“Ibid” is a Latin abbreviation, derived from the word “ibidem,” meaning “in the same place,” and is often utilized to streamline repetitive citations within a document. Let’s explore the definition of “ibid” and delve into examples to illustrate its application.
Definition:
“Ibid” is an abbreviation commonly used in academic writing to refer to the same source cited in the immediately preceding citation. By inserting “ibid,” writers can avoid redundancy by signaling that the subsequent citation originates from the same work, author, and page number as the one just mentioned.
Examples:
- Book Citation:
- Author: John A. Smith
- Book Title: “The Art of History”
- First Citation: (Smith, The Art of History, 2020, p. 45)
- Second Citation: (Ibid, p. 50)
- Explanation: The “ibid” here indicates that the information on page 50 is from the same book by John A. Smith as the previous citation.
- Journal Article:
- Author: Mary L. Johnson
- Article Title: “Exploring Cultural Shifts”
- First Citation: (Johnson, “Exploring Cultural Shifts,” Journal of Sociology, 2018, p. 112)
- Second Citation: (Ibid, p. 120)
- Explanation: In this instance, “ibid” signifies that the subsequent citation pertains to the same journal article by Mary L. Johnson as the prior reference.
- Multiple Citations in a Row:
- Author: Robert M. Thompson
- Book Title: “Economics Unveiled”
- First Citation: (Thompson, Economics Unveiled, 2019, p. 28)
- Second Citation: (Ibid, p. 34)
- Third Citation: (Ibid, p. 42)
- Explanation: “Ibid” is used successively to denote that the information cited comes from consecutive pages of the same book.
- A source with Multiple Authors:
- Authors: Anderson, Brown, and Carter
- Book Title: “Innovation in Business”
- First Citation: (Anderson, Brown, & Carter, Innovation in Business, 2017, p. 88)
- Second Citation: (Ibid, p. 92)
- Explanation: “Ibid” is applicable even when the source has multiple authors, signifying consistency in citation.
Usage Tip: While “ibid” is a valuable tool in academic writing, it’s crucial to adhere to the citation style guide recommended by the institution or publication. Some style guides prefer the full citation format over the use of “ibid” in certain situations, so writers should be attentive to the guidelines provided.
In the realm of academic discourse, “ibid” stands as a time-saving convention, enabling writers to maintain precision and conciseness in their references. As you navigate the intricacies of citation, consider incorporating “ibid” judiciously to enhance the clarity and efficiency of your scholarly work.