How to Cite Using URL Addresses

If you're a student, you probably do some research online. If so, you need to know how to approach the use of URLs (Web addresses) in your citations. Never use a URL in an in-text citation, as this will make your paper look messy, and the use of URLs within the text is not required. However, Modern Language Association, or MLA, American Psychological Association, or APA, and Chicago Manual of Style, or CMS, citation formats all have different guidelines for the formatting of URLs in your bibliography or works-cited page.

Instructions

    • 1

      Enclose the URL in angle brackets if you are using MLA style. It should appear at the end of your works-cited entry, followed by a period. For example:

      Smith, Bob. "Dog Tricks." petweb.com. 19 July 2010, n.p. Web. 11 June 2011. <http://www.petweb.com/art/dogs/fun/tricks.htm>.

      Note that MLA style no longer requires the use of URLs; however, you may include the URL if you wish.

    • 2

      Precede the URL by the phrase "Retrieved from" if you are using APA style. The URL should appear at the end of your reference list entry. Do not put a period after the URL. For example:

      Smith, Bob. (2010, July 19). Dog tricks. Retrieved from http://www.petweb.com/art/dogs/fun/tricks.htm

    • 3

      List the URL at the end of your bibliography entry if you are using Chicago Manual of Style. Follow it with a period. For example:

      Smith, Bob. "Dog Tricks." Petweb. Last modified July 19, 2010. http://www.petweb.com/art/dogs/fun/tricks.htm.

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