Which In-Text Citation is Formatted Correctly in MLA Style?
When writing a research paper or essay, it’s important to give credit to the sources you use. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is one of the most common citation styles used in academic writing. Correctly formatting your in-text citations in MLA style ensures you avoid plagiarism and give proper credit to the original authors.
What is an In-Text Citation?
An in-text citation is a brief reference within your text that indicates the source you used. It usually includes the author’s last name and the page number from which the information was taken. This allows readers to locate the full citation in the Works Cited list at the end of your paper.
Basic Format of an In-Text Citation in MLA Style
The basic format for an in-text citation in MLA style includes the author’s last name and the page number without a comma between them. The citation is placed in parentheses at the end of the sentence, before the period.
Example:
"The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" (Smith 23).
Why Correct Citation Matters
Correctly formatting in-text citations in MLA style is crucial for several reasons:
- Academic Integrity: Proper citations help maintain academic honesty, ensuring you give credit where it’s due.
- Credibility: Accurate citations strengthen the credibility of your work by showing that your research is based on reliable sources.
- Avoiding Plagiarism: Plagiarism can have serious academic consequences. Correct citations help you avoid this by clearly indicating which ideas are not your own.
- Helping Readers: Proper citations make it easier for readers to locate your sources if they wish to read more about the topic.
Examples of Correct MLA In-Text Citations
1. Single Author
If you are citing a source with a single author, include the author’s last name and the page number.
(Smith 23)
Example in a sentence:
According to recent research, climate change is accelerating (Jones 45).
2. Multiple Authors
If a source has two authors, include both last names in the citation.
(Johnson and Smith 78)
Example in a sentence:
Studies show that exercise can improve mental health (Doe and Roe 123).
For three or more authors, use the first author’s last name followed by “et al.”
(Clark et al. 67)
Example in a sentence:
Research indicates that healthy eating is crucial for long-term health (Lee et al. 90).
3. No Author
If the source has no author, use the title of the work instead. Shorten the title if it is long, and italicize it if it is a book or put it in quotation marks if it is an article.
("Global Warming" 22)
Example in a sentence:
The effects of global warming are becoming more evident every year ("Climate Change" 13).
4. Corporate Author
If a source is written by a corporate author, use the name of the organization.
(World Health Organization 56)
Example in a sentence:
Vaccinations have significantly reduced the spread of infectious diseases (World Health Organization 56).
5. Indirect Source
If you are citing a source that was cited in another source, use “qtd. in” to indicate the original source.
(qtd. in Smith 89)
Example in a sentence:
Einstein’s theory of relativity was a groundbreaking concept (qtd. in Brown 45).
Placement of In-Text Citations
In-text citations should be placed as close as possible to the information being cited, typically at the end of the sentence, before the period. If you mention the author’s name in the text, you do not need to include it in the citation; only the page number is needed.
Smith states that "the effects of climate change are irreversible" (23).
Special Cases
1. No Page Number
If the source does not have page numbers (such as a website), you only need to include the author’s last name.
(Jones)
Example in a sentence:
Online resources provide a wealth of information (Smith).
2. Multiple Works by the Same Author
If you cite multiple works by the same author, include a shortened title of the work to distinguish between them.
(Johnson, "Health Benefits" 54)
Example in a sentence:
Johnson's studies highlight the importance of nutrition ("Nutrition Myths" 32) and exercise ("Health Benefits" 54).
Using In-Text Citations with Long Quotations
In MLA style, long quotations (more than four lines) are formatted differently. These are called block quotations. The entire quote is indented one inch from the left margin, and there are no quotation marks. The in-text citation comes after the period at the end of the quotation.
Example:
Smith explains the impact of the new policy:
The new policy will significantly alter the landscape of higher education.
It will provide more opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds
and ensure that funding is allocated more equitably. (45)
Citing Different Types of Sources
1. Books
When citing a book, include the author’s last name and the page number.
(Tolkien 34)
Example in a sentence:
The symbolism in Tolkien's work is profound (Tolkien 34).
2. Articles
For articles, include the author’s last name and the page number.
(Jones 12)
Example in a sentence:
Jones argues that technology has both positive and negative impacts on society (12).
3. Websites
For websites, include the author’s last name if available. If no author is available, use the title of the webpage.
(Smith)
Example in a sentence:
The website provides a comprehensive guide to MLA formatting (Smith).
If no author is available:
("MLA Formatting Guide")
Example in a sentence:
The guide is helpful for understanding MLA style ("MLA Formatting Guide").
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Missing Page Numbers
Always include page numbers if available. This helps the reader locate the exact part of the source.
Incorrect: (Smith)
Correct: (Smith 23)
2. Incorrect Placement
Place the citation at the end of the sentence, before the period.
Incorrect: "Climate change is a pressing issue." (Smith 23)
Correct: "Climate change is a pressing issue" (Smith 23).
3. Misformatted Author Names
Ensure the author’s name is spelled correctly and consistently.
Incorrect: (Smyth 23)
Correct: (Smith 23)
Tips for Correct MLA In-Text Citations
- Double-Check Author Names: Ensure you spell the author’s last name correctly.
- Consistent Formatting: Maintain consistent formatting throughout your paper.
- Refer to the MLA Handbook: When in doubt, refer to the latest edition of the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers.
- Use Citation Tools: Online citation tools can help ensure your citations are correctly formatted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What if there are multiple authors with the same last name?
If you are citing works by authors with the same last name, include their first initial in the citation.
(A. Smith 23) and (B. Smith 45)
2. How do I cite a source without page numbers?
For sources without page numbers, such as websites, only include the author’s last name.
(Smith)
3. Misformatted Author Names
Ensure the author’s name is spelled correctly and consistently.
(Smith, "Climate Change" 45) and (Smith, "Global Warming" 23)
Conclusion
Properly formatted in-text citations in MLA style are crucial for academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can ensure that your citations are correct and your sources are properly credited.
For more detailed information on MLA style, visit the official MLA website or refer to the MLA Handbook.
By using these examples and tips, you can confidently format your in-text citations in MLA style, ensuring your work is both professional and academically sound. Proper citations not only enhance the credibility of your work but also respect the intellectual property of the original authors, contributing to a culture of honesty and respect in academic writing.
