What it looks like
An example from Nursing.
Nurses must keep clear and accurate records (NMC 2018). Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to stop infections spreading between patients [WHO hand hygiene guidelines]. Both are part of safe, accountable practice (Nursing and Midwifery Council, The Code, 2018).
Nurses must keep clear and accurate records (Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2018). Hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to stop infections spreading between patients (World Health Organization, 2009). Both are part of safe, accountable practice (Nursing and Midwifery Council, 2018).
Why markers write it
Consistent referencing lets the marker check your sources quickly and shows care with academic conventions. Most UK marking criteria include referencing under presentation or academic practice, and some modules set a specific style. When citations are messy, it can also be hard to tell which ideas came from which source.
How to fix it in your next essay
- 1Find your department’s style guideCheck the module handbook for the required style. Harvard in particular varies, so follow your university’s version exactly.
- 2Use a reference managerZotero, EndNote or Mendeley can format citations for you, but check the output: they make mistakes too.
- 3Do one referencing pass at the endCheck every in-text citation against the reference list: same names, same years, same format, nothing missing.
How much it costs
Referencing is usually a small part of the mark in UK schemes, but it’s one of the easiest places to lose marks and to win them back. Missing citations are a different matter and can raise academic integrity concerns.
Other ways markers say it
- “Inconsistent referencing”
- “Check your referencing style”
- “Referencing needs attention”
- “Follow the referencing guide”
- “Citations not in the required format”
Often written alongside
Common questions
- Is inconsistent referencing plagiarism?
- Not on its own. Plagiarism is using others’ work without credit. Inconsistent formatting is a presentation problem, but missing citations can be plagiarism.
- Which referencing style is best?
- The one your department asks for. If none is specified, ask your module leader, then use it consistently.