Footnote

A note at the bottom of a page providing additional information or citations. Commonly used in Chicago and other humanities styles.

Why it matters

Footnotes allow you to cite sources and provide supplementary commentary without cluttering the main text. They are the primary citation method in several major styles including Chicago Notes-Bibliography, Turabian, and OSCOLA (law). Proper use of footnotes demonstrates your ability to engage with sources while maintaining a clear narrative.

How to use

Insert a superscript number in the text at the point of reference, then provide the corresponding note at the bottom of the same page. The first citation of a source in a footnote should include full bibliographic details; subsequent citations can use a shortened form. Most word processors automate footnote numbering and placement.

In academic writing

Footnotes are standard in history, philosophy, theology, law, and many other humanities disciplines. Students in these fields are expected to use footnote-based citation styles from early coursework onward. Footnotes also serve a dual purpose: they can cite sources and provide substantive commentary or cross-references that would interrupt the flow of the main argument.