Quoting in MLA format is a crucial aspect of academic writing, particularly in the humanities. The Modern Language Association (MLA) provides guidelines for properly quoting sources to maintain the integrity and credibility of research papers, essays, and other written works. Understanding how to quote in MLA format is essential for students, researchers, and writers to acknowledge the original authors of ideas, phrases, and sentences they incorporate into their work.
Basic Principles of Quoting in MLA Format
The MLA format requires a specific set of rules for quoting sources, including in-text citations and a Works Cited page. The primary goal is to give credit to the original authors and to allow readers to locate the sources easily. For in-text citations, the MLA format uses the author-page method, where the author’s last name and the page number(s) of the source are included in parentheses at the end of the sentence or quotation.
In-Text Citations for Quotations
When quoting directly from a source, it is essential to include the quotation marks around the quoted material and provide an in-text citation. The general format for an in-text citation for a quotation is (Author’s Last Name Page Number). For example, if quoting from a book by John Smith on page 23, the in-text citation would be (Smith 23). If the author’s name is mentioned in the sentence leading up to the quotation, only the page number is included in the parentheses, as in: According to Smith, “the quotation” (23).
| Type of Source | In-Text Citation Example |
|---|---|
| One Author | (Smith 23) |
| Two Authors | (Smith and Johnson 12) |
| Three or More Authors | (Smith et al. 45) |
| No Author | ("Title of Source" 34) |
Short Quotations and Long Quotations
The MLA format distinguishes between short and long quotations, each with its own formatting rules. Short quotations, which are fewer than four lines of prose or three lines of verse, are incorporated into the text and enclosed in quotation marks. For example: Smith argues, “the current situation is dire” (23). Long quotations, which exceed four lines of prose or three lines of verse, are set off from the text by indenting them one inch (or ten spaces) from the left margin and are not enclosed in quotation marks.
Integrating Quotations into Sentences
Quotations should be integrated smoothly into the text, making sure they support the argument or point being made. It is crucial to introduce the quotation with a signal phrase or verb to provide context and clarify the relationship between the quotation and the surrounding text. Examples of signal verbs include says, argues, asserts, and states.
For example: According to Smith, "the quotation" illustrates the main argument (23). The use of a signal phrase or verb helps to incorporate the quotation naturally into the sentence structure, enhancing the clarity and effectiveness of the writing.
Works Cited Page
A Works Cited page is an essential component of MLA formatting, providing a list of all sources cited in the paper. Each source is formatted differently depending on the type (book, article, website, etc.), but the basic elements include the author’s name, title of the source, title of the container (if applicable), publication date, page numbers (if applicable), and DOI or URL (for online sources). The Works Cited page is arranged alphabetically by the author’s last name.
Key Points for Quoting in MLA Format
- Use quotation marks for short quotations and indent long quotations.
- Include in-text citations with the author's last name and page number.
- Introduce quotations with signal phrases or verbs.
- Use an ellipsis to indicate omissions within quotations.
- Organize the Works Cited page alphabetically by author's last name.
Mastering the art of quoting in MLA format is vital for academic integrity and for producing well-structured, credible research papers and essays. By following the guidelines for in-text citations, formatting quotations, and compiling a Works Cited page, writers can ensure that their work is properly documented and respectful of the original authors' contributions.
How do I format a quotation from a source with no author in MLA style?
+For sources without an author, use the title of the source in the in-text citation, and include the page number if available. The title should be in title case and enclosed in quotation marks if it is a short work (like an article) or italicized if it is a longer work (like a book). For example: ("Article Title" 12) or (Book Title 23).
What is the correct way to cite a source with two authors in MLA style?
+For sources with two authors, list the authors' last names in the in-text citation, separated by "and." For example: (Smith and Johnson 12). In the Works Cited entry, list the authors' names in the same order, separated by a comma after the first author's name: Smith, John, and Jane Johnson.
By adhering to these guidelines and understanding the nuances of quoting in MLA format, writers can enhance the credibility of their work, avoid plagiarism, and contribute to the academic community with integrity and professionalism.
