Understanding how to properly attribute sources and acknowledge contributions is crucial in academic writing, professional settings, and even everyday conversations. Using varied language to “give credit” not only enhances your writing style but also demonstrates a nuanced understanding of intellectual honesty and respect for others’ work.
This article explores a wide range of synonyms for the phrase “give credit,” providing definitions, examples, and practical exercises to help you master their usage. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply someone looking to improve their communication skills, this guide will equip you with the tools to express acknowledgment effectively and accurately.
This article is designed for English language learners of all levels, from intermediate to advanced, as well as native speakers seeking to refine their vocabulary and writing skills. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to confidently choose the most appropriate synonym for “give credit” in any given context, ensuring clarity, precision, and intellectual integrity in your communication.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of “Give Credit”
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of Synonyms
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Definition of “Give Credit”
To “give credit” means to publicly acknowledge someone’s contribution, idea, or work. It involves recognizing the source of information, inspiration, or creation and attributing it appropriately.
This is essential for maintaining academic integrity, avoiding plagiarism, and fostering a culture of respect and collaboration. The phrase encompasses both formal citations in academic papers and informal acknowledgments in everyday conversations.
The act of giving credit serves several important functions. Firstly, it upholds ethical standards by preventing the misappropriation of intellectual property.
Secondly, it provides readers or listeners with the opportunity to explore the original source of information and gain a deeper understanding of the topic. Finally, it acknowledges the efforts and expertise of the original creator, fostering a sense of fairness and appreciation.
Giving credit also demonstrates that you have conducted thorough research and are aware of the existing knowledge base in your field.
In academic and professional contexts, giving credit is not merely a suggestion but a requirement. Failure to do so can result in serious consequences, including academic penalties, professional repercussions, and damage to one’s reputation.
Therefore, understanding the nuances of how to give credit effectively is crucial for success in these domains.
Structural Breakdown
The phrase “give credit” typically follows a basic structure: Give + Credit + To + [Source] + For + [Contribution]. However, synonyms often require slightly different structures. Understanding these structural variations is key to using them correctly and effectively.
For example, while “give credit to” requires the preposition “to,” other synonyms might use different prepositions or none at all. Consider the difference between “attribute the discovery to Marie Curie” and “acknowledge Marie Curie’s contribution.” The choice of preposition and the word order can significantly impact the clarity and grammatical correctness of the sentence.
Furthermore, the “contribution” aspect can be expressed in various ways. It can be a specific idea, a piece of work, or a general area of expertise.
The choice of words used to describe the contribution should be precise and relevant to the context. Using vague or ambiguous language can undermine the effectiveness of the acknowledgment.
Here’s a breakdown of some common structural patterns:
- [Verb] + [Contribution] + To + [Source]: Example: Attribute the success to hard work.
- [Verb] + [Source] + For + [Contribution]: Example: Thank the team for their efforts.
- [Verb] + [Source]’s + [Contribution]: Example: Acknowledge Einstein’s theory.
- [Verb] + That + [Source] + [Contribution]: Example: Note that Smith discovered the effect.
Types and Categories of Synonyms
Synonyms for “give credit” can be categorized based on their nuance and context. Some emphasize formal attribution, while others are more suited for informal acknowledgments.
Understanding these distinctions will help you choose the most appropriate synonym for each situation.
Acknowledge
Acknowledge means to recognize or admit the truth or existence of something. It often implies a formal or public recognition of someone’s contribution.
Example: “We must acknowledge the contributions of the volunteers.”
Attribute
Attribute means to regard something as being caused by someone or something. It’s often used when assigning responsibility or authorship.
Example: “The company attributes its success to its innovative marketing strategies.”
Cite
Cite means to quote or refer to a source of information. It’s commonly used in academic writing to provide evidence and support arguments.
Example: “The researcher cited several studies to support his hypothesis.”
Recognize
Recognize means to acknowledge the existence, validity, or legality of something. It often implies a formal or official acknowledgment.
Example: “The university recognizes the student’s outstanding achievements.”
Credit To
Credit to is a direct synonym for “give credit to,” but it can sometimes sound less formal than other options.
Example: “Credit to the team for their tireless efforts.”
Ascribe
Ascribe means to attribute something to a cause or person. It’s similar to “attribute” but often implies a less direct or certain connection.
Example: “Some ascribe the economic downturn to government policies.”
Impute
Impute means to attribute something, especially a fault or crime, to someone. It often has a negative connotation.
Example: “He tried to impute blame to his colleagues.”
Thank
Thank is a more personal and informal way to acknowledge someone’s contribution, expressing gratitude for their help or support.
Example: “I want to thank my mentors for their guidance.”
Honor
Honor means to regard with great respect. It’s often used to acknowledge someone’s significant achievements or contributions.
Example: “The organization will honor the scientist for her groundbreaking research.”
Pay Homage
Pay homage means to show respect or reverence. It’s often used to acknowledge the influence of a predecessor or inspiration.
Example: “The artist pays homage to the masters of the Renaissance.”
Reference
Reference means to mention or allude to something. It’s often used in academic writing to connect one’s work to existing literature.
Example: “The author references numerous historical events in his novel.”
Mention
Mention means to refer to something briefly or casually. It’s a less formal way to acknowledge someone’s contribution.
Example: “He mentioned the research of his colleagues in his presentation.”
Note
Note means to pay attention to or take notice of something. It’s often used to highlight a specific fact or observation.
Example: “It is important to note that the results are preliminary.”
Point Out
Point out means to draw attention to something. It’s often used to highlight a specific aspect of someone’s work or contribution.
Example: “She pointed out the flaws in the previous research.”
Source
Source means to indicate the origin of information. It’s commonly used in journalism and research to identify the sources of information.
Example: “The journalist sourced his information from government documents.”
Dedicate
Dedicate means to devote something to a particular purpose or person. It’s often used to show respect and appreciation for someone’s influence or contribution.
Example: “The author dedicated his book to his parents.”
Examples
The following tables provide examples of how to use synonyms for “give credit” in different contexts. Each table focuses on a specific category of synonyms, illustrating their nuances and appropriate usage.
Table 1: Examples Using “Acknowledge” and “Recognize”
This table illustrates the usage of ‘acknowledge’ and ‘recognize’ in various contexts, showcasing how they can be used to formally recognize contributions, efforts, or achievements.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| We must acknowledge the hard work of the entire team. | Formally recognizing the effort put in by the team. |
| The organization acknowledged her contribution to the project with an award. | Publicly recognizing her significant input. |
| The scientist acknowledged the limitations of his study. | Admitting the shortcomings of the research. |
| The author acknowledges the influence of his mentors in the preface. | Recognizing the impact of mentors on his work. |
| The company acknowledges its responsibility to protect the environment. | Accepting its obligation to environmental stewardship. |
| The university recognizes students who excel academically. | Formally acknowledging academic achievements. |
| The government recognizes the importance of education. | Acknowledging the value of education. |
| The judge recognized the validity of the contract. | Acknowledging the legal standing of the agreement. |
| The community recognizes the efforts of local volunteers. | Appreciating the contributions of volunteers. |
| The museum recognizes the artist’s innovative style. | Acknowledging the unique artistic approach. |
| The historian acknowledged new evidence in the case. | Recognizing newly discovered information. |
| She acknowledged the error in her calculations. | Admitting the mistake in the calculations. |
| The speaker acknowledged the traditional owners of the land. | Recognizing the indigenous people’s connection to the land. |
| They acknowledged the challenges they faced during the project. | Admitting the difficulties encountered. |
| The CEO acknowledged the employees’ dedication. | Recognizing the employees’ commitment. |
| The school recognizes students for their leadership skills. | Acknowledging leadership qualities in students. |
| The award recognizes individuals who make a difference. | Acknowledging people who have a positive impact. |
| The law recognizes the rights of all citizens. | Acknowledging the legal entitlements of citizens. |
| The treaty recognizes the sovereignty of the nation. | Acknowledging the independent authority of the nation. |
| The company recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion. | Acknowledging the significance of diversity and inclusion. |
| We must acknowledge the impact of climate change. | Recognizing the effects of climate change. |
| The report acknowledged the need for further research. | Admitting the requirement for more investigation. |
| The government acknowledged the economic challenges facing the country. | Recognizing the financial difficulties of the nation. |
| The team acknowledged the contributions of each member. | Recognizing each individual’s input. |
| The book acknowledges the historical context of the events. | Recognizing the historical background of the events. |
Table 2: Examples Using “Attribute” and “Ascribe”
This table showcases the use of ‘attribute’ and ‘ascribe’ to indicate cause-and-effect relationships or to assign qualities or characteristics to specific sources.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The success of the project is attributed to the team’s hard work. | The project’s success is credited to the team’s effort. |
| Analysts attribute the company’s growth to its innovative products. | The company’s growth is credited to its new products. |
| Scientists attribute the warming trend to greenhouse gas emissions. | The warming trend is credited to greenhouse gases. |
| Historians attribute the fall of the empire to internal conflicts. | The empire’s fall is credited to internal issues. |
| The author attributes his inspiration to his childhood experiences. | His inspiration is credited to his early life. |
| Some ascribe the economic downturn to government policies. | The economic problems are credited to government actions. |
| Critics ascribe the artist’s unique style to his unconventional training. | The artist’s style is credited to his unusual education. |
| Many ascribe her success to luck, but hard work played a bigger role. | Her success is often credited to luck, but hard work was more important. |
| Some people ascribe supernatural powers to ancient artifacts. | Ancient artifacts are sometimes credited with supernatural abilities. |
| Researchers ascribe the disease outbreak to contaminated water. | The disease outbreak is credited to polluted water. |
| The coach attributed the victory to the team’s resilience. | The win is credited to the team’s ability to bounce back. |
| The journalist attributed the scandal to corruption within the government. | The scandal is credited to government corruption. |
| Experts attribute the rising sea levels to climate change. | The increase in sea levels is credited to climate change. |
| The doctor attributed the patient’s recovery to the new medication. | The patient’s recovery is credited to the new drug. |
| The chef attributes the restaurant’s popularity to the quality ingredients. | The restaurant’s popularity is credited to the high-quality ingredients. |
| The writer ascribes the character’s downfall to his tragic flaw. | The character’s failure is credited to his inherent weakness. |
| Philosophers ascribe meaning to the universe through various theories. | Meaning in the universe is credited to philosophical ideas. |
| Scientists ascribe certain behaviors to genetic predispositions. | Specific behaviors are credited to genetic tendencies. |
| Historians ascribe the Renaissance to the rediscovery of classical texts. | The Renaissance is credited to the revival of ancient writings. |
| The psychologist ascribes the child’s anxiety to his home environment. | The child’s anxiety is credited to his family setting. |
| The artist attributes the painting’s depth to the use of chiaroscuro. | The painting’s depth is credited to the use of light and shadow. |
| The musician attributes his success to years of practice and dedication. | His success is credited to his hard work and commitment. |
| The teacher attributes the student’s improvement to consistent effort. | The student’s progress is credited to his persistent work. |
| The athlete attributes her performance to rigorous training. | Her performance is credited to intense training. |
| The CEO attributes the company’s ethical culture to strong leadership. | The company’s ethical environment is credited to effective leadership. |
Table 3: Examples Using “Cite” and “Reference”
This table demonstrates how to appropriately ‘cite’ and ‘reference’ sources in academic writing and research, emphasizing the importance of giving credit to original authors and providing evidence for claims.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The student cited several articles in her research paper. | The student quoted or referred to articles to support her arguments. |
| The author cites evidence from historical documents to support his claim. | The author uses historical documents as proof. |
| Researchers must cite their sources to avoid plagiarism. | Researchers need to give credit to avoid stealing ideas. |
| The professor asked the students to cite specific examples from the text. | The professor wanted the students to provide examples from the book. |
| The lawyer cited legal precedents to support his case. | The lawyer used previous court decisions as evidence. |
| The book references numerous studies on the topic. | The book mentions many relevant studies. |
| The article references the work of several prominent scholars. | The article mentions the research of important scholars. |
| The presentation references data from a recent survey. | The presentation includes information from a recent survey. |
| The report references international standards for environmental protection. | The report mentions global rules for protecting the environment. |
| The website references various sources to provide accurate information. | The website uses different sources to ensure the information is correct. |
| The scientist cited the groundbreaking work of Marie Curie. | The scientist referred to Marie Curie’s important research. |
| The historian cited primary sources to provide context. | The historian used original documents to give background. |
| The lawyer cited the constitution to defend his client. | The lawyer used the constitution as legal support. |
| The student cited the MLA handbook for formatting guidelines. | The student used the MLA handbook for formatting rules. |
| The speaker cited statistics to emphasize the issue. | The speaker used numbers to highlight the problem. |
| The novel references classic literature to create depth. | The novel mentions famous books to add complexity. |
| The film references historical events to tell the story. | The film mentions past events to explain the plot. |
| The play references mythology to enhance the themes. | The play mentions myths to strengthen the themes. |
| The song references cultural icons to connect with the audience. | The song mentions well-known figures to engage the listeners. |
| The painting references artistic styles to create a unique blend. | The painting mentions different styles to make something new. |
| The architect cited sustainable practices in the building design. | The architect referred to environmentally friendly methods. |
| The chef cited traditional techniques in the recipe creation. | The chef used classic methods to create the recipe. |
| The dancer cited various dance forms to choreograph the piece. | The dancer referred to different styles to create the dance. |
| The programmer cited open-source libraries in the software development. | The programmer used free libraries to build the software. |
| The entrepreneur cited market research in the business plan. | The entrepreneur referred to market studies in the plan. |
Table 4: Examples Using “Thank,” “Honor,” and “Pay Homage”
This table illustrates how to use ‘thank,’ ‘honor,’ and ‘pay homage’ to express gratitude, respect, and admiration for individuals or their contributions.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| I want to thank my parents for their unwavering support. | Expressing gratitude to parents for their help. |
| We thank our volunteers for their tireless efforts. | Expressing gratitude to volunteers for their hard work. |
| The organization will honor Dr. Smith for her contributions to science. | Showing respect to Dr. Smith for her scientific achievements. |
| The city will honor the veterans with a parade. | Showing respect to veterans with a public event. |
| The artist pays homage to the masters of the Renaissance in his paintings. | Showing respect to Renaissance artists through his work. |
| The film pays homage to classic science fiction movies. | Showing respect to classic science fiction films. |
| I would like to thank my colleagues for their collaboration. | Expressing gratitude to colleagues for working together. |
| We thank the community for their continued support. | Expressing gratitude to the community for their help. |
| The university will honor the alumni for their achievements. | Showing respect to the alumni for their accomplishments. |
| The company will honor the employees for their dedication. | Showing respect to the employees for their commitment. |
| The musician pays homage to jazz legends in his music. | Showing respect to jazz legends through his music. |
| The writer pays homage to classic literature in her novels. | Showing respect to classic books through her writing. |
| I must thank my mentors for their guidance and support. | Expressing gratitude to mentors for their direction. |
| We thank the sponsors for their generous donations. | Expressing gratitude to sponsors for their contributions. |
| The award will honor individuals who have made a significant impact. | Showing respect to people who have made a big difference. |
| The event will honor the volunteers for their selfless service. | Showing respect to volunteers for their dedication. |
| The architect pays homage to Frank Lloyd Wright in his designs. | Showing respect to Frank Lloyd Wright through his architecture. |
| The chef pays homage to traditional cuisine in his dishes. | Showing respect to classic cooking through his food. |
| I want to thank everyone who contributed to this project. | Expressing gratitude to all who helped with the project. |
| We thank the donors for their financial support. | Expressing gratitude to donors for their money. |
| The school will honor the teachers for their commitment to education. | Showing respect to the teachers for their dedication. |
| The society will honor the researchers for their discoveries. | Showing respect to the researchers for their findings. |
| The designer pays homage to Art Deco in her creations. | Showing respect to Art Deco through her designs. |
| The artist pays homage to nature in her artwork. | Showing respect to nature through her art. |
| I want to thank the staff for their hard work and dedication. | Expressing gratitude to the staff for their effort. |
Usage Rules
Using synonyms for “give credit” correctly requires attention to grammatical rules and contextual appropriateness. Here are some key rules to keep in mind:
- Prepositions: Pay close attention to the prepositions that follow each synonym. Some require “to,” while others use “for” or “with.”
- Formality: Choose synonyms that match the tone of your writing or conversation. “Acknowledge” and “cite” are more formal than “thank” or “mention.”
- Specificity: Be specific about the contribution you are acknowledging. Vague statements can undermine the effectiveness of your acknowledgment.
- Accuracy: Ensure that you are accurately representing the source’s contribution. Misattributing ideas or work can be misleading and unethical.
- Context: Consider the context in which you are using the synonym. Some synonyms are more appropriate for academic writing, while others are better suited for informal settings.
It’s also essential to understand the subtle differences in meaning between synonyms. For example, “attribute” implies a causal relationship, while “ascribe” suggests a less direct connection.
Choosing the right synonym can enhance the precision and clarity of your communication.
Furthermore, be mindful of the potential for bias in your language. Avoid using synonyms that could unintentionally diminish the contributions of certain individuals or groups.
Strive for inclusive and respectful language in all your acknowledgments.
Common Mistakes
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using synonyms for “give credit”:
- Incorrect Prepositions: Using the wrong preposition after a synonym (e.g., “attribute the success for hard work” instead of “attribute the success to hard work”).
- Vague Acknowledgments: Making general statements without specifying the contribution being acknowledged (e.g., “I want to thank everyone involved” instead of “I want to thank the team for their contributions to the project”).
- Misattributions: Incorrectly assigning ideas or work to the wrong source (e.g., citing the wrong author or publication).
- Plagiarism: Failing to give credit altogether, resulting in the presentation of someone else’s work as your own.
- Inconsistent Citation Style: Not adhering to a consistent citation style (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago) in academic writing.
Examples of Correct vs. Incorrect Usage:
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Attribute the success for hard work. | Attribute the success to hard work. | “Attribute” requires the preposition “to.” |
| I want to thank everyone involved. | I want to thank the team for their contributions to the project. | Be specific about the contributions being acknowledged. |
| The author mentions Smith’s work without giving credit. | The author cites Smith’s work in the bibliography. | “Cite” is more appropriate for formal acknowledgments. |
| He claimed the idea as his own without any acknowledgment. | He properly acknowledged the source of the idea. | Always provide appropriate acknowledgment to avoid plagiarism. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of synonyms for “give credit” with the following exercises. Choose the most appropriate synonym for each sentence, paying attention to context and grammatical correctness.
Exercise 1: Choose the best synonym to complete each sentence.
| Question | Options | Answer |
|---|---|---|
| The scientist __________ her discovery to years of research. | (a) thanked (b) attributed (c) mentioned | (b) attributed |
| We must __________ the contributions of the volunteers. | (a) cite (b) acknowledge (c) ascribe | (b) acknowledge |
| The author __________ several studies in his paper. | (a) referenced (b) honored (c) imputed | (a) referenced |
| I want to __________ my mentors for their guidance. | (a) ascribe (b) thank (c) mention | (b) thank |
| The film __________ classic movies of the genre. | (a) credits (b) pays homage to (c) imputes | (b) pays homage to |
| The historian __________ the economic downturn to various factors. | (a) cites (b) mentions (c) ascribes | (c) ascribes |
| The report __________ the need for further investigation. | (a) recognizes (b) imputes (c) thanks | (a) recognizes |
| The speaker __________ several key points during the presentation. | (a) noted (b) ascribed (c) honored | (a) noted |
| The journalist __________ his information to reliable sources. | (a) thanked (b) sourced (c) recognized | (b) sourced |
| The author __________ the book to his family. | (a) honored (b) dedicated (c) mentioned | (b) dedicated |
Exercise 2: Rewrite the following sentences using a synonym for “give credit.”
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| The student gave credit to the author in her essay. | The student cited the author in her essay. |
| The company gave credit to its employees for their success. | The company acknowledged its employees’ contributions to its success. |
| The scientist gave credit to previous research in his report. | The scientist referenced previous research in his report. |
| I want to give credit to my team for their hard work. | I want to thank my team for their hard work. |
| The artist gave credit to his inspiration in his speech. | The artist paid homage to his inspiration in his speech. |
| The report gave credit to the government for its policies. | The report attributed the positive outcomes to the government’s policies. |
| The presenter gave credit to the sources of the data. | The presenter cited the sources of the data. |
| The speaker gave credit to the audience for their attention. | The speaker thanked the audience for their attention. |
| The community gave credit to the volunteers for their service. | The community honored the volunteers for their service. |
Advanced Topics
Beyond basic usage, there are advanced considerations when giving credit, particularly in academic and professional contexts. These include understanding the nuances of intellectual property law, navigating complex citation styles, and addressing ethical dilemmas related to authorship and collaboration.
- Intellectual Property Law: Familiarize yourself with copyright laws and fair use guidelines to ensure that you are not infringing on the rights of others.
- Citation Styles: Master the intricacies of different citation styles (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago) and choose the appropriate style for your field or publication.
- Authorship Disputes: Understand the ethical guidelines for determining authorship and resolving disputes related to contributions and acknowledgments.
- Collaborative Work: Clearly define the roles and contributions of each collaborator in a project and ensure that everyone receives appropriate credit.
- Open Source and Creative Commons: Explore the principles of open source and Creative Commons licensing, which provide alternative frameworks for sharing and attributing creative works.
Furthermore, consider the impact of technology on the way we give credit. Digital tools and platforms offer new opportunities for collaboration and attribution, but they also raise new challenges related to authenticity and provenance.
Stay informed about the latest developments in this area and adapt your practices accordingly.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about synonyms for “give credit”:
When is it appropriate to use “thank” instead of “acknowledge”?
Use “thank” in more personal and informal contexts to express gratitude for someone’s help or support. “Acknowledge” is more suitable for formal settings and when recognizing significant contributions or achievements.
What is the difference between “attribute” and “ascribe”?
“Attribute” implies a direct causal relationship, while “ascribe” suggests a less direct or certain connection. Choose “attribute” when there is clear evidence of a cause-and-effect relationship, and “ascribe” when the connection is more speculative or interpretive.
How can I avoid plagiarism when using sources in my writing?
Always cite your sources properly, using a consistent citation style. Paraphrase information carefully and avoid copying text directly without attribution.
When in doubt, err on the side of caution and give credit to the original source.
What should I do if I discover that I have inadvertently failed to give credit to a source?
Acknowledge the oversight as soon as possible and issue a correction or retraction. Apologize to the original source and take steps to prevent similar errors in the future.
How do I give credit to sources in non-academic settings, such as presentations or blog posts?
Adapt your citation practices to the context. In presentations, you can include a slide with a list of sources or mention the sources verbally.
In blog posts, you can use hyperlinks to link to the original sources or include a list of references at the end of the post.
Is it necessary to give credit for common knowledge?
Generally, you do not need to give credit for common knowledge, which refers to facts or information that are widely known and accepted. However, if you are unsure whether something qualifies as common knowledge, it is best to err on the side of caution and cite the source.
How do I give credit to multiple sources in a single sentence?
You can use a parenthetical citation with multiple sources separated by semicolons (e.g., (Smith, 2020; Jones, 2018; Brown, 2015)). Be sure to follow the specific guidelines of your chosen citation style.
What is the best way to give credit to online sources?
Include a hyperlink to the original source whenever possible. Also, provide the author, title, and publication date (if available) of the online source.
How do I give credit to images or other visual materials?
Include a caption with the image or visual material, providing the source and any relevant copyright information. If you are using the image in a presentation, you can also include a separate slide with a list of image sources.
What is the difference between a bibliography and a works cited list?
A bibliography includes all the sources you consulted during your research, even if you did not directly cite them in your work. A works cited list, on the other hand, includes only the sources that you actually cited in your work.
The choice between a bibliography and a works cited list depends on the requirements of your assignment or publication.
Conclusion
Mastering synonyms for “give credit” is an essential skill for effective communication and intellectual honesty. By understanding the nuances of these words and phrases, you can express acknowledgment with greater precision and clarity.
Whether you’re writing an academic paper, delivering a presentation, or simply engaging in everyday conversations, the ability to properly attribute sources and recognize contributions will enhance your credibility and foster a culture of respect and collaboration. Remember to always prioritize accuracy, specificity, and ethical considerations in your acknowledgments, and strive to use language that is inclusive and respectful of all contributors.