Citing a citation within a citation, often called a secondary source citation, is a key academic skill that lets you reference an idea originally published by one author but accessed through another writer’s work. This article explains how to cite a citation within a citation in APA, MLA, and Chicago styles, why it matters, and the best practices to keep your research ethical and clear when you cannot consult the original text.
Introduction
In scholarly writing, we aim to build arguments on primary sources. Even so, there are many situations where the original book or article is out of print, written in an inaccessible language, or simply unavailable through your library. When Author A’s study is described inside Author B’s paper and you only read Author B, you must use a citation within a citation. This method tells your reader that you are relying on a secondhand account, not the original finding. Learning how to cite a citation within a citation protects your credibility and respects intellectual honesty Simple as that..
Why You Might Need a Secondary Source Citation
Before diving into formats, it helps to understand common scenarios:
- The original study is too old or rare to obtain.
- The primary source is published in a language you do not read.
- You found the reference inside a textbook or review article.
- The original data appears only as a quoted passage in another author’s work.
Using a secondary citation should be the exception, not the rule. Whenever possible, locate and read the original source to verify the context.
How to Cite a Citation Within a Citation in APA Style
The American Psychological Association (APA) 7th edition uses the phrase “as cited in” for secondary sources Most people skip this — try not to..
Basic Format
In-text citation:
(Original Author, year, as cited in Secondary Author, year)
For example:
(Piaget, 1952, as cited in Smith, 2020)
In your reference list, you only include the secondary source (Smith, 2020) because you did not read Piaget directly.
Step-by-Step APA Method
- Identify the original author and year from the secondary text.
- Note the secondary author, year, and page if available.
- Write the in-text citation with “as cited in.”
- List only the secondary source in the reference list.
This approach ensures transparency while following APA rules for a citation within a citation.
How to Cite a Citation Within a Citation in MLA Style
About the Mo —dern Language Association (MLA) 9th edition also uses “qtd. in” (quoted in) for indirect citations.
Basic Format
(Original Author qtd. in Secondary Author page number)
Example:
(Freud qtd. in Johnson 45)
In the Works Cited page, you list only the source you actually consulted (Johnson). MLA does not require you to mention the original in the bibliography unless you accessed it.
Key Reminders for MLA
- Use qtd. in only for direct quotes taken secondhand.
- For a paraphrase of the original via another text, you may write:
As Johnson explains, Freud argued… (45).
- Always prioritize reading the primary text when feasible.
How to Cite a Citation Within a Citation in Chicago Style
Chicago offers two systems: notes-bibliography and author-date. Both allow secondary citations That's the part that actually makes a difference..
Notes-Bibliography Style
In your footnote:
- Original Author, Title (Place: Publisher, Year), quoted in Secondary Author, Title (Place: Publisher, Year), page.
Or shorter:
- Original Author, Year, as quoted in Secondary Author, Year, page.
Author-Date Style
Parenthetical:
(Original Author Year, as cited in Secondary Author Year)
The bibliography includes only the secondary source.
Scientific Explanation of Source Hierarchy
Academic research operates on a hierarchy of evidence. A secondary source interprets or reports on primary works. That said, a primary source provides direct data or first-hand theory. A citation within a citation sits at a third level of removal Surprisingly effective..
When you cite a citation within a citation, you introduce potential drift in meaning. The secondary author may simplify, critique, or even misrepresent the original. Which means, scholars treat secondary citations as weaker evidence. Understanding this hierarchy helps you decide whether to invest time finding the original or to proceed with a transparent indirect citation.
Best Practices for Citing a Citation Within a Citation
To maintain quality and trust:
- Limit secondary citations to unavoidable cases.
- Clearly signal the indirect nature using “as cited in” or “qtd. in.”
- Avoid stacking multiple indirect sources (e.g., A cited in B cited in C).
- Document the secondary source fully so readers can trace your step.
- Use bold labels in your notes if managing many references: e.g., Secondary source used.
Following these practices strengthens your paper even when you must cite a citation within a citation Small thing, real impact. That alone is useful..
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many students unintentionally break citation rules through these errors:
- Listing the original author in the reference list without reading the work.
- Forgetting to mark the citation as indirect.
- Mixing style guides (e.g., using APA in-text with MLA bibliography).
- Overusing secondary citations, which weakens argument authority.
Correcting these habits early improves your academic writing Less friction, more output..
FAQ
Can I cite a citation within a citation in my thesis?
Yes, but most universities prefer primary sources. Use secondary citations sparingly and explain why the original was inaccessible.
Do I need to read the original to use a secondary citation?
No, by definition you have not. But you must state that your knowledge comes through another author The details matter here..
Is “as cited in” the same in all styles?
The concept is similar, but the wording differs: APA uses “as cited in,” MLA uses “qtd. in,” and Chicago accepts both phrases.
What if the secondary source is a website?
The same rules apply. Cite the website as the secondary source and note the original author inside the text It's one of those things that adds up..
How many secondary citations are too many?
If more than 10–15% of your references are indirect, reconsider your source-gathering strategy.
Conclusion
Knowing how to cite a citation within a citation is an essential part of responsible scholarly communication. Whether you use APA, MLA, or Chicago, the core principle remains: be honest about which text you actually read. On the flip side, by applying “as cited in” or “qtd. in” correctly, limiting secondary references, and prioritizing original sources whenever possible, you maintain academic integrity and help readers follow your evidence. A well-handled citation within a citation shows maturity as a researcher and ensures your work can withstand scrutiny while still engaging with the broader conversation in your field.
The official docs gloss over this. That's a mistake.
Practical Example Across Styles
To see these principles in action, consider a scenario where you read a 2021 book by Lopez that quotes a 1998 study by Tanaka. You have not accessed Tanaka’s original article.
- APA: (Tanaka, 1998, as cited in Lopez, 2021)
- MLA: (Tanaka qtd. in Lopez 221)
- Chicago: (Tanaka 1998, cited in Lopez 2021, 45)
In your reference list, only Lopez (2021) appears, since that is the source you consulted. This transparent indirect citation allows the reader to verify your step without implying firsthand engagement with Tanaka.
Tools and Templates to Simplify the Process
Managing secondary citations becomes easier with reference managers such as Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote. Create a custom field or tag—for instance, “indirect” or Secondary source used—to flag entries that rely on another author’s quotation. Many word processors also support footnote macros that auto-insert “as cited in” phrasing based on your style guide. Keeping a working log of original-versus-secondary sources during research prevents last-minute confusion and reduces accidental misattribution.
Final Thoughts
Mastering the citation within a citation is less about rigid formatting and more about intellectual honesty. The moment you signal clearly that an idea reached you through a intermediary text, you protect both your credibility and the reader’s ability to reconstruct your reasoning. In practice, as digital archives expand and paywalled studies remain out of reach, secondary citations will persist as a necessary scholarly tool—but they should never replace the deeper authority of primary engagement. Treat each indirect reference as a small act of trust: name the step you took, show the path you followed, and let your transparency speak for your rigor.
