Accurate and consistent citation is crucial for academic integrity and giving credit to the sources that inform your work. Among the various citation styles, MLA (Modern Language Association) is widely used in the humanities. This guide will provide you with a detailed overview of MLA citation, covering the 9th edition guidelines, in-text citations, Works Cited lists, and helpful tools to streamline the process.
MLA is a citation style developed by the Modern Language Association for academic papers in the humanities. It provides a standardized format for referencing sources, ensuring clarity and preventing plagiarism. A complete MLA citation consists of two main components:
The Works Cited list, also known as a bibliography, provides full details for every source cited in your paper. Each entry is structured around nine core elements:
Following this flexible format, you can create citations for various source types, including:
Sometimes, you may encounter sources with missing information. Here's how to handle common scenarios:
In-text citations are brief references within your text that correspond to the full entries in your Works Cited list. They appear whenever you quote, paraphrase, or summarize information from a source.
Typically, an in-text citation includes the author's last name and the page number or range where the information can be found:
(Smith 17)
Depending on the number of authors, the in-text citation format may vary:
When citing sources without page numbers, such as websites or videos, use alternative locators or omit the page number:
Several tools and resources can help you streamline the MLA citation process:
In addition to the MLA Citation Generator, Scribbr offers a range of tools to support your academic writing:
By understanding the core principles of MLA citation and utilizing the available tools, you can ensure the accuracy and integrity of your academic work.
This comprehensive guide provides a solid foundation for mastering MLA citation. Remember to consult the official MLA Handbook forMore detailed guidance and specific examples.
