Reference notes · seven decoding rules
1 · 1 · Cf. sends you elsewhere
From Latin confer, it introduces a cross-reference for consultation or comparison. Follow the stated chapter, page or note to see the relationship.
Cf. le chapitre 3 pour une comparaison des deux méthodes.Consult chapter 3 for a comparison of the two methods.
2 · 2 · Ibid. reuses the preceding source
From ibidem, it applies to consecutive reference notes citing the same work. Identify the work before interpreting any page number.
Ibid., p. 28.The same work as in the preceding reference, page 28.
3 · 3 · A new page replaces the old page
In a consecutive chain, ibid. with no new locator normally retains the same location. Ibid., p. 35 retains the work but changes the page.
Ibid.The same work and location as in the preceding reference.
4 · 4 · S. d. identifies a missing date
Read it as sans date: a publication date is unavailable. It gives no indication that the document is recent. S.d. is a compact spelling you may encounter.
Association Lire ensemble, Guide de lecture, s. d.Association Lire ensemble, Reading Guide, no date.
5 · 5 · Et al. adds unnamed co-authors
The Latin abbreviation means “and others”. Et has no full stop; the abbreviated element al. does. It extends the author list.
Martin et al. (2021) comparent deux méthodes.Martin and colleagues (2021) compare two methods.
6 · 6 · Read locators as instructions
P. means page or pages; chap. means chapitre. A range such as p. 12–15 spans all four pages, including both ends.
Voir le chap. 2, p. 12–15.See chapter 2, pages 12–15.
7 · 7 · Stop an ibid. chain at a different work
A new full reference changes what the next ibid. can refer to. These shortcuts belong to particular citation systems; use the system requested by your editor.
Après une référence à Durand, « Ibid. » renvoie à Durand.After a reference to Durand, “Ibid.” refers to Durand.