Plagiarism, the act of using someone else's work or ideas without proper acknowledgment, is a significant ethical issue in academia and professional writing. One of the most effective ways to avoid plagiarism is through proper citation. This article explores the role of citation in avoiding plagiarism, highlighting its importance, the different citation styles, and best practices for accurate citation. Understanding Plagiarism Plagiarism involves presenting another person’s work, ideas, or expressions as one’s own. It can range from direct copying to paraphrasing someone else’s work without acknowledgment. Plagiarism is not just an academic issue; it affects writers, researchers, and professionals across various fields. The consequences of plagiarism can be severe, including damage to one’s reputation, academic penalties, and legal repercussions. The Importance of Citation Citation serves several critical functions in academic and professional writing: Acknowledgment of Sources :