How & When Should You Cite ChatGPT in Academic Work
Answer
(APA • MLA • Chicago + AI Use Statement)
✅ When to Cite ChatGPT
- You quote its exact words.
- You paraphrase or summarize its output.
- You rely on unique ideas or interpretations from ChatGPT.
You don’t need to cite if: You only used it for brainstorming and rewrote everything in your own words, or you verified info and cited the original sources instead.
📚 Citation Formats
Reference list:
OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (July 2025 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/
In-text: (OpenAI, 2025)
Works Cited:
“Response to ‘Explain quantum computing in simple terms.’” ChatGPT, 24 July 2025, chat.openai.com.
In-text: (“Response to ‘Explain quantum computing…’”)
Notes and Bibliography:
ChatGPT. Response to “Explain photosynthesis.” OpenAI. July 24, 2025. https://chat.openai.com/.
Author-Date:
ChatGPT. 2025. Response to “Explain photosynthesis.” July 24. OpenAI. https://chat.openai.com/.
🖊 AI Use Statement (Recommended)
“Portions of this paper were generated using ChatGPT (OpenAI, July 2025 version) to help explain and summarize concepts related to [topic]. The author reviewed, verified, and edited the content for accuracy and originality.”
✅ Key Tips
- Always verify facts from ChatGPT.
- Follow your instructor’s or publisher’s policy on AI use.
- Consider attaching your prompt and ChatGPT response in an appendix.