Cool MateCite vs Quote
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Cite
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Quote
Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb
Most common: Quote
| Cite | Quote | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/saɪt/","/saɪts/","/ˈsaɪtɪd/","/ˈsaɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/saɪt/","/saɪts/","/ˈsaɪtɪd/","/ˈsaɪtɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //kwəʊt//🇺🇸 //kwoʊt// |
| Meaning | To mention something as proof or support. | To repeat someone else's words. |
| Example | In her essay, she wanted to cite several influential authors to support her argument. | She decided to **quote** the famous author in her essay. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | B1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | above, already, earlier, as, above, already, earlier, as | quote a passage, quote someone, quote a source |
| Antonyms | ignore, disregard | misquote, ignore |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'site' (a place) or 'sight' (vision)., Omitting the source details after citing., Using it in informal contexts where reference isn't needed. | Confusing 'quote' with 'quotation' (the noun form)., Using 'quote' without specifying the source., Incorrectly using 'quote' in passive voice. |
| Usage notes | Use 'cite' when referring to sources in academic or formal writing. Avoid it in casual conversation unless discussing specific references. It's common in research and legal contexts. | Used in academic, literary, and casual contexts. Avoid in informal speech unless referencing a well-known saying. |
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Frequently asked questions: Cite vs Quote
What's the difference between Cite and Quote?
Cite: To mention something as proof or support. Quote: To repeat someone else's words.
Which is more common: Cite and Quote?
Quote is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Cite and Quote?
Cite is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Cite and Quote the same CEFR level?
Cite: B2, Quote: B1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Cite and Quote?
Cite: verb, Quote: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Cite: In her essay, she wanted to cite several influential authors to support her argument. Quote: She decided to **quote** the famous author in her essay.
Can I use Cite and Quote interchangeably?
Not always. Cite and Quote are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.