Enhance Your Writing with MLA In-Text Citation: Real-world Example Cases
In academic writing, it is essential to provide proper citations to give credit to the original sources of information. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is widely used in humanities disciplines for citing sources within the text of a paper. One crucial aspect of MLA citation is the in-text citation, which helps readers locate the complete reference in the Works Cited list at the end of the paper. Let’s explore some real-world examples of MLA in-text citations and understand how they can enhance your writing.
Basic Format for In-Text Citations
To create an effective in-text citation, you need to include the author’s last name and the page number where you found the information. For instance, suppose you are quoting a sentence from an article written by John Smith on page 45. Your in-text citation would look like this: (Smith 45).
Multiple Authors
When citing a source with multiple authors, include all their last names in your in-text citation. Suppose you are referencing a book written by William Johnson and Emma Thompson on page 67. Your citation would be: (Johnson and Thompson 67). If there are more than two authors, use et al., meaning “and others,” after the first author’s name.
No Page Numbers
Sometimes, sources do not have page numbers, such as online articles or webpages without pagination. In such cases, you can use other identifying information instead of page numbers. For example, if you are referring to a paragraph number or a section heading within an online article written by Rebecca Davis, your citation might look like this: (Davis par. 5) or (Davis sec. 2).
Indirect Sources
Indirect sources refer to when you cite one author quoted in another author’s work that you have read yourself but couldn’t access directly. In such cases, you should use “qtd. in” before the author’s name you actually read in your in-text citation. For instance, if you are citing a book by John Adams that quotes a statement from James Madison, your citation would be: (Madison qtd. in Adams 89).
Incorporating proper MLA in-text citations not only ensures that you give credit to the original authors but also adds credibility to your writing and allows readers to locate the complete references easily. Remember to include a corresponding entry in the Works Cited list for each in-text citation used within your paper.
By following these real-world examples of MLA in-text citations, you can enhance your writing and demonstrate a strong understanding of academic integrity. So, next time you’re working on an academic paper or any piece of writing that requires citations, make sure to use proper MLA in-text citation format for a polished and professional result.
This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.
