What is a in text reference?

An in-text reference is a citation within the body of a written work that acknowledges the source of information, ideas, or quotes. It typically includes the author's last name and the publication year, allowing readers to locate the full reference in the bibliography or works cited section. This practice is essential for maintaining academic integrity and giving proper credit to original authors. Different citation styles, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago, have specific formats for in-text references.