How to Write a Citation in MLA

MLA Style can be challenging to learn at first, but once you learn a few basic rules, the logic used in creating the style will make it easier to cite sources correctly. MLA style utilizes in-text citations, which are formatted so readers can find the complete citation in the "Works Cited" list at the end of the document. The Works Cited list is a bibliography of works referenced in the document. It allows readers to quickly identify and locate any publications used in the creation of your document.

Instructions

  1. In-Text Citations

    • 1

      Cite a book at the end of a sentence by listing the author's last name and the page numbers (Marks 25-27).

      Incorporate a citation into a sentence. Example: Marks conducted two studies that prove this hypothesis (25-27).

    • 2

      Cite multiple authors of a work with page numbers. Example: The two studies were conducted (Marks 112) to prove that theory (Bryant, Smith, and Ford 72).

      Cite two locations in one book. Example: Bryant mentions this theory (117, 232-35).

      Cite locations in two books. Example: The first experiment failed to launch (Collins 75; Jackson 32).

    • 3

      Cite a multi-volume work using the volume number and pages. Example: Volume 4, written by Williams, page 252-256 (Williams 4:252-56).

      Cite a complete volume. Example: Volume 4 written by Williams (Williams, vol. 4).

      Cite a complete volume in text. Example: In volume 4, Williams wrote...

    • 4

      Cite corporate authors. The title is Oak Trees, the authors are the Nature Preserve Association and the pages are 25-37. Example: (Oak Trees, Nature Preserve Association 25-37)

    • 5

      In citing works with no author, use either the title or a shortened version of the title beginning with the word it will be alphabetized by in the Works Cited list. This example refers to page 2 of the budget report. Example: The senator stated in the document (Budget 2)...

    • 6

      Cite online sources with numbered paragraphs. Example: (Maulder, pars. 2-4)

    Works Cited Lists

    • 7

      Place your Works Cited list at the end of your paper. List citations alphabetically by author's last name or title (if no author's name is available). Capitalize all primary words in titles, but do not capitalize articles. Remove all descriptive words from publisher names and use only the first city if a publisher lists multiple cities. Use "and," not "&." Use a hanging indented style for citations by placing the first line on the margin and indenting additional lines 5-7 spaces. Italicize book titles.

    • 8

      Cite a book including only the elements below that are available. Italicize the book title and use all included punctuation.

      Author's Last Name1, Author's First Name1, Author's First Name2 Author's Last Name2, Author's First Name3 Author's Last Name3. Book Title. Edition. Place of Publication: Publisher, Publication Date. Publication Medium.

    • 9

      Cite an essay including only the elements below that are available. Italicize the book title and use all included punctuation.

      Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. "Essay or Chapter Title." Book Title. Book Edition. Ed. Book Editor. Publication Location: Publisher, Publication Date. Publication Medium.

    • 10

      Cite a journal, magazine or newspaper including only the elements below that are available. Italicize the publication title and use all included punctuation.

      Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. "Article Title." Publication Volume. Issue (Publication Date): Page Number(s). Publication Medium.

    • 11

      Cite an online source including only the elements below that are available. Italicize the website name or publication title and use all included punctuation. If there is no author's name, use the name of the website instead. Put the day first when entering the date format. Example: 12 May 2011. Only include the web address if it is requested.

      Author's Last Name, Author's First Name. "Article Title." Website Name or Publication Title. Ed. Editors Name. Publication Edition. Publication Location: Publisher, Publication Date. Publication Medium. Date Accessed <http://webaddress.com/format.html>.

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