When inserting citations, where is the citation typically placed in relation to the preceding word?

The correct placement of citations is one space after the preceding word. This convention ensures clarity and maintains the flow of the text. When citing a source, the citation should visually connect to the material it supports, which typically involves placing it directly after the word or phrase it relates to, while also providing a clear space for readers to distinguish between the text and the citation.

Placing the citation directly after the relevant word fosters a seamless reading experience and indicates that the cited information pertains specifically to that part of the text. It aids in correct attribution, ensuring that readers know precisely what claims are being supported by the cited source, enhancing the document's credibility.

Other placements—such as before the word, at the end of the document, or after the punctuation mark—would disrupt this clarity and make it less obvious which part of the text is being cited, potentially leading to confusion for readers trying to track the origins of the information presented.