Research Guide: Citations

MLA In-Text Citations: The Basics

MLA In-text Citations - The Basics

Basic Format:

(Author's Last Name Page number or numbers)

Examples
Explanation Example
  • When you paraphrase information or quote directly from a source, you must cite the source within the body of your essay or your presentation
     
  • In-text citations are shortened versions of the full citations that you must include on the Works Cited page at the end of your essay or presentation
  • example of an in-text citation for a quote: (West 110).
  • example of an in-text citation for a paraphrase from a source with no page number: (Mirrer).

 

Chocolate is often viewed as a junk food, but its value as unique nutritional source should not be underestimated. In fact, a survey of early South Pole explorer diaries shows that larger chocolate rations “may have been a deciding factor between Roald Amundsen’s successful trek to the South Pole and the fatal attempt by Robert Scott” (West 110). The fact that chocolate was not seen as a frivolity, but deemed important enough staple to pack on these grueling expeditions is a testament to its value in the human diet. Also, there is the more modern comparison that M&M’s chocolate candies were chosen for military expeditions in World War II because they were an energy boosting snack that also did not easily melt (Mirrer).

MLA In-Text Citations - Variations on Author, Date, Page

 

Basic Format:

(Author's Last Name Page number or numbers)

 

1 Author

  • "Social inclusion prevents clinical depression" (Rodriguez 13).
  • Tina Rodriguez found that "social inclusion prevents clinical depression" (13). *use first and last name at first mention, last name only thereafter

Coauthors

  • ...concluded that obesity is a risk factor (Hepburn and Hafiz 411-12).
  • David Hepburn and Makeen Hafiz concluded that obesity is a risk factor (411-12). *use first and last name at first mention, last name only thereafter

3 or more Authors

  • The rate of male infidelity is not dramatically different than the rate of female infidelity” (Strong et al. 222).
  • Strong and others have shown that the rate of male infidelity is not dramatically different than that of female infidelity” (222). *"and colleagues" is also acceptable

2 or more works in one citation

  • Japanese rural architectural styles enjoyed a revival in the 1990s (Tsutsui 505; Wormington 23).                       

Plays [Play name Act.Scene line#-line#]

"He was my master and I wore my life to spend upon his haters" (Antony and Cleopatra 5.1 8-9). [indicates Act 5, Scene 1, lines 8-9]

Corporate/government Author

Shorten long corporate (organization) and government names

...shortened to its initial noun phrase (Modern Language Association, 304)

[full corporate author = the Modern Language Association of America]

No Author

The incidence of drought increased 10% ("Weather Patterns" A6).                    

[full title = “Weather Patterns Wreak Havoc for Oklahoma Farmers”]

No Page Number

...Orissi dance has undergone a major revival since the 1950s (Gupta).

Quick Guide - MLA

Quick Guide - MLA Citation Style

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