Writing MLA In-Text Citations

When it comes to academic writing, citing sources is an essential practice to ensure credibility and avoid plagiarism. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is commonly used in the humanities and liberal arts disciplines, and it provides specific guidelines for in-text citations. In this article, we will explore the basics of writing MLA in-text citations and provide tips to help you navigate this process effectively.

In-text citations in MLA style serve two primary purposes: to give credit to the original source and to enable readers to locate the complete citation in the Works Cited page. They include the author’s name and the page number(s) where the information is found. There are a few different ways to format in-text citations depending on the source and the information being cited.

For a standard MLA citation, include the author’s last name and the page number in parentheses at the end of the sentence. For example, if you are citing a book written by John Smith on page 42, the citation would look like this: (Smith 42).

If the author’s name is mentioned in the sentence itself, you only need to include the page number in parentheses at the end. For example, “According to Smith, the evidence supports this claim (42).”

If you are citing a source with multiple authors, include all of their last names in the citation. For example, (Smith, Johnson, and Brown 25).

If the source does not have a page number, such as an online article, you can use other identifying information, such as paragraph number or section heading. For example, (Smith, par. 4) or (Smith, sec. 2).

When citing a work with two authors, use “and” between their names. For example, (Smith and Johnson 15).

If a work has three or more authors, use the first author’s name followed by “et al.” For example, (Smith et al. 8).

In some cases, you may need to cite indirect sources. This occurs when you are citing information from a source that was mentioned in another source. In this case, include the original author’s name in the sentence, followed by “qtd. in” (quoted in), and then the author of the source you are using. For example, “According to Smith, as cited in Johnson, the evidence supports this claim (42).”

When citing sources such as articles or essays within an edited collection, include the author’s name and the page number in parentheses. Additionally, include the title of the article or essay in quotation marks. For example, (Smith 32-35).

Remember, every in-text citation should correspond to a full citation in the Works Cited page at the end of your paper. The Works Cited page provides readers with the necessary information to locate the sources you have used in your research.

In conclusion, writing MLA in-text citations is an essential skill in academic writing. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that you are citing your sources accurately and in accordance with MLA style. Remember to always credit the original author, provide specific page numbers or other identifying information, and include a complete citation in the Works Cited page. Developing proficiency in writing in-text citations will not only elevate the quality and credibility of your own work but also demonstrate your commitment to ethical academic practices.