When writing academic papers, using proper citation is crucial to ensure clarity, accuracy, and credibility. One of the most widely accepted citation styles is the Turabian style, which is a variant of the Chicago Manual of Style specifically adapted for students and researchers. In the 9th edition of Turabian, the use of the termibid.short for the Latin wordibidem, meaning in the same place has been retained with a few clarifications. This term is used in footnotes and endnotes to refer back to the same source cited in the immediately preceding note. Understanding how to useibid.correctly according to the Turabian 9th edition guidelines can simplify citations and improve the readability of your work.
What Is Ibid.?
Ibid.is a shorthand term that allows writers to avoid repeating lengthy bibliographic entries in footnotes or endnotes when the same source is cited more than once in a row. This makes scholarly writing more concise and less cluttered, especially when a single source is referenced multiple times within a short span.
Meaning and Origin
The termibid.comes from the Latin wordibidem, meaning in the same place. In the context of citations, it indicates that the source listed in the current note is the same as the one listed in the previous note.
Turabian 9th Edition Overview
The Turabian 9th edition provides comprehensive guidelines for citation styles in two formats:
- Notes and Bibliography Style (commonly used in humanities such as literature, history, and the arts)
- Author-Date Style (used in the sciences and social sciences)
The use ofibid.is specifically relevant to the Notes and Bibliography style, where footnotes or endnotes are used to cite sources at the bottom of the page or at the end of the document.
When to Use Ibid. in Turabian
According to the 9th edition of Turabian, you can useibid.in footnotes or endnotes when the citation refers to the exact same source as the one in the previous note and refers to the same page number or location. If the page number is different,ibid.can still be used with the new page number included.
Basic Usage
Here is an example of howibid.is used without a page change:
1. John Smith,The History of Ancient Rome(New York: Academic Press, 2010), 142. 2. Ibid.
In this case, note 2 refers to the exact same work and same page number as note 1.
Usage with Different Page Number
If the page number changes, you can write:
3. Ibid., 146.
This indicates that the source is the same as in the previous note, but the information is found on page 146 instead of page 142.
Turabian 9th Edition Updates on Ibid.
Whileibid.is still acceptable in Turabian 9th edition, it is not mandatory. Writers have the option to use shortened citations instead, especially in digital writing where the clarity of references is a higher priority.
Shortened Citations as Alternatives
Instead of usingibid., you can repeat a shortened form of the citation. For example:
4. Smith,The History of Ancient Rome, 149.
This method is slightly longer than usingibid.but may offer clearer reference trails for readers, particularly when footnotes are not immediately visible, such as in online formats.
Preference in Academic Writing
Whileibid.can make notes more concise, some professors and editors prefer full or shortened citations because they reduce confusion. Writers should consult with their instructors, style guides, or publishers when choosing whether or not to useibid..
Formatting Ibid. Correctly
To meet Turabian standards, the formatting ofibid.must follow a few rules:
- It should always be italicized: ibid.
- It should be capitalized only if it begins the note.
- It should be followed by a comma if a page number is added.
- It should not be followed by a period if a page number comes after.
Examples:
5. Ibid. 6. Ibid., 157.
Incorrect usage would include: Ibid,. or Ibid: 157. Such mistakes can undermine the professionalism of the work.
Limitations and Cautions
Whileibid.offers a quick way to cite repeating sources, there are a few limitations and cautions to keep in mind:
Not for Non-Consecutive Citations
Only useibid.when the same source is cited directly after the previous citation. If even one different source appears between two references to the same work, use a shortened citation instead.
Digital Readers May Be Confused
In digital documents or PDFs where footnotes might not be visible on the same screen,ibid.can be confusing. In such cases, repeating the source’s abbreviated form might be clearer for the reader.
Consistency Matters
Whichever method you chooseibid.or shortened citations be consistent throughout your paper. Mixing both styles may appear careless or unprofessional.
Examples in Context
Here’s how you might useibid.effectively in a series of footnotes:
1. Mary Johnson,Modern Philosophy(Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2020), 85. 2. Ibid. 3. Ibid., 87. 4. David Lee,Contemporary Ethics(Boston: Beacon Press, 2019), 65. 5. Johnson,Modern Philosophy, 90.
Note thatibid.is only used in notes 2 and 3, where Johnson’s book is cited in direct succession. In note 5, because another source (Lee) is cited in between, a shortened citation is used instead ofibid..
When to Avoid Using Ibid.
While acceptable, there are moments when usingibid.might be best avoided:
- If the paper is being submitted in a digital format where scrolling to check citations is inconvenient.
- If you’re writing for a reader unfamiliar with Latin abbreviations.
- If you want to keep all references fully visible for transparency and ease.
In these situations, Turabian 9th edition fully supports the use of concise, repeated citations instead.
Using Ibid. with Clarity
Usingibid.in Turabian 9th edition remains a useful tool for reducing redundancy in scholarly writing, especially in the Notes and Bibliography format. Its simplicity, when used properly, can keep your paper clean and readable. However, as citation standards evolve and digital formats become more common, writers should evaluate whetheribid.enhances or hinders clarity. By understanding the rules, recognizing alternatives, and maintaining consistency, you can applyibid.effectively and in accordance with modern academic expectations.