Use an “/s switch” if the output style normally contains page numbers in the in-text citation (for example, MLA)
The /s switch is an override for the page numbers stored in the database record. By applying this switch you can cite specific page numbers in an in-text citation, footnote or endnote.
To insert a specific page number (for example, page 42) in the citation, the citation code will look like this: {{1 Smith,Ralph 2009/s 42;}}
The in-text citiation will now include the page number 42 instead of the page number(s) stored in the reference itself. After formatting, the citation will look like this: (Smith 42)
Note: The original page number in your reference will print in the bibliography -- not the number you use in the in-text citation or endnote.
Use an “/f switch” if the output style does NOT normally contain page numbers (for example, APA)
This switch is used to place text at the end of a specific reference citation in an output style that does not normally contain page numbers in the in-text citation or footnote. You can use this switch to add page numbers after the author and year information. Your citation code would look like this, {{1 Smith,Ralph 2003/f p. 43;}}. After formatting it would be, (Smith 2003 p. 43).
General Notes
MLA: use /s switch
APA: use /f switch
The easiest way to tell if you should use the /s or the /f switch is when you are in Write-N-Cite and using the citation editor: if you see a page number in the in-text citation or footnote preview, then you can modify it with the /s switch. If you do not see a page number in the preview, then you must use the /f switch feature.
If you are not using Write-N-Cite and the citation editor, you can use the output style preview utility to see whether your potential output style uses page numbers in-text or in the footnote.
Make sure your switch is placed before the semi-colon in your citation placeholder. Also include any spacing and punctuation you want between the citation and the additional information you are adding. For example: if you want an in-text citation to be (Smith 2003, p.43) your temporary placeholder with the switch would look like this {{1 Smith 2003/f, p. 43}} (bold used for emphasis only).
Examples of Using Switches
Q. I'm writing a paper and I want to use the APA style. I insert a citation placeholder and then want to include a page number. I click on the Edit Citation link. I select my APA style and then I see a preview of my in-text citation. There is no page number in the in-text citation. In order to include a page number what do I do?
A. I use the /f switch to add my page number.
Q. I'm writing another paper and this time, I use the MLA style. I insert a citation placeholder and then want to include a specific page number. I click on the Edit Citation link. I select my MLA style and then I see a preview of my in-text citation. There is a page number in the in-text citation. In order to include a page number what do I do?
A. I use the /s switch to override the page number in my record and add my specific page number.
Q. I am writing yet another paper but this time...I am using footnotes and the Chicago Notes style. I need to change the page number and I want to remove the pub year, both of which appear in my preview. What do I do?
A. I use the /s switch to change the page number and I will manually have to remove the pub year after the paper has been formatted, as the /s switch is the ONLY switch that will work with footnotes styles (and those styles MUST have the page number defined in the footnote).
