Understanding Op. Cit.
Have you ever come across the term “op. cit.” in academic papers or scholarly articles? If so, you might be curious about its meaning and usage. In this article, I will delve into the intricacies of “op. cit.” and provide you with a comprehensive understanding of its significance in the realm of academic writing.
What Does Op. Cit. Mean?
“Op. cit.” is a Latin abbreviation that stands for “opus citatum,” which translates to “the work cited.” It is commonly used in academic writing to refer back to a previously mentioned source without repeating the entire citation. This abbreviation is particularly useful when you want to reference a source that has already been cited in your text.
How to Use Op. Cit.
When using “op. cit.” in your writing, it is essential to provide enough information for the reader to identify the source. This can be achieved by including the author’s last name, the publication date, or a specific page number. For example, if you mentioned a source by its author’s name and publication date in your text, you can simply write “op. cit.” followed by the relevant information. Here’s an example:
According to Smith (2020), the impact of climate change on coastal cities is a significant concern (op. cit., p. 45).
Op. Cit. vs. Ibid.
It is important to differentiate between “op. cit.” and “ibid.” Both abbreviations are used to refer to previously cited sources, but they have distinct purposes. “Ibid.” is used when the source is the same as the one mentioned immediately before, while “op. cit.” is used when the source is mentioned earlier in the text but not immediately before. Here’s a table to illustrate the difference:
| Abbreviation | Usage |
|---|---|
| Ibid. | Used when the source is the same as the one mentioned immediately before. |
| Op. cit. | Used when the source is mentioned earlier in the text but not immediately before. |
Op. Cit. in Different Academic Styles
The usage of “op. cit.” may vary depending on the academic style guide you are following. Here’s a brief overview of how it is used in some popular citation styles:
- APA: “Op. cit.” is not recommended in APA style. Instead, you should use the full citation when referring to a source.
- MLA: “Op. cit.” is commonly used in MLA style to refer to a source mentioned earlier in the text.
- Chicago: “Op. cit.” is used in Chicago style to refer to a source mentioned earlier in the text, but it is not as commonly used as in MLA style.
Op. Cit. in Practice
Let’s consider a practical example to understand how “op. cit.” is used in academic writing. Suppose you are writing a research paper on the impact of social media on mental health. You mention a study by Johnson (2018) in your introduction. Later in your paper, you want to refer back to this study without repeating the entire citation. In this case, you can use “op. cit.” followed by the relevant information, such as the author’s last name or page number.
As Johnson (2018) argues, social media usage is associated with increased levels of anxiety and depression (op. cit., p. 23).
Conclusion
“Op. cit.” is a valuable tool in academic writing that allows you to refer back to previously cited sources without repeating the entire citation. By understanding its meaning and usage, you can enhance the clarity and coherence of your writing. Remember to provide enough information for the reader to identify the source and to follow the guidelines of the academic style guide you are using.