cite, sight and site - the difference
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Cite means to mention or to quote. Sight relates to vision. Site means a piece of land or to assign a position to. |
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The words cite, sight, and site have different meanings, but they sound identical. As a consequence, some writers fail to differentiate between them. SightSight relates to vision. It is the power of seeing (i.e., perception by the eyes). It can also be something that is seen (e.g., What a beautiful sight.)Examples:  The newborn foal was an emotional sight for all of us.
After the laser treatment, her sight was perfect.
SiteThe noun site refers to a piece of land (e.g., building site). As a verb, to site means to position in a place (e.g., I will site the slide near the swings.)Examples: There are
three landfill sites in the local vicinity.
Mr Dodds
claimed his tools had been stolen from the archaeological site.
CiteThe verb cite means to quote, to refer to, to summon to appear before a court of law or simply to mention.Examples: The lecturer
cited several instances of illegal behaviour.
The young
inspector was cited for his outstanding achievements.
Remember to
cite expert opinion to support your points.
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THE CULPRIT IS SITE
The word site (meaning a piece of land) is the one that causes problems. The most common error relating to these three words is writing sight instead of site.
TRADESMAN'S ENTRANCE
A site often describes a place where building work is taking place. You can remember the definition of site using the te to remind you of tradesman's entrance. (A site is likely to have a tradesman's entrance.) A SITE IS A PLACE If that tradesman's entrance idea doesn't help you, the bottom line is this: A site is a place (e.g. a building site, a camping site, a website). |
See also:
What are verbs?
What are nouns?
Glossary of easily confused words
Glossary of common errors
Glossary of grammatical terms