"sic" in a quotation

Question

Hi,

I'm quoting this sentence in my dissertation:

"... there is no guarantee that the images of ‘sustainable cities’ or of ‘cosmopolitan urbanity’ promoted by communities of professional experts and activists connect to the was different citizens value their localities and dreams of futures."

(I've copied it exactly as it is, no typing mistakes of mine

). I'd appreciate it, if a native speaker confirmed that in the original text there's a typo, so that I can write:

" ... there is no guarantee that the images of ‘sustainable cities’ or of ‘cosmopolitan urbanity’ promoted by communities of professional experts and activists connect to the was (sic) different citizens value their localities and dreams of futures."

Thank you in advance!

Feebs11 · Accepted Answer

You have it correctly.

MrPedantic · Answer

Yes; it looks like a mistake for "ways".

"Sic" should appear in italics in non-italicised square brackets: [sic].

MrP

Tanit · Answer

Thank you both, Feebs & MrP!

Also, thanks for this piece of information:

MrPedantic"Sic" should appear in italics in non-italicised square brackets: [sic].

I had never heard of that, so I did a bit of research ... really useful.

Philip · Answer

TanitThank you both, Feebs & MrP!

Also, thanks for this piece of information:
MrPedantic"Sic" should appear in italics in non-italicised square brackets: [sic].

I had never heard of that, so I did a bit of research ... really useful. It's in italics because it's a Latin word.

Just one more bit of relevant information.

BarbaraPA · Answer

Just one more viewpoint -

I don't disagree with anything that has been written, but there are some people who see [sic] as a way of saying "Ha! I know this person made a mistake and couldn't resist point it out." This is particulary true when it's a grammar mistake. I know there are legitimate reasons to use sic, but there is an alternative.

When it's clearly a typo, as in this example, you can do the kind thing and correct it, and you note that it was your correction by putting the correction in square brackets. So you would simply put [ways] in where where "was" had been.

Tanit · Answer

Hi,

Thank you all for your comments

PhilipIt's in italics because it's a Latin word.

Thanks, Philip. If I were Monica in Friends I'd say, "I know!"

What I didn't know was the parentheses thing (I mean, square and non-italicised brakets). I've learnt that, since it is a matter of style, there is a lack of agreement on how they should be written. What MrP suggested seems the most common way, consistent with the Chicago Manual of Style.

Grammar Geek... When it's clearly a typo, as in this example, you can do the kind thing and correct it, and you note that it was your correction by putting the correction in square brackets. So you would simply put [ways] in where where "was" had been.

Thanks, Barbara. I know that, as a professional, you're very good at style, so I'll take your advice.

MrPedantic · Answer

Hello Tanit,

Tanitthe parentheses thing

I should have added: square brackets denote an editorial insertion.

I would agree with GG about the use of sic; its purpose is to eliminate genuine doubt as to the accuracy of the text.

Good luck with the dissertation!

MrP

Tanit · Answer

MrPedanticGood luck with the dissertation!

Thanks!
Many posters in this forum helped me sail through my essays. I'm just starting writing the dissertation, so I will most likely pop up here with some of my terrible sentences in desperate need for an editor

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PS: "I will most likely pop up here": is it correct?

BarbaraPA · Answer

"Pop up" is just right! Good luck from me too.

PS - Does your dissertation have to do with sustainability? I'm learning more and more about that every day.

"sic" in a quotation

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