What are Footnotes and How Do They Work?

A footnote is a reference or note placed at the bottom of a page, usually numbered and marked with a superscript number in the text. It provides additional information or clarification that is not essential to the main argument or narrative, but may be useful for readers who want to know more about a particular topic or source.

In academic writing, footnotes are commonly used to provide citations for sources, especially for books, articles, and other publications that are not easily incorporated into the main text. They can also be used to add explanatory notes, definitions, or background information that is not essential to the main argument.

In legal documents, footnotes may be used to provide additional information or clarification about specific laws or regulations, or to reference supporting evidence or precedents.

Overall, footnotes serve as a way to provide additional information or context without disrupting the flow of the main text, and they can be useful for readers who want to explore related topics or sources in more depth.