By Whether you are writing a blog post or an academic paper, backing your statements with relevant citations is a must.
Without adding references in your writing, it will lead to plagiarism. You will lose your reputation. In academic writing, there are a lot of consequences you will face.
On the other hand, if you add proper, relevant citations, your readers will easily verify the source.
Moreover, it is also essential that you will need to respect and credit the original authors.
In the field of academics, the work is usually built on prior work. Also, there are many kinds of citations available, and it is a bit confusing which one to use in the content.
So, in this post, I will teach you different kinds of referencing styles. And how to use them.
What are Referencing Styles?
Well, to help you understand in some words what reference is, these are the various systems that accept different sources used in research.
It means you need to take ideas from different sources and never depend on 1 source. Also, you need to give credit to others’ work.
Further, it proves you grasp the author’s work. Then you can expand your own work by offering value.
There are 4 different referencing styles used in academics, some of them are APA, MLA, Harvard, and Chicago.
In order to ensure that your sources are presented in an understandable and uniform manner, these styles have proven guidelines for formatting footnotes, reference lists, and bibliographies.
In addition to reducing the possibility of plagiarism, proper referencing improves the readability and formativeness of your work.
Different Kinds of Referencing Styles in 2025
1. MLA Reference Format
The humanities are the primary field that uses the Modern Languages Association (MLA) style. The author-page number system is used in the MLA referencing style.
The author’s last name and the page number or page in parentheses are used to cite the sources.
“Here’s a direct quote” (Smith 8). If the author’s name is not assigned, in that case, you can use the first word or words of the title.
2. Harvard Referencing Style
This kind of citation is usually used in UK universities. But this style normally uses an author data system.
You need to use this style by offering the surname of the author. And after offering the year of publication.
Some rules to add Harvard style in writing.
- Multiple writers: If there are two or more writers, arrange their initials and last names alphabetically.
- Editors—When referencing a book that has been edited by many authors, identify the editors in the order they appear on the title page, following the book’s title.
- Internet resources: You should include the URL or DOI (digital object identifier) in the reference if you are referencing an online source.
- Date of access: If the online source was access on a certain day, mention that date in the reference.
If you are a student in the UK and need help with Harvard style, in that case reach out to expert CIPD Assignment Help UK. They have a team of the best researchers who can help you add proper citations.
3. Chicago Referencing Style
This referencing style is most widely use in the humanities field. This style usually uses a footnote system.
While using this style, you need to add a superscript once you offer the info and the reference details.
Also, you will need to offer the footnote at the bottom of the page.
In Chicago referencing, there are two primary systems.
- In literature, the arts, and history, notes and bibliographies are widely used. There are citations in the endnotes or footnotes, and there is a bibliography, but no reference list.
- Author-Date: Valid in social and scientific fields. Add a reference list and in-text citations.
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4. APA
The American Psychological Association widely uses this format. And this style is mostly used in social sciences and psychology.
However, it is now widely use in many different areas because of its direct and efficient features.
The 7th edition of the APA is being used in the contemporary academic setting. Authors who are at ease with the parenthetical referencing style tend to employ it.
The last name of the author and the year of publication use in the APA in-text citation format, as in Field, 2005.
Add the page number when using direct quotations, as in this case: (Field, 2005, p. 14)
Why is Referencing Vital in the Essential?
- Correct Citations Help Prevent Plagiarism: It assists authors in giving credit to the original authors. Also, theft will reduce from the content as a result.
- Reading comprehension is boosted by using various citation styles. Further, the flow is not mess up, allowing the reader to consult the original source.
- Making Your Work Credible: Correct citations shows that you have done your homework and assist others in checking your sources.
