The basic formula of in-text citation in MLA looks like this:
Author’s name + Page number (both elements in parenthesis with no comma between)
Follow general rules of MLA citation format unless otherwise specified.
Example:
In our citation examples we use the following color coding:
- Red – Author
- Blue – Title of book/article/charter/webpage
- Sienna – Pages
- Gold – Book, a part/chapter of which is being cited
Author Named in a Signal Phrase
Mention the author in the sentence and end it with a page number for the paraphrased information:
Example:
Author not Named in a Signal Phrase
Note that there is no comma between the author’s name and the page number:
Example:
Unknown Author
If the author is unknown, the first name that appears in the source listing should be used with the same formatting and punctuation. If the name is too long, it must be reduced to the first several words when included in parenthesis:
Example:
Unknown Page Number
If there is no page number and the source is not divided by chapters, paragraphs or other sections, do not include it in the in-text citation.
Example:
More than One Work by the Same Author
When you are referring to more than one work of the author, it is necessary to state a shortened version of a title. The examples below will show how it will look in text.
Example:
However, when the author’s last name is presented in the sentence, the in-text reference will appear at the end of the sentence in this format:
Example:
Two or Three Authors
When making a reference to two co-authors, it is necessary to use “and” to connect their last names.
Example:
Three or More Authors
If the Works Cited Entry shows that three or more than three authors are present, “et al.” is used starting from the first quote or reference.
Example:
Corporate Author
If the author is an organization or corporate entity, it is necessary to include its full name in the in-text citation. Nonetheless, it is reasonable to use abbreviations if it is possible.
Example:
Authors with the Same Last Name
It happens that the authors have same last names. To differentiate them in in-text citations, it is appropriate to use the first initials of the authors.
Example:
Encyclopedia
When citing an encyclopedia or a part of it, it is necessary to put the article in quotation marks as it is stated in the reference list entry.
Example:
Multivolume Work
When citing information from different volumes, it is necessary to indicate a volume number. However, it is not necessary if only one volume is used.
Example:
Two or More Works in the Same Parentheses
Sometimes, the idea is described by two authors at the same time. Consequently, it is necessary to show both of them in parentheses. It is necessary to use semi-colon to divide them.
Example:
An Entire Work
When citing an entire website, book, or any other long sources, the title will be shortened and presented in italics (if the author is unknown).
Example:
Nonetheless, if the author is known, then it is reasonable to indicate authors in parentheses.
Work in Anthology
The work in anthology is cited using the principles of general MLA format. In this case, information in parenthesis will reflect the last name of the author of the short work and page number.
Example:
Government Publication
The similar rules are applied to Governmental Publication as citing a Corporate Author. In this case, the in-text citation has to include a full name of the department and a page number or paragraph. In this case, the in-text citation will look like this:
Example:
Dissertation
If the author is known, the common citation rules are used as (Author’s Last Name and Page Number). Consequently, the in-text will look like this:
Example:
Lecture
In the majority of cases, the information about the lecturer is known. In this instance, the in-text citation will look like this:
Example:
Multimedia Sources
Sometimes, it is necessary to reference various multimedia sources, such as videos, films, podcasts, YouTube videos, and images.
If you are perfectionist (or unlucky student; it depends), you may include particular minutes that the quotation or text refers to such as (00:01:23-00:01:56).
However, it is not necessary.
Video or Film
When citing a video or a film, general rules for MLA referencing are applied. In this case, the title of the video will be italicized as in Works Cited. For example, the in-text may look like this:
Example:
Podcast/Youtube
Citing this source is also dependent on how it appears in Works Cited page. In this case, it is reasonable to state the author (user name) if known or provide the title of the work in quotation marks.
Example:
Image from Website
As for the picture or photograph, if the author is known it is reasonable to state the author, such as (Gogh) and (Burtinsky). With the unknown author, use it the same way as it is stated in Works Cited.