Research Guide: Citations

MLA In-Text Citations: The Basics

In-Text Citations (MLA)

Basic Format:
(Author's Last Name Page number or numbers)

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).

For Paraphrasing and Direct Quotes

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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