In academic writing, accurate and consistent citation is crucial for giving credit to your sources and avoiding plagiarism. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is one of the most widely used citation formats, particularly in the humanities. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of MLA citations, covering everything from the basics of in-text citations and Works Cited lists to leveraging tools like the Scribbr MLA Citation Generator to streamline the process.
An MLA citation consists of two essential components:
The Works Cited list provides detailed information about each source you used. Each entry follows a specific format, comprising nine core elements:
Here’s the basic structure:
Author. “Title of Source.” Title of Container, Other contributors, Version, Number, Publisher, Publication date, Location.
This format can be adapted for various source types, including books, journal articles, websites, and movies. Remember to include only the information relevant to the specific source you're citing. For example, here's how you would cite a book:
Lastname, Firstname. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.
Sometimes, a source might be missing crucial information. Here's how to handle common scenarios:
| What’s Missing? | What to Do | Works Cited Example |
|---|---|---|
| No author | Start with the source title. Alphabetize by the first word (ignoring articles). | “Australia fires: ‘Catastrophic’ alerts in South Australia and Victoria.” BBC News, 20 Nov. 2019, www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-50483410. |
| No title | Give a brief description of the source. Use sentence case and no italics or quotation marks. | Mackintosh, Charles Rennie. Chair of stained oak. 1897–1900, Victoria and Albert Museum, London. |
| No date | Leave out the publication date. Add the date you accessed the source at the end of the citation. | “Who are Scribbr Editors?” Scribbr, www.scribbr.com/about-us/editors/. Accessed 10 June 2019. |
MLA in-text citations are brief references within your text that direct readers to the full source entry in your Works Cited list. They are essential whenever you quote, paraphrase, or summarize a source. The in-text citation should correspond to the first element of the Works Cited entry, typically the author's last name. It should include the page number or range where the information can be found.
Example: (Smith 123)
Here's a breakdown of how to format in-text citations based on the number of authors:
If you've already mentioned the author in your sentence, simply include the page number in parentheses:
According to Reynolds, social and demographic circumstances still have a major effect on job prospects (17–19).
For sources without page numbers, such as websites or videos, use the following guidelines:
Creating accurate MLA citations can be time-consuming. Tools like the Scribbr MLA Citation Generator can significantly simplify the process. This tool allows you to:
Scribbr offers a Chrome extension that allows you to cite any page or article directly from your browser. The extension automatically retrieves essential details, saving you time and effort. Add it to Chrome for free.
In addition to the MLA Citation Generator, Scribbr provides various tools to enhance your writing and research process:
Mastering MLA citations is a vital skill for academic success. By understanding the core principles of MLA style and utilizing helpful tools like the Scribbr MLA Citation Generator, you can ensure the accuracy and integrity of your research papers. Remember to consult the MLA Handbook and other authoritative resources to stay up-to-date with the latest guidelines.
