Examples are based on the MLA Handbook, 8th edition.
Basic format (Author-Date Style)
In addition to having a references list at the end of your paper, you must give credit to sources that you use within your paper. Usually the author's last name and publication date are enough for the reader to identify the complete reference in the references list. See the examples below for variations of this general rule.
Author's name in text
If you cite the author's name in your paper, cite only the publication year in parentheses after the author's name.
Smith has compared these authors (203-05).
Works Cited
Smith, Patrick A. Tim O'Brien: A Critical Companion. Greenwood P, 2005.
Author's name in reference
If you do not cite the author's name in your paper, then include both the author's last name and page numbers in parentheses at the end of the sentence.
These authors have been compared elsewhere (Smith 203-05).
Works Cited
Smith, Patrick A. Tim O'Brien: A Critical Companion. Greenwood P, 2005.
No author listed (cite by title)
When there is no author listed for a work, include the first few words of the title followed by the page numbers, if available, in parentheses at the end of the sentence. Italicize longer works, such as book titles, plays, or entire websites. Put shorter works in quotation marks.
Although NBC will not air liquor ads until after 9 p.m. to reduce impact on young viewers, the American Medical Association believes this advertising will affect young people ("Liquor Advertising").
Works Cited
"Liquor Advertising Gag is Hard to Swallow." National Post, 19 Dec. 2001, p. A17. ProQuest Central, https://search-proquest.com.lcc.idm.oclc.org/docview/329783841?accountid=1599. Accessed 25 Aug. 2017.
Citing two authors
Cite both authors' last names and the page numbers in parentheses at the end of the sentence. Use and to separate the authors' names.
They believe that a key aspect of the growth of dance on the American cultural scene has been the expansion of dance education (Kraus and Hilsendager 23).
Works Cited
Kraus, Richard, and Sarah Hilsendager. History of Dance in Education. Prentice, 1991.
Citing three or more authors
If the source has three or more authors, cite the first author's name followed by et al.
Chiras et al. offer sustainable solutions to global resource and environmental problems (2).
Works Cited
Chiras, Daniel, et al. Natural Resource Conservation: Management for a Sustainable Future. Pearson, 2004.
Citing part of a work (with & without page numbers)
Research databases provide access to articles in two different formats:
- PDF is an exact copy of the article as it appears in the magazine or journal and includes page numbers
- HTML is the format for online reading and does not include page numbers
If available, use the PDF version because it includes page numbers.
Page numbers
When you quote or paraphrase a specific part of a print or online source with page numbers, give the relevant page numbers in parentheses at the end of the sentence.
Brown wrote, "Time management is an important survival skill" (27).
Works Cited
Brown, D. C. (2003). "No Time for Time Management? Behavioral Agencies have Several Options for Improving Staff Efficiency." Behavioral Healthcare Tomorrow, vol. 12, no. 6, 2003, p. 27-30. General OneFile, link.galegroup.com.lcc.idm.oclc.org/apps/doc/A111934133/AONE?u=lom_lansingcc&sid=AONE&xid=76a2677a.
without Page Numbers
When you quote or paraphrase a specific passage in an online source without page numbers, no page numbers are needed.
According to Jones, binge drinking is a serious problem.
Works Cited
Jones, Sherry Everett et al. "Binge Drinking among Undergraduate College Students in the United States: Implications for Other Substance Use." Journal of American College Health, vol. 50, no. 1, 2001, p. 33-38. ProQuest Central, search-proquest-com.lcc.idm.oclc.org/docview/213065738?accountid=1599. Accessed 25 Aug. 2017.
Citing an Entire Work
When citing an entire work rather than part of a work, include the author's name in the text, not in the parenthetical reference:
Examples
Freeman Patterson provides a good example of a professional photographer's website.
Fuller's Julius Caesar examines the famous Roman's roles as soldier, scholar, and tyrant.
Works Cited
Freeman Patterson: Photographer / Writer. Edited by Freeman Patterson. 2006. www.freemanpatterson.com. Accessed 25 Aug. 2017.
Fuller, J.F.C. Julius Caesar: Man, Soldier, and Tyrant. Rutgers UP, 1965.
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