# Harvard reference checker: do the sources exist, not just the commas?

> Cite Them Right tells you the Harvard list looks right. That does not say the source exists. Quick Check verifies existence and retraction. Formatting stays with Scribbr.

## Which job do you need?

| What you need | The answer | Where |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Punctuation, et al., Cite Them Right order | That is formatting. Scribbr or your university guide. Acurio does not format. | Elsewhere |
| Do the entries exist, and are they retracted? | That is this page. Same Quick Check, Harvard-named. | This page |
| Does the source support the sentence? | That is the analysis with uploads. | Elsewhere |

## Formatting Harvard and checking Harvard are two jobs

A Harvard line can be punctuated correctly and still point at a fabricated or retracted work. Quick Check matches the list against Crossref, OpenAlex, and DOAJ.

UK and Irish MSc programmes often specify Cite Them Right. The check reads whatever list you paste.

The claim question stays the analysis. This page does not ship a generator.

## Frequently asked questions

### Does Acurio check Harvard formatting?

No. Formatting is Scribbr or your style guide. This is existence and retraction.

### Does this work with Cite Them Right?

Yes. Paste the list. The registry match does not depend on the style name.

### Is it free?

Quick Check needs no account. Claim-by-claim analysis of a thesis needs credits.

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Source: https://acurio.ch/en/harvard-reference-checker