Using Footnotes in Essays

Purpose of Footnotes

• Reference Authority: Footnotes can be used to reference authoritative sources.
• Source Acknowledgement: They acknowledge the sources of information.
• Additional Comments: Footnotes can provide additional comments or explanations relevant to the text.

Inserting Footnotes

• Placement in Text: Insert a footnote number in the essay text where a reference is needed.

  • The number corresponds to detailed information at the bottom of the page.
  • Footnote numbers start at 1 and increase cumulatively.

• Location in Microsoft Word:

  • Click where you want the footnote.
  • Go to the top ribbon, select the References menu.
  • Choose Insert Footnote.
  • A footnote number will appear in the text and a corresponding entry at the bottom of the page.

Formatting Footnotes

• Position: Place the footnote number at the end of the sentence after the full stop.

  • If needed for clarity, place it directly after the relevant text, after any punctuation.

• Multiple Sources: Separate multiple sources in a footnote with a semicolon.

• Punctuation: Ensure each footnote ends with a full stop or appropriate closing punctuation.