To cite sources in MLA format, you need to create two types of citations: in- text citations and a Works Cited list.
In-Text Citation in MLA Format
- Include the author's last name and the page number where the information or quote appears, without a comma between them.
- If the author's name is mentioned in the sentence, only the page number is required in parentheses.
- For two authors, include both last names; for three or more authors, use the first author's last name followed by "et al."
- If no author is available, use a shortened title of the work in quotation marks or italics depending on the source type.
- If there is no page number, use other locator information like paragraph numbers or timestamps for videos.
Examples:
- (Smith 13)
- According to Smith, 66% disagree with the policy (13).
- (Smith and Morrison 17)
- (Johnson et al. 45)
- (“New Ways” 4)
- (Smith 03:15–05:21) for audiovisual sources
Works Cited Entry Format
The Works Cited entry includes nine core elements in this order (include only those that apply):
- Author(s) (Last name, First name; for multiple authors, follow MLA rules)
- Title of the source (italicized if independent work, in quotation marks if part of a larger work)
- Title of the container (larger work containing the source, italicized)
- Other contributors (editors, translators, etc.)
- Version or edition
- Number (volume, issue)
- Publisher
- Publication date
- Location (page numbers, URL, or DOI)
Example for a book:
Wingate, Lisa. Before We Were Yours. Random House, 2017. Example for a
website:
Author Last Name, First Name. “Title of Webpage.” Title of Website ,
Publisher, Publication Date, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.
Formatting Guidelines
- Use one-inch margins, double-spacing, and indent paragraphs.
- The Works Cited page is titled "Works Cited" and lists entries alphabetically by author’s last name.
- Titles of books and websites are italicized; articles or chapters are in quotation marks.
- Include the date of access for online sources (recommended).
This approach aligns with the MLA Handbook, 8th and 9th editions, providing a flexible, universal structure for citing a wide variety of sources
