three studies in her research paper.
- ✔️ The school is siting the new building near the highway.
- ❌ She is siting her sources. (Wrong)
- ❌ The company is citing the factory in a rural area. (Wrong)
👉 Rule to remember:
- Sources → citing
- Locations → siting
The Origin of Citing or Siting
Understanding the origin of words helps explain why they’re confused.
Origin of Citing
- Comes from the Latin word citare, meaning to summon or call upon
- Entered English through French
- Used historically in law, academia, and formal writing
- Always connected to references, evidence, or quotations
Origin of Siting
- Comes from the word site, meaning place or position
- Became common in architecture, urban planning, and construction
- Refers to physical placement
Why the Confusion Exists
- Both are verbs
- Both sound similar when spoken
- Both appear in formal contexts
- Spellings differ by only one letter
But despite this similarity, their meanings never overlap.
British English vs American English Spelling
Unlike many English word pairs, siting and citing do not change spelling between British and American English. The difference lies only in meaning, not region.
Comparison Table
| Word | Meaning | British English | American English |
| citing | Referring to sources | ✔ Same | ✔ Same |
| siting | Placing or locating | ✔ Same | ✔ Same |
✔ No regional spelling differences
✔ Same rules worldwide
✔ Meaning-based choice only
This makes the decision simpler but also more important.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Your choice depends entirely on what you are trying to say.
Use citing if:
- You are writing an essay or research paper
- You are mentioning a book, article, or website
- You are supporting a claim with evidence
- You are quoting laws, rules, or experts
📌 Example:
The author is citing medical journals to support the claim.
Use siting if:
- You are talking about location or placement
- You are describing buildings or infrastructure
- You are discussing land use or planning
- You are choosing where something should go
📌 Example:
The council is siting the hospital near the city center.
Audience-Based Advice
- US audiences → Same rule
- UK/Commonwealth → Same rule
- Global writing → Same rule
👉 There is no flexibility here. Choosing the wrong word is always incorrect.
Common Mistakes with Siting or Citing
These errors appear often in student work and professional content.
Mistake 1: Using siting for references
❌ The student is siting multiple sources.
✔️ The student is citing multiple sources.
Mistake 2: Using citing for location
❌ They are citing the factory near the river.
✔️ They are siting the factory near the river.
Mistake 3: Assuming regional differences
❌ British English uses siting for references.
✔️ No regional difference exists.
Mistake 4: Autocorrect errors
Many tools suggest the wrong word because both are valid English words. Always double-check meaning.
Siting or Citing in Everyday Examples
Emails
- ✔️ Please ensure you are citing all external sources.
- ✔️ We are siting the new office closer to transport links.
News
- ✔️ The report is citing official government data.
- ✔️ The company is siting its plant overseas.
Social Media
- ✔️ Always cite your sources.
- ✔️ They’re siting a new mall downtown.
Academic Writing
- ✔️ This paper is citing peer-reviewed journals.
- ❌ This paper is siting journals.
Siting or Citing – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search data shows that “siting or citing” is commonly searched by:
- Students writing assignments
- Researchers preparing papers
- Professionals editing reports
- ESL learners improving accuracy
Popularity by Context
- Citing → Academic, legal, journalism, research
- Siting → Construction, architecture, urban planning
Popularity by Country
- High search volume in:
- United States
- United Kingdom
- India
- Pakistan
- Australia
Most searches spike during:
- Exam seasons
- Thesis deadlines
- Content editing periods
This shows strong intent for correctness, not curiosity.
Comparison Table: Siting vs Citing
| Feature | Siting | Citing |
| Meaning | Placing something | Referring to a source |
| Field | Construction, planning | Academic, legal, research |
| Object | Physical location | Books, articles, evidence |
| Regional Use | Same worldwide | Same worldwide |
| Common Error | Used instead of citing | Used instead of siting |
FAQs:
1. Is “siting” ever correct in academic writing?
Yes, but only when discussing location, not sources.
2. Is “citing” related to citations?
Yes. Citing is the verb form of citation.
3. Can I use “siting” for websites?
No. Websites are cited, not sited.
4. Do British and American English differ here?
No. The rules are the same in all English varieties.
5. Why do spellcheckers miss this error?
Because both words are spelled correctly context matters.
6. Is one word more common?
Yes. Citing is far more common due to academic use.
7. How can I remember the difference?
Think:
- Cite → citation → source
- Site → location → place
Conclusion:
The difference between siting and citing is simple once you know the meaning.
Citing refers to mentioning sources or evidence, while siting refers to physical location or placement. There is no regional spelling difference and no overlap in usage.
Using the correct word improves clarity, accuracy, and professionalism especially in academic, legal, and professional writing. Knowing this distinction helps you write confidently and avoid common mistakes.
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I’m a U.S. based content writer and language researcher with a strong focus on English grammar, spelling differences, and frequently confused terms. My writing is aimed at helping readers write more clearly and correctly in daily use, workplace communication, and digital content.
