# Citation Check

> Check a file for citation quality and GRADE compliance

- Skill: `jmagly-ai-writing-guide/citation-check` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add jmagly-ai-writing-guide/citation-check`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/jmagly-ai-writing-guide/citation-check/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Research & Search
- Author: jmagly (https://skillmd.com/u/jmagly-ai-writing-guide)
- Updated: 2026-09-10
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/jmagly-ai-writing-guide/citation-check

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# Citation Check Command

Quick check of a single file for citation validity and GRADE-appropriate hedging.

## Instructions

When invoked, perform quick citation check:

1. **Parse File**
   - Extract all citations (REF-XXX, @-mentions, author-year)
   - Map each citation to its GRADE level (from quality assessments)

2. **Check Hedging Compliance**
   - For each citation, verify the surrounding language matches GRADE level:
     - HIGH: "demonstrates", "shows", "confirms" - OK
     - MODERATE: "suggests", "indicates" - OK
     - LOW: Must use "limited evidence", "some data"
     - VERY LOW: Must use "anecdotal", "exploratory"

3. **Report**
   - List each citation with its GRADE level
   - Flag violations (overclaiming)
   - Suggest fixes for violations

4. **Auto-Fix (--fix)**
   - Replace overclaiming language with GRADE-appropriate hedging
   - Preserve meaning while adjusting confidence level

## Arguments

- `[file-path]` - File to check (required)
- `--fix` - Automatically fix hedging violations
- `--strict` - Treat all GRADE violations as errors

## References

- @$AIWG_ROOT/agentic/code/frameworks/sdlc-complete/rules/citation-policy.md - Citation policy
- @.aiwg/research/docs/grade-assessment-guide.md - GRADE guide
- @$AIWG_ROOT/agentic/code/frameworks/sdlc-complete/agents/citation-verifier.md - Verifier agent