How to Cite MLA Citation: Master the Basics Easily
Citing sources in MLA format is crucial for academic writing. It ensures credibility and avoids plagiarism.
Understanding how to cite MLA can be challenging at first. This guide will help you master it with ease. Whether you are writing an essay, research paper, or any academic work, knowing how to properly cite sources is essential. MLA citation follows specific rules that make your work reliable and professional.
This introduction will provide you with the basics and get you started on the right path. By the end, you will feel confident in citing sources the MLA way. Let’s dive in!
Introduction To Mla Citation
MLA citation helps in giving credit to original authors. It stops plagiarism. It also shows that your work is well-researched. Using MLA style is common in the humanities. This includes English, history, and art.
Proper citation builds your credibility. It shows respect for other people’s work. Readers can find the original sources. This adds depth to your writing. It also helps in better understanding. Professors often require MLA in assignments. It keeps the format consistent.
Core Components
The author’s name comes first. Write the last name, then the first name. For example, “Smith, John.” This helps readers find the source easily. If there are multiple authors, list them in the same way.
The title of the source is very important. Put the title in quotation marks if it is a short work like an article. If it is a book or a longer work, italicize the title. For example, The Great Gatsby or “The Road Not Taken”. Always capitalize the main words in the title.
The date shows when the source was published. Write the date in day-month-year format. For example, “12 March 2020”. This helps show the source’s age and relevance. If there is no date, write “n.d.” which means no date.
In-text Citations
MLA in-text citations are short. They usually include the author’s last name and page number. For example: (Smith 23). Place this citation at the end of the sentence. Make sure it is inside the period. If there is no author, use the title. Example: (“Article Title” 45). This format helps readers find the full source in the Works Cited list.
Many make errors in MLA citations. Some forget the page number. Others place the citation outside the period. Both are wrong. Always check your work. Make sure the author’s name is spelled right. If you use a title, it must be in quotation marks. Do not include first names or initials in the in-text citation. Just the last name.
Credit: www.bibliography.com
Works Cited Page
Creating a Works Cited page in MLA format involves listing all sources used in your paper. Each entry should include author, title, and publication details.
Basic Format
The works cited page lists all sources. Each entry must start with the author’s last name. Next, add the title of the work in italics. Then, include the publication details. These are the publisher, year, and medium. Every entry should end with a period. Double-space all lines. Use a hanging indent for each entry.
Alphabetical Order
List the entries alphabetically by the author’s last name. If there’s no author, use the title. Ignore articles like “A,” “An,” and “The” when sorting. Entries by the same author go in order of publication date. Use three hyphens for repeated author names.
Citing Books
Start with the author’s last name. Follow it with a comma and their first name. Next, add the title of the book in italics. Place a period after the title. Then, write the city of publication, followed by a colon. Include the publisher’s name and a comma. Finally, add the year of publication and a period.
For two authors, write the first author’s last name, a comma, and their first name. Add a comma and the word “and”. Then, write the second author’s first name followed by their last name. Continue with the book title in italics. Add the city of publication, the publisher’s name, and the year of publication, just like with a single author.
Credit: www.easybib.com
Citing Articles
To cite a journal article in MLA, follow this format. Start with the author’s last name, followed by the first name. Next, include the title of the article in quotation marks. Then, write the title of the journal in italics. After that, add the volume number, the issue number, and the year of publication. Finally, provide the page range and the URL or DOI if available.
Citing a magazine article is similar but simpler. Begin with the author’s last name, then the first name. Add the title of the article in quotation marks. Follow this with the title of the magazine in italics. Include the date of publication and the page numbers. If you found the article online, add the URL.
Citing Online Sources
To cite a website, list the author’s name. Then write the title of the webpage in quotes. Include the website name in italics. Add the publication date, if available. Finally, add the URL. Example: Smith, John. “How to Cite Sources.” Citation Guide, 2021, www.citationguide.com.
For digital databases, start with the author’s name. Add the title of the article in quotes. Include the journal name in italics. Mention the volume and issue number. Include the publication date and pages. Lastly, add the database name and DOI or URL. Example: Doe, Jane. “Citation Methods.” Journal of Writing, vol. 5, no. 2, 2020, pp. 45-50. JSTOR, doi:10.1234/jwriting.2020.5678.
Tips And Resources
Learn how to cite MLA citations with these simple tips and handy resources. Follow step-by-step instructions to ensure your citations are accurate.
Useful Tools
Many online tools help with MLA citation. EasyBib is a popular one. It creates citations quickly. Cite This For Me is another good choice. It supports many formats. BibMe also helps with MLA and other styles. These tools save time and ensure accuracy.
Further Reading
To understand MLA better, read the MLA Handbook. It is the official guide. Many libraries have it. Purdue OWL is a helpful online resource. It explains MLA rules clearly. Your school website may also have guides. Always check the latest edition for updates.
Credit: libguides.nwmissouri.edu
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Cite A Book In Mla Format?
To cite a book in MLA, include the author, title, publisher, and publication year. Example: Smith, John. *Book Title*. Publisher, 2020.
What Is The Mla Citation Format For A Website?
Include the author, title, website name, publication date, URL. Example: Doe, Jane. “Article Title. ” *Website Name*, 1 Jan. 2020, www. website. com.
How To Cite A Journal Article In Mla?
List the author, article title, journal name, volume, issue, year, pages. Example: Brown, Mary. “Article Title. ” *Journal Name*, vol. 10, no. 2, 2020, pp. 100-110.
How To Cite Multiple Authors In Mla?
For two authors, list both names. For three or more, list the first author followed by “et al. ” Example: Smith, John, and Jane Doe. Or Smith, John, et al.
Conclusion
Mastering MLA citation can improve your writing credibility. It’s easy to follow. Always pay attention to detail. Citing sources correctly avoids plagiarism. Use the guidelines provided in this post. Practice makes perfect. Your academic work will benefit. Proper citation builds trust with readers.
Happy citing!
