The MLA (Modern Language Association) style of citation is widely used in the humanities, including literature, language, and cultural studies. When it comes to in-text citations, MLA style requires the author's last name and page number(s) to be included in parentheses at the end of the sentence, unless the author's name is already mentioned in the sentence. For example, if citing a source by John Smith, the in-text citation would look like this: (Smith 24). If the author's name is mentioned in the sentence, only the page number(s) are included in the parentheses: John Smith argues that... (24).
MLA In-Text Citation Basics
In MLA style, in-text citations are used to acknowledge the source of a quote, paraphrase, or summary. The general format for an in-text citation includes the author’s last name and page number(s) in parentheses. If there are multiple authors, their last names are separated by commas: (Smith, Johnson 24). For sources without an author, the title of the source is used in the in-text citation: (“The Great Gatsby” 24). It’s important to note that MLA style emphasizes the use of parenthetical citations to provide a clear and concise way of acknowledging sources.
Citing Multiple Sources
When citing multiple sources in one sentence, the in-text citations are separated by semicolons: (Smith 24; Johnson 12). This allows the reader to easily distinguish between the different sources. For sources with no page numbers, such as websites or online articles, the in-text citation only includes the author’s last name: (Smith). If the source has no author or page numbers, the title of the source is used: (“The Article”).
| Source Type | In-Text Citation Example |
|---|---|
| One author | (Smith 24) |
| Multiple authors | (Smith, Johnson 24) |
| No author | ("The Great Gatsby" 24) |
| No page numbers | (Smith) |
MLA Citation for Electronic Sources
For electronic sources, such as online articles, ebooks, and websites, the in-text citation includes the author’s last name and page number(s) if available. If the source has no page numbers, the in-text citation only includes the author’s last name: (Smith). For sources with no author, the title of the source is used: (“The Article”). It’s crucial to note that URLs or DOIs are not included in the in-text citation but are required in the Works Cited list.
Works Cited List
The Works Cited list provides full bibliographic information for all sources cited in the paper. Each source is listed alphabetically by the author’s last name, and the MLA style requires specific formatting for different types of sources, including books, articles, and electronic sources. The Works Cited list is usually placed on a separate page at the end of the paper and is a critical component of MLA citations.
In conclusion, understanding and correctly applying MLA in-text citations is vital for academic writing in the humanities. By following the guidelines outlined above and consulting the MLA Handbook for more detailed information, writers can ensure that their work is properly cited and formatted, reflecting a high level of academic integrity and professionalism.
What is the purpose of in-text citations in MLA style?
+The purpose of in-text citations in MLA style is to acknowledge the source of a quote, paraphrase, or summary, providing the reader with a clear reference to the original material.
How do I cite a source with no author in MLA style?
+For sources with no author, the title of the source is used in the in-text citation, and the full title is included in the Works Cited list.
Do I need to include the URL in the in-text citation for electronic sources?
+No, URLs or DOIs are not included in the in-text citation but are required in the Works Cited list for electronic sources.
