How to Cite Author in MLA
Citing authors in MLA format is an essential aspect of academic writing, as it provides proper credit to the original sources and helps readers locate the original works. MLA citation style, developed by the Modern Language Association, is widely used in the humanities and liberal arts disciplines. In this article, we will discuss the different ways to cite authors in MLA format, including in-text citations, parenthetical citations, and works cited list entries.
In-text Citations
In MLA format, in-text citations are used to indicate the source of a quote or paraphrase within the text. The in-text citation typically includes the author’s last name and the page number where the information was found. If the author’s name is mentioned in the sentence, only the page number is required. Here are some examples:
– According to Smith, the impact of technology on society is significant (23).
– The impact of technology on society is significant (Smith 23).
If the author’s name is not mentioned in the sentence, include both the author’s last name and the page number in parentheses:
– (Smith 23) highlights the significant impact of technology on society.
When citing a source with no known author, use a shortened title of the work instead of the author’s name:
– The novel explores themes of identity and loss (The Great Gatsby 45).
Parenthetical Citations
Parenthetical citations are similar to in-text citations but are used when the author’s name is not mentioned in the text. They include the author’s last name, the page number, and the year of publication. Here are some examples:
– The impact of technology on society is significant (Smith 2020).
– The novel’s exploration of identity and loss is compelling (The Great Gatsby 2020).
When citing a source with no known author, use a shortened title of the work instead of the author’s name:
– The themes of identity and loss in The Great Gatsby are thought-provoking (2020).
Works Cited List Entries
The Works Cited list is a comprehensive list of all the sources cited in your paper. Each entry should include the author’s name, the title of the work, the title of the container, other contributors, version or edition, numbers, publisher, publication date, and location. Here is an example of a Works Cited entry for a book:
– Smith, John. The Impact of Technology on Society. New York: Random House, 2020.
For a journal article, the entry would include the author’s name, the article title, the journal title, volume, issue number, publication date, and page numbers:
– Smith, John. “The Role of Technology in Education.” Journal of Technology in Education, vol. 29, no. 2, 2020, pp. 45-58.
In conclusion, citing authors in MLA format is an important aspect of academic writing. By following the guidelines for in-text citations, parenthetical citations, and Works Cited list entries, you can ensure that your paper is well-researched and properly credited.
