Cite means refer to a source or example. A site is a place or a website. Sight means the ability to see or something you see. The three words sound alike, so choose the spelling by what the sentence means.
Follow one writer’s visit to a dig
- “I’ll cite the field report in my article.” The writer will identify the source.
- “The team uncovered pottery at the site.” The word names the location of the dig.
- “The open trench was an unexpected sight.” The writer describes something they saw.
Check the meaning in common phrases
Use site in construction site and news site. Use sight in out of sight and at first sight. Use cite when you name a source, quote an example, or formally identify a violation.
Try it
“The tower is still in ___ from the ___ where we stopped. Please ___ the map in your report.”
Show the answer
Use sight for what is visible, site for the location, and cite for referring to the map.
See also Allusion vs. Illusion.
