The Modern Language Association (MLA) citation style is a widely used format for citing sources in academic writing, particularly in the humanities. It provides a consistent way to document sources and avoid plagiarism. To create a citation in MLA style, it's essential to understand the basic elements required for different types of sources.
Understanding MLA Citation Basics
MLA citations typically include the author’s last name and page number(s) in parentheses at the end of the sentence. For example, (Smith 24) would cite a source with the author’s last name as Smith and the information found on page 24. If the author’s name is mentioned in the sentence, only the page number is included in parentheses.
Author-Page Citation
The most common MLA citation is the author-page citation, which is used for sources with one author. If a source has two authors, both names are included, separated by “and” (Smith and Johnson 12). For sources with three or more authors, only the first author’s name is listed, followed by “et al.” (Smith et al. 45).
| Type of Source | MLA Citation Example |
|---|---|
| One Author | (Smith 24) |
| Two Authors | (Smith and Johnson 12) |
| Three or More Authors | (Smith et al. 45) |
Works Cited Page
Besides in-text citations, MLA also requires a Works Cited page at the end of the document. This page lists all the sources cited in the paper in a specific format. The format varies depending on the type of source—book, journal article, website, etc.
Formatting the Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page should be double-spaced, with the title “Works Cited” centered at the top. Entries are listed alphabetically by the author’s last name. If an entry runs more than one line, the second line and subsequent lines are indented five spaces.
For example, a book citation might look like this: Smith, John. The History of Literature. Oxford University Press, 2020.
A journal article citation might look like this: Johnson, Mary. "The Impact of Climate Change." Environmental Science, vol. 10, no. 2, 2022, pp. 12-20.
Common MLA Citation Examples
Understanding how to cite different types of sources is key to using MLA style correctly. This includes books, articles, websites, and more.
Books
To cite a book, include the author’s name, title of the book in title case and italicized, publisher, and year of publication.
Journal Articles
For journal articles, include the author’s name, title of the article in title case and enclosed in quotation marks, title of the journal in title case and italicized, volume and issue numbers, year of publication, and page numbers.
| Source Type | Citation Format |
|---|---|
| Book | Author's Last Name, First Name. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of Publication. |
| Journal Article | Author's Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, Volume, Issue, Year of Publication, pp. Page Numbers. |
MLA Citation Tools
There are many tools available to help with creating MLA citations, including online citation generators and reference management software. These tools can save time and reduce errors, but it’s still important to understand the basics of MLA citation style to ensure accuracy.
Using Citation Generators
Citation generators can quickly produce citations in MLA format, but users must ensure the information entered is correct and the generated citation matches the MLA style guidelines.
For instance, a citation for this article would follow the guidelines for an online source, including the author's name, title of the article, title of the website, publication date, and URL.
FAQs on MLA Citations
What is the main purpose of MLA citations?
+The main purpose of MLA citations is to provide a consistent way to document sources and avoid plagiarism in academic writing.
How do I cite a source with no author in MLA style?
+If a source has no author, use the title in the in-text citation. The title should be in title case if it’s a longer work, and in sentence case if it’s a shorter work, and it should be enclosed in quotation marks for shorter works and italicized for longer works.
What is the difference between MLA and other citation styles like APA and Chicago?
+MLA, APA, and Chicago styles have different formatting guidelines for citations and references. MLA is commonly used in the humanities, APA in social sciences, and Chicago in history and fine arts. Each style has its unique way of citing sources and presenting bibliographic information.
Mastering MLA citations is an essential skill for anyone engaged in academic writing. By understanding the rules and applying them consistently, writers can ensure their work is properly documented and respectful of the intellectual property of others.
