MLA (Modern Language Association) style is widely used in the humanities, particularly in English and other language-related fields. Knowing how to properly cite sources in MLA format in-text is crucial for avoiding plagiarism and giving credit where it's due. This guide will walk you through the essential elements and provide clear examples.
Understanding In-Text Citations in MLA Format
In-text citations, also known as parenthetical citations, are brief references placed within your text that correspond to a full citation in your Works Cited page at the end of your paper. These citations help readers easily locate the source of your information. The core elements typically include the author's last name and the page number (or other relevant locator like paragraph number for online sources).
Key Components of MLA In-Text Citations:
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Author's Last Name: This is the most important part. Use the author's last name as it appears on the source material.
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Page Number (or other locator): For printed sources, this is essential. For online sources lacking page numbers, use paragraph numbers (e.g., "par. 3") or other location indicators (e.g., section heading). If the source has no clear location indicators, you may omit this element.
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Signal Phrases: While not strictly required, signal phrases are highly recommended. They smoothly integrate your citation into your sentence and provide context. They usually include the author's name.
Examples of MLA In-Text Citations
Here are various examples demonstrating different citation scenarios:
1. Single Author:
With Signal Phrase: According to Smith, “the data suggests a significant correlation” (15).
Without Signal Phrase: The data suggests a significant correlation (Smith 15).
2. Two Authors:
With Signal Phrase: Jones and Brown argue that "the results were inconclusive" (27).
Without Signal Phrase: The results were inconclusive (Jones and Brown 27).
3. Three or More Authors:
Use the first author's last name followed by "et al." (meaning "and others"):
With Signal Phrase: As noted by Davis et al., the experiment yielded unexpected results (42).
Without Signal Phrase: The experiment yielded unexpected results (Davis et al. 42).
4. No Author:
If a source has no author, use the title (or a shortened version of the title if it's long) in place of the author's last name. Italicize the title of a book, article, or website. Use quotation marks for titles of shorter works such as articles.
Example: ("The Impact of Climate Change" 3).
5. Online Sources without Page Numbers:
Use paragraph numbers (par.), section headings, or other location markers when page numbers are absent.
Example: (Smith, par. 5)
6. Multiple Works by the Same Author:
If you cite multiple works by the same author, include a shortened title of the work to distinguish them:
Example: (Smith, Climate Change 10) and (Smith, Environmental Impacts 25).
7. Quoting a Source:
When directly quoting, enclose the quote in quotation marks. Always include the page number or other locator.
Example: Smith states, “The evidence is undeniable” (12).
Crafting Your Works Cited Page
Remember that in-text citations work in tandem with your Works Cited page. This page, located at the end of your paper, provides the complete bibliographic information for each source cited in your text. Ensuring accuracy and consistency between your in-text citations and your Works Cited page is essential for accurate MLA formatting.
Mastering MLA Citation: Beyond the Basics
While this guide covers common scenarios, the nuances of MLA style can be complex. For detailed information and examples covering less frequent cases, consult the official MLA Handbook or an online style guide specifically designed for MLA formatting. Consistency and precision are key to effectively using MLA in-text citations and avoiding academic misconduct. Remember to always double-check your citations against the original sources.
