Mistakes Checklist

Common Vancouver Article Citation Mistakes

Published studies report citation/reference error rates between 25-54%. Use this page to catch the most frequent formatting failures before submission.

Top mistakes to avoid

  • Omitting the date
  • Using author-date format
  • Italicizing publication name
  • Forgetting section designation

Fix checklist

  • Include section name when available
  • Use full date for newspapers
  • No italics needed
  • Keep numbered citation format

Frequently asked questions

How do I cite an online news article?

Add [Internet] after publication name and include [cited Date] and URL.

Are newspaper articles appropriate for medical papers?

Prefer peer-reviewed sources when possible. Use news articles for current events context only.

Build the corrected citation now

Use the template and guide, then generate the final citation from verified academic sources.