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Citing Sources

1. The Core Principle of AP Style Citation

AP Style does not use:

  • Footnotes
  • Endnotes
  • Parenthetical citations
  • Bibliographies

Instead, AP Style uses in‑story attribution — short, clear statements that tell the reader where information came from.

AP Style Citation =

“According to…”  

“The report said…”  

“Police said…”  

“The company confirmed…”

This keeps journalism transparent, readable, and fast.

2. How to Attribute Information (The Basics)

Attribution must be:

  • Clear
  • Direct
  • Specific
  • Placed early in the sentence

Correct Examples

  • According to the FDA, the product is safe.
  • The company said the update will roll out Friday.
  • Police said the suspect fled the scene.
  • The report found that 62 percent of users prefer dark mode.

Incorrect

The product is safe.  

  • (Who says so?)

3. When to Attribute Information

You must cite a source when:

  • The information is not common knowledge
  • The information is controversial
  • The information is new
  • The information comes from research, data, or reports
  • The information comes from another publication
  • The information comes from a person or organization

Do NOT attribute:

  • Obvious facts
  • Your own reporting
  • Widely known information

Example:

You don’t need to attribute “The sky is blue.”

4. How to Cite People (Interviews, Statements, Quotes)

A. Direct Quotes

Use direct quotes for strong, emotional, or official statements.

Example

“We’re ready for the challenge,” the coach said.

B. Paraphrasing

Use paraphrasing for long, technical, or repetitive statements.

Example

The coach said the team is prepared for the challenge.

C. Partial Quotes

Use sparingly to highlight key words.

Example

The CEO called the update “a major milestone.”

5. How to Cite Reports, Studies, and Data

AP Style requires clear source naming.

Correct

  • According to a report from the Pew Research Center…
  • A study published by the CDC found…
  • The company’s earnings report shows…

Avoid vague attribution

  • Studies show…
  • Experts say…
  • Reports indicate…

Always name the source unless anonymity is necessary.

6. How to Cite Other News Outlets

AP Style allows citing other publications, but you must:

  • Name the outlet
  • Attribute clearly
  • Avoid copying their language

Correct

  • According to The New York Times, the deal is worth $2 billion.
  • Bloomberg reported that the company plans to expand.

Incorrect

Reports say the deal is worth $2 billion.  

  • (Which reports?)

7. How to Cite Social Media Posts

AP Style requires:

  • The platform
  • The account name
  • The context

Correct

  • In a post on X, Elon Musk said…
  • Taylor Swift wrote on Instagram…
  • The company announced on Facebook…

Do NOT

  • Embed without attribution
  • Quote without context
  • Use screenshots without naming the source

8. How to Cite Anonymous Sources

Use only when:

  • Information is essential
  • The source faces risk
  • The editor approves

Correct

  • A company employee, who requested anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly, said…

Incorrect

A source said…  

  • (Too vague)

9. Placement of Attribution (Where It Goes)

AP Style prefers attribution at the beginning or end of a sentence — not buried in the middle.

Best

  • According to the report, sales increased 12 percent.
  • Sales increased 12 percent, according to the report.

Avoid

  • Sales, according to the report, increased 12 percent.

10. Ethical Rules for AP Style Citation

A. Never plagiarize

Always rewrite in your own words unless quoting directly.

B. Never take quotes out of context

Quotes must reflect the speaker’s intent.

C. Never imply certainty when the source is unsure

If the source says “may,” “might,” or “could,” you must keep that language.

D. Always verify

Never cite unverified claims.

11. Quick Reference Cheat Sheet (Copy for Contributors)

Use “According to…” for:

  • Reports
  • Studies
  • Data
  • Government documents

Use “said” for:

  • People
  • Companies
  • Agencies
  • Spokespersons

Use “reported” for:

  • Other news outlets

Use “posted on X/Instagram/Facebook” for:

  • Social media content

Never use:

  • Footnotes
  • Parenthetical citations
  • Academic citation formats

12. Final Takeaway for Total Apex Writers

AP Style citation is built on:

  • Clarity
  • Transparency
  • Accuracy
  • Ethics
  • Reader trust

Mastering attribution ensures every Total Apex article is credible, professional, and newsroom‑ready — the standard you’re building across all verticals.