Como Usar Op Cit: A Comprehensive Guide
When writing academic papers or research articles, it’s crucial to give credit where it’s due. One of the most common ways to do this is by using the “opus citatum” or “op cit” abbreviation. This abbreviation is a Latin term that translates to “the work cited” in English. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to use op cit effectively in your writing, covering various aspects such as its definition, proper usage, and formatting.
Understanding Op Cit
Op cit is an abbreviation for “opus citatum,” which is a Latin term that means “the work cited.” It is used in academic writing to refer to a previously mentioned source without repeating the entire citation. This abbreviation is particularly useful when you need to refer to a source that has already been cited in your text.
Op cit is often used in footnotes or endnotes, but it can also be used in the text itself. The main purpose of using op cit is to save space and make your writing more concise.
When to Use Op Cit
There are several situations where using op cit is appropriate:
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When you need to refer to a source that has already been cited in your text.
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When you want to save space and make your writing more concise.
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When you are using footnotes or endnotes to cite your sources.
However, it’s important to note that op cit should not be used in place of a full citation. You should still provide a complete citation in your bibliography or reference list.
How to Use Op Cit
Using op cit is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use it effectively:
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First, ensure that you have already cited the source in your text. This can be done through a full citation in the text or a footnote/endnote.
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Next, use the op cit abbreviation in your text or footnote/endnote. For example, if you mentioned a source in your text, you can write “As mentioned in op cit (Smith, 2020).” If you’re using a footnote/endnote, you can write “Smith (2020) argues that…”
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Make sure to include the author’s last name and the year of publication in the op cit abbreviation. This helps readers quickly identify the source you are referring to.
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Do not use op cit for sources that have not been previously cited in your text.
Formatting Op Cit
When formatting op cit, there are a few guidelines to follow:
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Use parentheses around the author’s last name and the year of publication. For example, (Smith, 2020).
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Do not include the title of the source or any other information that is already included in the full citation.
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Ensure that the formatting is consistent throughout your document.
Examples of Op Cit Usage
Here are a few examples to illustrate how to use op cit in different contexts:
| Context | Op Cit Example |
|---|---|
| Text | “Smith (2020) argues that the impact of climate change is more significant than previously thought.” (Smith, 2020) |
| Footnote | “The data presented in this study is consistent with previous findings (Smith, 2020).” (Smith, 2020) |
| Endnote | “In a recent study, Smith (2020) examined the effects of climate change on coastal communities.” (Smith, 2020) |
Conclusion
Using op cit is a valuable tool in academic writing, allowing you to reference previously cited sources without repeating the entire citation. By following the guidelines outlined in this guide, you can effectively incorporate op cit into your writing and ensure that your sources are properly credited.
