When it comes to academic writing, proper citation is crucial to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original authors. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is one of the most widely used citation formats in the humanities. In this article, we will reveal 10+ MLA citation secrets to help you achieve perfect formatting.
Understanding MLA Citation Basics
Before we dive into the secrets, it’s essential to understand the basics of MLA citation. The MLA style uses a parenthetical citation system, where the author’s last name and page number(s) are included in parentheses at the end of the sentence. For example: (Smith 24). If the source has no author, the title is used in the parenthetical citation: (“The Great Gatsby” 12).
Secret #1: Author’s Name Formatting
In MLA style, the author’s name is formatted with the last name first, followed by the first name. For example: Smith, John. If the source has multiple authors, separate their names with commas: Smith, John, and Jane Doe.
Secret #2: Page Number Formatting
When citing a source with multiple pages, use a hyphen to separate the page numbers: (24-27). If the source has only one page, use the single page number: (24).
Secret #3: In-Text Citations for Multiple Sources
If you’re citing multiple sources in a single sentence, separate the citations with semicolons: (Smith 24; Johnson 12). Make sure to list the sources in the same order they appear in the Works Cited page.
Secret #4: Citing Online Sources
When citing online sources, include the author’s name, title of the page, title of the website, publication date, and URL: (Smith, “The Great Gatsby,” The New York Times, 12 Jan. 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/).
Secret #5: Citing Books with Multiple Authors
When citing a book with multiple authors, list all the authors’ names in the order they appear on the title page: (Smith, John, Jane Doe, and Bob Johnson 24).
Secret #6: Citing Articles with No Author
If an article has no author, use the title of the article in the parenthetical citation: (“The Great Gatsby” 12). Make sure to include the title of the article in title case.
Secret #7: Citing Sources with No Page Numbers
If a source has no page numbers, use the paragraph number or section number: (Smith, par. 3). If the source has no paragraphs or sections, use the abbreviation “n.p.” to indicate no page numbers: (Smith n.p.).
Secret #8: Citing Images and Multimedia
When citing images and multimedia, include the creator’s name, title of the work, title of the website, publication date, and URL: (Smith, The Great Gatsby, The New York Times, 12 Jan. 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/).
Secret #9: Citing Interviews
When citing interviews, include the interviewee’s name, title of the interview, title of the publication, publication date, and page numbers: (Smith, “The Great Gatsby,” The New York Times, 12 Jan. 2020, 24-27).
Secret #10: Citing Government Reports
When citing government reports, include the author’s name, title of the report, title of the government agency, publication date, and URL: (Smith, The Great Gatsby, U.S. Department of Education, 12 Jan. 2020, https://www.ed.gov/).
Secret #11: Using MLA Citation Tools
There are many MLA citation tools available online, such as citation generators and formatting guides. These tools can help you format your citations correctly and save time. Some popular MLA citation tools include MLA Citation Generator, Citation Machine, and EasyBib.
| MLA Citation Element | Example |
|---|---|
| Author's Name | Smith, John |
| Page Numbers | 24-27 |
| In-Text Citation | (Smith 24) |
| Online Source | (Smith, "The Great Gatsby," The New York Times, 12 Jan. 2020, https://www.nytimes.com/) |
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering MLA citation secrets is essential for perfect formatting in academic writing. By following these 11 secrets, you’ll be able to format your citations correctly and avoid plagiarism. Remember to always check the MLA Handbook or online resources for the most up-to-date formatting guidelines.
What is the purpose of MLA citation?
+The purpose of MLA citation is to give credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism.
How do I format the author’s name in MLA style?
+In MLA style, the author’s name is formatted with the last name first, followed by the first name: Smith, John.
What is the difference between MLA and APA citation styles?
+MLA and APA citation styles have different formatting guidelines. MLA is used in the humanities, while APA is used in social sciences.
Can I use online citation tools to format my citations?
+Yes, there are many online citation tools available that can help you format your citations correctly, such as MLA Citation Generator, Citation Machine, and EasyBib.
How do I cite a source with no author in MLA style?
+If a source has no author, use the title of the source in the parenthetical citation: (“The Great Gatsby” 12).
