You have an academic assignment to submit and your institution allows you to use ChatGPT Super! But how do you use this tool, and more importantly, how can you prove that your assignment is ethical?
It’s simple: just be transparent and cite ChatGPT according to the bibliographic style (APA, MLA, Chicago…) required by your instructors.
Why cite ChatGPT?
Citing ChatGPT allows you to:
- Avoid any confusion if the collected information might be questionable
- Help your instructors understand your approach
- Show that you are using generative AI tools appropriately
- Prove to AI detectors that your work is authentic
Generative AIs are sources like any other used in your research. So remember to cite ChatGPT in your bibliography.
Check your use of generative AI tools with Compilatio Studium, a similarity and AI detector designed for students.
How to cite ChatGPT?
It depends on the citation style required by your institution.
These bibliographic formats emphasize different elements, but the same information is needed to cite generative AI tools:
- Auteur : OpenAI
- Titre : ChatGPT
- Version du modèle : GPT-4
- Année d’utilisation : 2025
- URL : https://openai.com/
- Type de source/modèle de langage : Outil d’intelligence artificielle
Examples of citation:
Citing ChatGPT in APA style
- In‑text parentheses: (ChatGPT, OpenAI, 2025)
- Narrative in‑text: ChatGPT (OpenAI, 2025)
- Bibliography: OpenAI. (2025). ChatGPT (version GPT‑4o mini) [AI language model]. https://openai.com/
Citing ChatGPT in MLA style
- In‑text parentheses: (“How to cite ChatGPT”)
- Narrative in‑text: ChatGPT, “How to cite ChatGPT in MLA style”
- Bibliography: "How to cite ChatGPT in MLA style" prompt. ChatGPT, GPT‑4, OpenAI, 27 May 2025, https://openai.com/
For other formats (Chicago, Harvard Referencing, Vancouver, ABNT and IEEE): https://www.compilatio.net/en/blog/cite-chatgpt
💡 Did you know?
ChatGPT or any generative AI tool is not a fully reliable academic source. You can use it, provided you verify the accuracy of the information!
Learn more about quotation rules: https://www.compilatio.net/en/blog/quotation-rules-to-avoid-plagiarism