How to Do a Citation Without an Author
Citations are essential in academic writing to give credit to the original authors of the ideas and information used. However, sometimes you may come across a source that does not have an identifiable author. In such cases, it’s crucial to follow a specific format to ensure your citation is accurate and professional. This article will guide you on how to do a citation without an author, using various citation styles such as APA, MLA, and Chicago.
APA Style
When citing a source without an author in APA style, the format is as follows:
– Start with the title of the source in quotation marks.
– Follow with the publication date in parentheses.
– Include the title of the container (if applicable) in italics.
– End with the page numbers or URL.
Example: “Title of the Source” (Year). Title of the Container. Retrieved from URL
MLA Style
In MLA style, when you do not have an author, the format is slightly different:
– Begin with the title of the source in quotation marks.
– Include the publication date in parentheses.
– Provide the title of the container in italics (if applicable).
– Add the medium of publication (e.g., web) and the URL.
Example: “Title of the Source.” Year. Title of the Container. Medium of Publication, URL.
Chicago Style
Chicago style has two sub-styles: author-date and notes-bibliography. Here’s how to cite a source without an author in both sub-styles:
– Author-Date Style: Begin with the title of the source in quotation marks.
– Follow with the publication date in parentheses.
– Provide the title of the container in italics (if applicable).
– Add the medium of publication (e.g., web) and the URL.
Example: “Title of the Source” (Year). Title of the Container. Medium of Publication, URL.
– Notes-Bibliography Style: Begin with a shortened note that includes the title of the source, publication date, and container title (if applicable).
– In the bibliography, list the full citation with the author’s name and other details.
Example: 1. “Title of the Source.” Year. Title of the Container. Medium of Publication, URL.
In conclusion, when citing a source without an author, it’s essential to follow the appropriate citation style’s guidelines. By using the correct format, you can ensure that your citation is accurate and professional, giving credit to the original source while maintaining the integrity of your work.
