3 Examples of MLA In-Text Citations

Learn how to properly format MLA in-text citations with these practical examples.
By Taylor

Understanding MLA In-Text Citations

When writing a research paper, properly citing your sources is crucial for avoiding plagiarism and giving credit to the original authors. The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is commonly used in humanities disciplines, and in-text citations are a key part of this style. Below, you’ll find three diverse examples of MLA in-text citations that demonstrate how to integrate sources into your writing seamlessly.

Example 1: Citing a Book

Context:

In this example, we will cite a book authored by a single individual. This is common in literary analysis or any research where an author’s ideas are being discussed directly.

In her book, The Art of Fiction, author Susan Smith argues that storytelling is a fundamental aspect of human culture. Smith emphasizes how narratives shape our understanding of the world (Smith 45).

Notes:

  • If you’re citing a specific idea or quote, always include the page number where the information can be found.
  • If you mention the author’s name in the sentence, you only need to include the page number in parentheses.

Example 2: Citing a Website

Context:

With the rise of digital resources, citing online information has become increasingly important. This example shows how to cite a webpage in MLA format.

According to the American Psychological Association, the importance of mental health awareness has gained significant traction in recent years, leading to more resources and support systems being established (APA).

Notes:

  • When citing a website, you can include the organization or author if it’s clear from the context, but no page number is needed since web pages can vary.
  • If the author is a known entity, you can include their name instead of the organization.

Example 3: Citing a Scholarly Article

Context:

In academic writing, citing journal articles is common, especially when discussing research findings. This example highlights how to reference a scholarly article.

The study conducted by Johnson and Lee found that students who engage in collaborative learning tend to perform better academically due to enhanced communication skills (Johnson and Lee 122).

Notes:

  • When citing a source with multiple authors, you can list both last names connected by