How to Use Cite, Sight and Site Correctly

Word meanings in the English language can be confusing because so many words that sound the same have different spellings and meanings. Using the incorrect word will confuse others and make you seem uneducated. Follow the steps below to learn the definition of similar-sounding "cite," "sight" and "site," plus get tips for how to tell them apart.

Instructions

Cite

1. Compare the verb "cite" to its most common synonyms: quote, mention, reference, illustrate, arraign and summon.

2. Think about more familiar, related words that use the same root or prefix. For example, "citation" has the same root "cit" and a similar meaning: a reference to an authority, a quoted passage, a summons, a mention or an award.

3. Memorize a phrase that pairs "cite" with one of the familiar terms with a similar meaning that you understand better. For example, memorize the phrase "Cite a citation" and recall it whenever you are unsure whether to use cite, sight or site.

Sight

1. Consider the noun "sight" within one of two contexts: "vision" and "appearance." Its synonyms for vision include eyesight, view, vista and scene. In the context of appearance, you can replace it with the synonyms aspect, look, spectacle, display, visibility and observation.

2. Use "sight" as a verb: its word meanings include to see, glimpse, notice, observe, target or aim toward.

3. Think of the compound words "sightseeing" and "eyesight" whenever you wonder whether "sight" is the appropriate word to use. Almost everyone understands the nouns "sightseeing" and "eyesight" and their inclusion of the term "sight" will easily illustrate whether it is the correct noun to use under the circumstances.

Site

1. Understand that "site" is mostly commonly used as a noun defined as a position or location.

2. Know that "site" is also an action word meaning to locate, to position, to put or to place.

3. Compare "site" to related and more commonly used words "situation" and "situate." Situation is a noun whereas situate is a verb. Think of the phrases "situate a site" or "the site of the situation" when wondering whether to use "site" in a sentence.

Tips & Warnings

• Synonyms are words that share the same meaning.

• A noun is a person, place or thing, like dog or umbrella.

• A verb is an action word, like to run or laugh.

Resources

• Learn new words by signing up for the word of the day at the Dictionary website.
• Purchase an online subscription to the Oxford English Dictionary, known as the definitive authority of the history of the English language.