cite as + role/example
Showing how someone or something is described
Use cite as when presenting something as an example, cause, or authority.
The study is often cited as proof of the trend.
cite: which preposition to use
Cite is usually followed by as, for, or from depending on meaning. In and by are normally separate adjuncts, not fixed combinations with cite.
Quick answer
Common combinations with cite
Use cite as to describe a role or example, cite for to state a reason or achievement, and cite from when quoting a source. Cite in and cite by are not standard fixed patterns, though in and by can appear in the sentence for other reasons.
The report was often cited as evidence of corruption.
She was cited for outstanding service.
The article cites from several historical letters.
She was cited for outstanding service.
The article cites from several historical letters.
Choose the pattern by meaning
These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.
cite for + reason
Giving a reason for praise or punishment
Use cite for when mentioning the reason someone receives recognition or criticism.
The officer was cited for bravery.
cite from + source
Quoting or referring to a source
Use cite from when taking material from a document or speaker.
The lawyer cited from earlier court decisions.
cite in + document
Mentioning where a citation appears
In can introduce the place where something is cited, but it is not a fixed preposition after cite.
The case was cited in a recent journal article.
See the difference in context
The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.
Construction
Example
Meaning
cite as
The policy was cited as a major success.
describes something as an example or explanation
cite for
She was cited for reckless driving.
gives the reason for an official notice or recognition
cite from
The speaker cited from the original report.
quotes material from a source
cite in
The decision was cited in several textbooks.
in refers to the location of the citation, not a fixed verb pattern
cite by
The author was cited by three researchers.
by introduces the agent in a passive structure, not a standard combination with cite
Common mistakes
Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.
Using cite by as a fixed pattern
By usually introduces the person doing the citing in passive sentences.
✕ The lawyer cited by previous cases. ✓ The lawyer cited previous cases.Confusing cite as and cite for
Use as for description and for for a reason or offence.
✕ She was cited as speeding. ✓ She was cited for speeding.Missing the object after cite
Cite normally needs a source, person, or reason.
✕ The article cites from. ✓ The article cites from several interviews.Using from when no source is quoted
From is used for quoted or borrowed material.
✕ The report was cited from evidence of fraud. ✓ The report was cited as evidence of fraud.Quick practice
Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.
1. The scientist was often cited ___ an expert on climate policy.
2. The driver was cited ___ dangerous parking.
3. The historian cited ___ several medieval records.
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Frequently asked questions
Is cite in correct?
Yes, when in refers to the place where something appears, such as a book or article. It is not a fixed verb-preposition combination.
Can I say cited by?
Yes, in passive sentences such as The paper was cited by many researchers. Here by introduces the agent.
What is the difference between cite as and cite for?
Cite as describes something as an example or cause, while cite for gives the reason for recognition, punishment, or criticism.
Related preposition guides
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