How to Cite Inside Text With No Author

The use of someone else's work within a body of text must always be referenced with an appropriate citation. The in-text citation usually consists of including the author's last name. However, an alternate citation format must be used when an author's name is unknown or unavailable, in order to still accurately reference the work of another.

Things You'll Need

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Instructions

    • 1

      When a source does not have an author both Modern Language Association (MLA) style and American Psychological Association (APA) style recommend using a shortened title of the work, consisting of one or two words. Place the short title in quotation marks, within parentheses.

    • 2

      Punctuate the abbreviated title based on which type of source it is. Italicize titles of longer works, such as books and plays. Place shorter works like articles and chapters in quotation marks.

    • 3

      Include more of the source's information for further documentation. APA recommends including the year of publication, in addition to the shortened title. MLA recommends including the source's page number in the citation.

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