In MLA, in-text citations are inserted in the body of your research paper to briefly document the source of your information. Brief in-text citations point the reader to more complete information in the Works Cited list at the end of the paper.
|
Type of Citation |
In-Text Parenthetical Format |
|
1 work by 1 author |
(Harris 23) |
|
1 work by 2 authors |
(Harris and Ramirez 23) |
|
1 work by 3 or more authors |
(Peet et al.198) |
|
Corporate author |
(American Dental Association 42) |
|
Unknown author (use the title) |
("A New Deal" 121) |
Chart courtesy of Indian River State College, 2020
When you quote directly from a source, enclose the quoted section in quotation marks. Add an in-text citation at the end of the quote with the author name and page number, like this:
"Here's a direct quote" (Smith 8).
"Here's a direct quote" ("Trouble" 22).
When you write information or ideas from a source in your own words, cite the source by adding an in-text citation at the end of the paraphrased portion, like this:
This is a paraphrase (Smith 8).
This is a paraphrase ("Trouble" 22).