What Does Sic Mean? By Anita Collins On Prezi Video

Cover Do you use [sic] when quoting a pleading and the allegation has typos in it? Don’t want to come (1200x628)

Table of Contents

1. What is ‘Sic’?
2. When to Use ‘Sic’?
3. How to Use ‘Sic’?
4. Common Mistakes When Using ‘Sic’
5. Alternatives to ‘Sic’

What is ‘Sic’?

‘Sic’ is a Latin term that means "thus" or "so." It is used to indicate that a quoted passage contains an error or an unconventional use of language, and that the error or unconventional use is reproduced exactly as it appears in the original text.

The word ‘sic’ is usually italicized and placed in square brackets immediately after the error or unconventional usage in the quoted text. For example:

"I think the movie was definately [sic] worth watching."

The use of [sic] in the above sentence indicates that the word "definately" is spelled incorrectly in the original text, but has been reproduced exactly as it appears, without correction, in the quote.

When to Use ‘Sic’?

‘Sic’ should only be used when there is an error or unconventional usage in the quoted text that needs to be pointed out. It is often used in academic writing, journalism, and legal documents, where accuracy and precision are of utmost importance.

‘Sic’ is not appropriate for use in everyday communication or informal writing, as it can come across as pedantic or snobbish. It is also not necessary to use ‘sic’ for minor errors, such as typos or grammatical mistakes, unless they are relevant to the context or meaning of the quoted text.

How to Use ‘Sic’?

The following guidelines can help you use ‘sic’ properly:

• Always italicize ‘sic’ and place it in square brackets immediately after the error or unconventional usage in the quoted text.
• Do not use ‘sic’ for errors that are clearly typographical, such as misspelled words, unless they are relevant to the context or meaning of the quoted text.
• Do not use ‘sic’ to mock or ridicule the quoted text or its author.
• Use ‘sic’ sparingly, only when necessary to clarify or emphasize a point, and not as a substitute for an editorial comment or correction.
• When using ‘sic’ in a quote that contains multiple errors, only use it after the first error, unless there is a specific reason to highlight the other errors as well.

Common Mistakes When Using ‘Sic’

Some common mistakes to avoid when using ‘sic’ include:

• Overusing ‘sic’ or using it unnecessarily, which can make your writing appear pompous or condescending.
• Using ‘sic’ to correct or criticize the quoted text, which is not its intended purpose.
• Forgetting to italicize ‘sic’ or placing it in the wrong position in relation to the error or unconventional usage.
• Using ‘sic’ for errors that are clearly typographical or irrelevant to the context or meaning of the quoted text.
• Using ‘sic’ inconsistently, which can make your writing appear sloppy or unprofessional.

Alternatives to ‘Sic’

If you prefer not to use ‘sic’ or feel that it is not appropriate for your writing, there are several alternatives that you can use:

• If the error or unconventional usage is minor, you can simply correct it without using any notation.
• If the error or unconventional usage is significant but not crucial to the quoted text, you can use the phrase "as written" or "in the original" to indicate that you are reproducing the text exactly as it appears.
• If the error or unconventional usage is crucial to the quoted text, you can use a footnote or an endnote to explain the error or provide additional context.

Conclusion

‘Sic’ is a useful tool for indicating errors or unconventional usage in quoted text, but it should be used sparingly and only when necessary. When using ‘sic,’ it is important to follow the proper guidelines and avoid common mistakes, such as overusing or misusing the notation. If you prefer not to use ‘sic,’ there are several alternatives that you can use to indicate that you are reproducing the text exactly as it appears in the original.