ibid ibidem op cit,What is “Ibid?”
IBID, IBIDEM, OP CIT: A Comprehensive Guide
Have you ever come across the terms “ibid,” “ibidem,” and “op cit” while reading academic papers or research articles? These Latin phrases are commonly used in scholarly writing to reference previous sources. In this article, we will delve into the meanings, usage, and importance of these terms. Let’s explore the intricacies of ibid, ibidem, and op cit together.
What is “Ibid?”
“Ibid” is a Latin term that stands for “ibidem,” which means “in the same place.” It is used to indicate that the source being referenced is the same as the one mentioned in the previous citation. For instance, if you have already cited a book by John Doe on page 5, and you want to reference the same book again on page 10, you would use “ibid” instead of repeating the entire citation.
How to Use “Ibid” Correctly
When using “ibid,” it is essential to follow certain rules to ensure accuracy. Here are some guidelines:
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Use “ibid” only when referencing the same source mentioned in the previous citation.
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Do not use “ibid” if the source has changed.
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Do not capitalize “ibid” unless it is at the beginning of a sentence.
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Do not use “ibid” if the reference is to a different source on the same page.
What is “Ibidem?”
“Ibidem” is another Latin term that means “in the same place.” It is similar to “ibid” but is used when referencing a source that was mentioned in the previous sentence or paragraph, rather than the previous citation. For example, if you mentioned a book by Jane Smith in the previous sentence and want to reference it again in the same paragraph, you would use “ibidem” instead of “ibid.”
How to Use “Ibidem” Correctly
Here are some guidelines for using “ibidem” correctly:
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Use “ibidem” only when referencing the same source mentioned in the previous sentence or paragraph.
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Do not use “ibidem” if the source has changed.
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Do not capitalize “ibidem” unless it is at the beginning of a sentence.
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Do not use “ibidem” if the reference is to a different source on the same page.
What is “Op Cit?”
“Op cit” is a Latin abbreviation for “opus citatum,” which means “the work cited.” It is used to reference a source that has been cited earlier in the document. Unlike “ibid” and “ibidem,” “op cit” does not imply that the source is the same as the one mentioned in the previous citation. Instead, it simply refers to a source that has been cited elsewhere in the document.
How to Use “Op Cit” Correctly
Here are some guidelines for using “op cit” correctly:
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Use “op cit” to reference a source that has been cited earlier in the document.
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Do not use “op cit” if the source has changed.
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Do not capitalize “op cit” unless it is at the beginning of a sentence.
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Do not use “op cit” if the reference is to a different source on the same page.
Table: Comparison of “Ibid,” “Ibidem,” and “Op Cit”
| Term | Meaning | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Ibid | In the same place | Used when referencing the same source mentioned in
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