How To Write a Citation in MLA Format: A Comprehensive Guide

MLA (Modern Language Association) style is widely used in the humanities, particularly in academic writing. Knowing how to correctly cite sources in MLA format is crucial for avoiding plagiarism and giving credit where it’s due. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of MLA citation, covering various source types and offering clear examples.

Understanding MLA Citation Basics

Before diving into specific examples, let’s establish the fundamental principles of MLA citation. The core goal is to provide enough information for a reader to easily locate the source you’ve used. This typically involves author, title, publication information, and sometimes a URL or DOI. In MLA, you use in-text citations within your paper, followed by a “Works Cited” page at the end.

In-Text Citations: The Basics

In-text citations are brief references placed within your writing, directly after the information you’ve borrowed. They typically include the author’s last name and page number (e.g., (Smith 123)). If you’re using a source without page numbers, such as a website, you might use a paragraph number or section heading (e.g., (Smith, para. 2)).

Citing Books in MLA Format

Citing books is a common task in academic writing. Here’s how to do it correctly:

Author, Title, and Publication Information

The basic information needed includes the author’s name (last name, first name), the book’s title (italicized), the city of publication, the publisher, and the year of publication.

Example:

Smith, John. The History of Cats. New York: Penguin Random House, 2023.

Citing Journal Articles in MLA Format

Journal articles require a slightly different citation format.

Journal Article Specifics

Key elements include the author’s name, the article title (in quotation marks), the journal title (italicized), the volume number, the issue number, the year of publication, and the page range. You may also need the DOI or URL.

Example:

Jones, Mary. “The Impact of Social Media on Teenagers.” Journal of Social Sciences, vol. 5, no. 2, 2022, pp. 150-175, doi:10.1234/jss.5.2.150.

Citing Websites in MLA Format

Citing websites can be tricky, as the information isn’t always consistently formatted.

Website Citation Essentials

Include the author’s name (if available), the article title (in quotation marks), the website name (italicized), the publisher (if different from the website name), the publication date, and the URL.

Example:

“The Future of Artificial Intelligence.” TechCrunch, TechCrunch, 15 Oct. 2023, www.techcrunch.com/2023/10/15/ai-future/.

Citing Images and Multimedia

Images, videos, and other multimedia require specific citation details.

Visual and Multimedia Sources

When citing images, you’ll need the creator’s name (or photographer), the image title (if available), the website or source where you found it, and the date you accessed it. Similar details are needed for videos and audio clips.

Creating Your “Works Cited” Page

The “Works Cited” page is essential for demonstrating the sources you used.

Formatting the Works Cited Page

This page appears at the end of your paper and lists all cited sources alphabetically by the first element of the citation (usually the author’s last name). Each entry follows a consistent format as detailed above.

Avoiding Common MLA Citation Mistakes

Many common errors can be avoided with careful attention to detail.

Common Errors and How to Avoid Them

Double-check your punctuation, capitalization, and formatting. Pay close attention to italicization and quotation marks. Use consistent formatting throughout your citations.

Advanced MLA Citation Techniques

For more complex situations, there are advanced techniques to consider.

Dealing with Multiple Authors, Editors, and More

MLA offers specific guidelines for handling multiple authors, editors, and other contributors. Consult the official MLA Handbook for detailed instructions.

Using Citation Management Software

Citation management tools can greatly simplify the process.

Tools like Zotero and Mendeley can help you organize your research and automatically generate citations in MLA format.

Conclusion

Mastering MLA citation is essential for ethical academic writing. By understanding the basic principles and applying the correct formatting for different source types, you can effectively credit your sources, avoid plagiarism, and enhance the credibility of your work. Remembering to create a comprehensive “Works Cited” page is crucial for completing the process correctly. Utilizing citation management software can streamline the process and reduce the likelihood of errors. Always refer to the official MLA Handbook for the most up-to-date guidelines.

FAQs

What if a source doesn’t have an author? If a source lacks an author, use the title in place of the author’s name in the in-text citation and the Works Cited entry.

How do I cite a book with multiple authors? List the authors’ last names in the order they appear on the title page, separated by commas, with “and” before the last author’s name.

Can I use a shortened title in my in-text citation? Yes, if the title is long, you can use a shortened version, but make sure it’s easily identifiable in your “Works Cited” entry.

What if I’m citing a translated work? Include the translator’s name after the title and before the publication information.

How do I cite a personal interview? Cite personal interviews as follows: Interviewee Last Name, Interviewee First Name. “Interview with [Interviewee Name].” Personal interview, Date.