How to Do an in Text Citation MLA: Step-by-Step Guide

Knowing how to do an in-text citation in MLA is essential for academic writing. It gives credit to sources and avoids plagiarism.

Citing sources properly can be tricky, especially if you’re new to MLA format. But don’t worry, mastering MLA in-text citations isn’t as hard as it seems. This blog will guide you through the basics and help you understand the key steps.

We’ll explore how to cite different types of sources and ensure your work is accurate. By the end, you’ll feel more confident in your writing and citation skills. Stay with us to learn the essentials of MLA in-text citations and make your academic writing shine.

Introduction To Mla In-text Citations

In-text citations give credit to authors. They show where information comes from. They help readers find the original sources. They avoid plagiarism. This is very important in writing. Citations make your work credible. They show you have done research. They make your arguments stronger.

The MLA format is used in many schools. It is easy to use. It is clear and organized. It helps writers stay consistent. This format is common in humanities subjects. Using MLA shows you follow academic standards. It is recognized by teachers and students.

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Basic Rules For Mla In-text Citations

Cite the author’s last name and page number. For example, (Smith 123). No comma between name and number. Place the citation at the end of the sentence. Ensure the period comes after the parentheses.

For two authors, use both last names. Example: (Smith and Johnson 45). For three or more authors, use the first author’s last name. Then add “et al.” For example, (Smith et al. 67).

Use the title of the work. Put the title in quotation marks. Example: (“Climate Change” 89). If the title is long, use a short version. Make sure it is clear which work you mean.

Citing Different Types Of Sources

Citing a book in MLA format is simple. Write the author’s last name and the page number in parentheses. Example: (Smith 123). If there are multiple authors, list their last names. Example: (Smith and Brown 123).

Journal articles are cited by the author’s last name and page number. Example: (Doe 45). If the article has multiple authors, list them all. Example: (Doe, Johnson, and Lee 45). If there is no page number, just use the author’s last name.

Websites are cited with the author’s last name. If no author, use the title of the page. Example: (Smith) or (“How to Cite”). No page numbers are needed. For long titles, use a shortened version. Example: (“Citing Sources”).

Citing Direct Quotes

Use short quotes in your paper. Always place them within quotation marks. Include the author’s last name. Add the page number in parentheses. Example: “This is a quote” (Smith 23). Ensure the period goes after the parentheses.

For long quotes, start on a new line. Indent the entire quote half an inch from the left margin. Do not use quotation marks. Place the author’s name and page number in parentheses after the quote. Example: Smith states,

This is a long quote that needs a block format. Do not forget to indent this part of your paper. (Smith 45)

Citing Paraphrased Information

Paraphrasing is useful when you want to use information from a source, but in your own words. It helps to simplify complex ideas. It also makes your work more original. Paraphrasing is good for summarizing long texts. It shows you understand the material. Always cite the original source, even when paraphrasing.

Read the original text carefully. Understand the main idea. Write the idea in your own words. Do not copy phrases exactly. Use different sentence structures. Keep the meaning the same. Check your version against the original. Make sure it is accurate. Add an in-text citation to give credit to the author.

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Handling Special Cases

List the author’s last name. Then, add a comma. Next, include a shortened title of the work. Put the title in italics. For example: (Smith, Book Title). If you cite another work by the same author, use a different shortened title.

Use “qtd. in” to show the source you used. For example: (qtd. in Smith 45). This means you found the quote in another source. Always try to find the original source if you can. This ensures accuracy and credit.

Formatting In-text Citations

Place the punctuation marks correctly. For example, after the closing parenthesis. This keeps the text clear. The author’s last name and page number go inside the parentheses. For example: (Smith 23). Put the period after the citation. This makes it easy to understand.

If you mention the author’s name in the text, only the page number goes in the parentheses. For example: Smith states that “…” (23). This way, the reader knows where to look. Punctuation helps in making sentences clear and easy to read.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Always use the author’s last name first. If the author’s name is Jane Smith, write it as Smith, Jane. Do not reverse the order. Many forget this rule. It makes citations incorrect. Always check the author’s name format.

Punctuation is key in MLA citations. Place periods and commas correctly. A common error is putting the period after the parentheses. Example: “This is a quote” (Smith 123). Instead, write: “This is a quote” (Smith 123). Always put the period after the parentheses. This rule is crucial for correct MLA citations.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is An In-text Citation In Mla?

An in-text citation in MLA gives credit to sources within your text. It includes the author’s last name and page number.

How Do You Format An In-text Citation In Mla?

An MLA in-text citation should look like this: (Smith 123). It includes the author’s last name and page number.

When Do You Need To Use An In-text Citation?

Use an in-text citation whenever you quote, paraphrase, or refer to someone else’s work in your text.

Can You Cite Multiple Authors In Mla?

Yes, for two authors, include both last names: (Smith and Jones 123). For three or more, use (Smith et al. 123).

Conclusion

Citing sources in MLA is easier than it seems. Follow the basic rules. Remember to include the author’s last name and page number. This helps readers find the source. Always double-check your citations for accuracy. It makes your work credible.

Practice makes perfect. Soon, citing will become second nature. Keep these tips handy. Your writing will improve. Readers will appreciate your effort. Happy writing!