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Footnotes are crucial in academic writing, offering a method to cite sources and provide additional information without disrupting the flow of the text. In the Chicago Citation style, footnotes include full publication details for the first citation and abbreviated information for subsequent references. This style ensures clear and consistent attribution, enhancing the credibility of your work. Using Chicago Citation for footnotes helps maintain academic integrity and allows readers to locate sources easily.

What Are Footnotes?

Footnotes are notes placed at the bottom of a page in a document, used to cite sources or provide additional information. They help clarify or expand on the main text without interrupting the flow, ensuring proper attribution and aiding reader comprehension.

Footnotes Examples

• John Smith, History of Western Civilization (New York: Academic Press, 2019), 45.
• Jane Doe, “The Renaissance Era,” Journal of European History 23, no. 2 (2021): 34-56.
• Michael Johnson, Art in the Modern World (Chicago: Art House, 2020), 101.
• Emily White, “Medieval Literature,” Literary Review 12, no. 4 (2018): 77.
• Robert Green, Philosophical Thoughts (London: Oxford University Press, 2017), 85.
• Sarah Brown, Cultural Anthropology (Boston: Harvard University Press, 2021), 213.
• Ibid., 215.
• William Black, “Economic Theories,” Economics Today 45, no. 1 (2019): 120.
• George Hill, Political History (San Francisco: State Press, 2018), 99-100.
• Helen Davis, Shakespeare’s Works (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2016), 67.
• Paul White, “Modern Architecture,” Architectural Digest 30, no. 3 (2020): 45.
• Laura Green, Sociology in Practice (New York: Pearson, 2019), 155.
• Peter Parker, “Science Advances,” Scientific Journal 50, no. 2 (2021): 89.
• Rachel Adams, Digital Media (Los Angeles: Media Press, 2020), 140.
• James Lee, “World War II Analysis,” History Quarterly 33, no. 4 (2018): 240.
• Linda Clark, Modern Poetry (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2017), 120.
• Thomas King, “Legal Reforms,” Law Review 48, no. 1 (2021): 20.

What are the three types of footnotes?

• Content Footnotes : Provide additional information or explanations that enhance the main text without interrupting its flow.
• Reference Footnotes : Cite sources for specific statements, quotations, or data to ensure proper attribution and source verification.
• Copyright Permission Footnotes : Indicate obtained permissions to reproduce copyrighted material, such as lengthy quotations, images, or tables.

How to Add Footnotes in Microsoft Word

• Click at the end of the sentence or phrase where you want to add the footnote.
• Go to the “References” tab on the Ribbon.
• Click on “Insert Footnote.” Word will automatically insert a superscript number in the text and move the cursor to the bottom of the page.
• Type the citation or note corresponding to the superscript number.
• Click back into the main text area to continue writing. Word will keep track of the footnote numbers sequentially.

Visual Guide

How to add footnotes in google docs.

• Click at the end of the sentence or word where you want to add the footnote.
• Go to the “Insert” menu at the top of the screen.
• Select “Footnote.” Google Docs will insert a superscript number in the text and move the cursor to the bottom of the page where you can type your footnote.
• Type the citation or additional information corresponding to the superscript number.
• Click back into the main text area to continue writing. Google Docs will automatically manage the footnote numbers sequentially.

How to Add Footnotes in Chicago Style

• Place the Cursor : Position the cursor where you want to add the footnote.
• Insert Footnote : Go to “References” and select “Insert Footnote” to apply the correct footnote format .
• Type Footnote Text : Enter the citation or note corresponding to the superscript number.
• Follow Chicago Style : In a Chicago Style Paper , use full publication details for the first citation.
• Subsequent Citations : Use abbreviated information for subsequent references.
• Format Footnotes : Adjust footnote font and size as needed.
• Edit Footnotes : Click the superscript number to edit the corresponding footnote.
• Delete Footnotes : Remove the superscript number to delete the footnote automatically.

How to Do Footnote Citations

• Identify Citation Need : Determine where you need to provide a citation within your text for clarity or attribution.
• Access Footnote Tool : Open your word processor, go to the “References” tab, and select “Insert Footnote.”
• Insert Superscript Number : A superscript number will appear at your cursor’s location, and the corresponding footnote section will open at the bottom of the page.
• Enter Full Citation :For the first reference in a Chicago style paper, type the complete citation in the footnote section, including the author, title, publication details, and page number..
• Use Shortened Form : For subsequent references to the same source, use a shortened version, such as the author’s last name, abbreviated title, and page number.
• Ensure Consistency : Make sure all footnotes follow the same format and style as per the Chicago Manual of Style guidelines.
• Edit Footnotes as Needed : Click on the superscript number to navigate to and edit any existing footnotes for corrections or updates.
• Review and Format : Before finalizing your document, review all footnotes for accuracy and consistency, ensuring proper formatting and placement.

How to Use Footnotes in Essays

• Gather Source Information : Collect detailed citation information for all sources you plan to reference in your essay.
• Highlight Text : Highlight the text where the citation is needed to ensure accurate placement of the footnote.
• Navigate to Footnote Option : In your word processor, navigate to the “Insert” menu if it’s not under “References.”
• Select Footnote Style : Choose the appropriate citation style (e.g., Chicago) within the footnote formatting options.
• Provide Clarifications : Use footnotes to clarify complex terms or concepts that might be unfamiliar to your readers.
• Cite Primary Sources : Use footnotes to cite original or primary sources directly relevant to your research.
• Add Multiple Notes : If multiple sources support a single point, include all in a single footnote separated by semicolons.
• Use Footnote Continuations : For long explanatory notes, use a continuation indicator to show the note spans multiple pages or sections.

Technical Guide to Using Footnotes

• Identify the Need for Footnotes : Determine where footnotes are required in your document to provide citations or additional information.
• Place the Cursor Appropriately : Position your cursor exactly where the footnote reference number should appear in the text.
• Access Footnote Insertion Tool : Navigate to the “References” or “Insert” tab in your word processor and select “Insert Footnote.”
• Automatic Numbering : Ensure the word processor automatically numbers the footnotes sequentially. This keeps your footnotes organized and avoids manual errors.
• Enter Footnote Text : Type the required citation or explanatory text in the footnote section that appears at the bottom of the page.
• Formatting Footnotes : Use the word processor’s formatting tools to ensure the footnotes are in the correct font, size, and style as specified by your style guide (e.g., Chicago). Refer to the glossary for definitions of key formatting terms and guidelines.
• Cross-Referencing : Utilize cross-references in footnotes to link to other footnotes or sections within the document for easy navigation.
• Edit Footnotes : Click the superscript number in the main text to quickly jump to and edit the corresponding footnote for any necessary updates.
• Convert Footnotes to Endnotes : If needed, use the word processor’s feature to convert footnotes to endnotes for different document styles or preferences.
• Review and Proofread : Before finalizing your document, review all footnotes for accuracy, consistency, and completeness. Ensure they are correctly formatted and appropriately placed.
• By following these steps, you can effectively manage footnotes in your technical documents, ensuring clear, accurate, and professional citations and annotations.

Uses of Footnotes

• Citations : Footnotes provide a way to cite sources for quotes, paraphrases, and data, ensuring proper attribution and avoiding plagiarism.
• Additional Information : They allow authors to include extra details or explanations that are relevant but would interrupt the flow of the main text.
• Cross-Referencing : Footnotes can refer readers to other parts of the document or to external sources, enhancing the depth of the content.
• Clarifications : They are useful for defining terms or concepts that might be unfamiliar to the reader without cluttering the main text.
• Acknowledgments : Authors can use footnotes to acknowledge contributions from others or to highlight sources of inspiration.
• Legal References : In legal documents, footnotes are often used to provide detailed references examples of statutes, cases, and other legal sources.

Final Tips and Tricks

• Consistent Style : Always follow a consistent citation style throughout your document, such as Chicago, MLA, or APA. Refer to the specific style guide for detailed instructions.
• Shorten Repeated Citations : After the first full citation, use abbreviated forms for subsequent citations of the same source to keep footnotes concise.
• Avoid Overuse : Use footnotes judiciously to avoid cluttering your document. Reserve them for essential citations and critical additional information.
• Combine Related Notes : If multiple pieces of information can be included in a single footnote, combine them to reduce the number of footnotes.
• Use Ibid. Sparingly : “Ibid.” is useful for consecutive citations of the same source, but overuse can make footnotes difficult to follow.
• Proofread Carefully : Ensure all footnotes are correctly formatted and free of errors. Inaccurate citations can undermine your document’s credibility.
• Keep Explanations Clear : When using footnotes for additional explanations, keep them clear and to the point. Avoid adding unnecessary details.
• Hyperlink Online Sources : If citing online sources, include hyperlinks in the footnotes for easy access. Ensure URLs are complete and functional.
• Separate Long Explanations : For extensive explanations, consider using endnotes instead of footnotes to keep the main text readable.
• Use Footnote Continuations : If a footnote extends beyond one page, use continuation indicators like “(cont.)” to show it continues on the next page.
• Organize Sources Alphabetically : If using a bibliography, organize it alphabetically by the authors’ last names to help readers find sources easily.
• By following these tips and tricks, you can ensure your footnotes are effective, professional, and enhance the readability and credibility of your document.

Footnotes vs. Endnotes

Why use footnotes.

Footnotes provide source citations and extra details without interrupting the main text flow.

How do you insert a footnote in Word?

Go to “References” and click “Insert Footnote.”

What is the difference between a footnote and an endnote?

Footnotes appear at the bottom of the page; endnotes appear at the end of the document.

How are footnotes numbered?

Footnotes are numbered sequentially throughout the document.

Can you use footnotes for additional commentary?

Yes, footnotes can include additional commentary or explanations.

How do you format a footnote in Chicago style?

Provide the full citation for the first reference and a shortened form for subsequent references.

What should you include in a footnote?

Include citation details or additional explanatory text.

Are footnotes used in academic writing?

Yes, footnotes are commonly used in academic writing for citations and clarifications.

Can footnotes contain URLs?

Yes, footnotes can include URLs for online sources.

Do footnotes affect the word count?

Yes, footnotes typically count towards the total word count of a document.

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MLA Endnotes and Footnotes

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Because long explanatory notes can be distracting to readers, most academic style guidelines (including MLA and APA, the American Psychological Association) recommend limited use of endnotes/footnotes. However, certain publishers encourage or require note references in lieu of parenthetical references.

Bibliographic Notes

MLA discourages extensive use of explanatory or digressive notes. MLA style does, however, allow you to use endnotes or footnotes for bibliographic notes , which refer to other publications your readers may consult. The following are some examples:

To cite a lengthy string of sources.

¹See Said, Culture and Imperialism and Orientalism ; Serres, The Natural Contract ; Foucault, The Foucault Reader , esp. Part II.

²For more material related to Postcolonial Studies and Technology, see McClintock, Imperial Leather ; De Landa, War in the Age of Intelligent Machines.

To explain an unusual documentation practice.

³Italicised words denote translations for which there are no clear equivalents in the original Chinese.

To flag editions and translations used. Editions and translations usually require a note only when more than one edition or translation is cited. This can be done by placing a note in the text where the work is first referenced. Alternatively, an initial and unnumbered note may be created.

⁴Citations of The Odyssey refer to Emily Wilson’s translated version unless otherwise noted.

⁵Translations are provided by Emily Wilson unless otherwise noted.

Content Notes

You can also use endnotes/footnotes for occasional explanatory notes (also known as content notes), which refer to brief additional information that might be too digressive for the main text:

To amplify.  Writers may feel that amplifying certain sections of their content will allow readers to better understand the context which affected/affects the following circumstances. 

¹Kujou and Yanagi are often confused by their misinterpretation of each other’s words, actions, and interactions with others.

²Beach considers Readicide to be a necessary read for all incoming Student Teachers, including it in recommended words for all his students.

³Culler makes it clear that “Literature” is “an institutional label that gives us reason to expect that the results of our reading efforts will be ‘worth it’” (28).

To explain word choice.

⁴She refers here to a branch of physiological research.

⁵He chose to translate the verb (first translated by Yang as “to feel”) as “to understand” to point to the character development.

To justify the scope of your study. Justifying the scope of your study can help readers better understand what to expect from reading your work by specifically pointing to what will or will not be explored, and why.

⁶Whether or not Beowulf as a character is justified in his actions is not relevant to my point.

⁷The efforts of decolonization are beyond the extent of my essay, but I point readers to Garvey’s work.

To provide more examples.

⁸Readers can think about Atwood’s inclusion of insects in her literary work

⁹This same idea applies to queer youth, as Chelsea Monheim’s “Percieved social norms and acceptance of transgender students in gendered restrooms” addresses.

To provide counterexamples.

¹⁰Bankfeld (99-102) calls for an alternative call to action.

To identity of comment on allusions.

¹¹The reference to ‘Westword’ in Iron Man 3 recalls the 1973 movie Westworld, starring Yul Brynner as a killing cyborg.

To point to an area of future research.

¹²More extensive research remains to be done on this subject. 

To identify authors whose names appear as et al. in documentation.

¹³The contributing authors of Teaching Literature to Adolescents are Deborah Appleman, Bob Fecho, and Rob Simon.

To acknowledge.

¹⁴Anna Turner, from a local veterinary clinic, brought distinctions between small and large animal care to my attention.

Numbering endnotes and footnotes in the document body

MLA notes may be styled either as footnotes or endnotes. Endnotes and footnotes in MLA format are indicated in-text by superscript Arabic numbers after the punctuation of the phrase or clause to which the note refers:

Note that when a long dash appears in the text, the footnote/endnote number appears before the dash:

Do not use asterisks (*), angle brackets (>), or other symbols for note references. The list of endnotes and footnotes (either of which, for papers submitted for publication, should be listed on a separate page, as indicated below) should correspond to the note references in the text.   Do not use the abbreviation ibid. in a note to refer readers to the information provided in the note right above it.

Placement of Notes in the Text

Use parentheses around page numbers when page numbers interrupt a sentence or are given at the end of a sentence. Similar to parenthetical citations within text, citations in notes are usually placed at the end of a sentence. Alternatively, parenthetical citations may be placed mid-sentence.

¹As Danes (45) and Gilmore (151) argue, caffeinated beverages play a vital role in American business environments.

²Gilmore considers the relationship between caffeine, productivity, and success (151).

Do not place parentheses around page numbers if the note is utilized to direct readers to the location of information. For example:

³See Gilmore 151.

Notes in MLA format are typically indicated in-text by superscript Arabic numbers (1, 2, 3, …) after the punctuation mark of the phrase or clause to which the note refers. Whenever possible, place the superscript numbers at the end of sentences. Keep in mind that word processing programs will likely style note numbers in the text and notes section as superscript by default .

Audience members generally responded positively to the racial representation in the musical.¹

Marquis de Lafayette uses a stereotypical White American accent to say the word “anarchy.”²

Aaron Burr advises a young Alexander Hamilton to “talk less, smile more” (16).³ 

Note that when a dash appears in the text, the note number appears before the dash.

After finding out about her daughter’s passion for music, Cho⁴—surprised, impressed, and a little confused—purchased a piano and allowed her daughter to take lessons.

If a note number must be placed somewhere other than at the end of a sentence or a sentence requires more than one note, the note number should be placed in the least distracting unambiguous spot. For instance: 

Placement of a note mid-sentence, for clarity of citations.

Despite the awareness from her past mistakes,⁵   Britney “did it again” and thus continued to face the consequences of her actions (203).

Placement of more than one note in a sentence.

Crystal’s love of farmers markets—especially those located in their hometown (which they support by “getting up at 7am every Saturday to go to” [Webb 21]⁶)—has become apparent even on social media platforms.⁷  

Formatting endnotes and footnotes

Endnotes Page

MLA recommends that all notes be listed on a separate page entitled Notes (centered). Title the page Note if there is only one note. The Notes page should appear before the Works Cited page. This is especially important for papers being submitted for publication.

The notes themselves should be double-spaced and listed by consecutive Arabic numbers that correspond to the notation in the text. The first line of each endnote is indented five spaces, and subsequent lines are flush with the left margin. Place a period and a space after each endnote number, and then provide the appropriate note after the space.

Footnotes (below the text body)

The ninth edition of the MLA Handbook states that notes may be styled either as footnotes or endnotes. See the  MLA Style Center   for additional guidance on this topic and follow your instructor's or editor's preferences.