How to Cite Sources MLA Style

Cite sources correctly using MLA format.

The Modern Language Association defines specific styles that you use when citing sources in a paper. If an idea you are presenting is based off of another person's work, it's critical to credit the source to avoid issues with intellectual property and plagiarism. Whether the source is a book, article or online content, you must use proper format, especially in academic circles.

Things You'll Need

• Sources to cite.
• The need for MLA style.

Instructions

1. Start a separate page for citations, using the term "Works Cited." List the citations in alphabetical order, starting with the first letter of the entry.

2. Understand the structure of the citation. It has three parts; the author or editor, title and publication information.

3. Always underline the book title. Separate the three sections with two spaces. Abbreviate common terms, such as "Press" or "University" without using periods.

4. Start the first line at the margin and indent the second line, and any subsequent lines for that citation, five spaces. When citing a book with multiple authors, only the first author is listed last name, first name. The other authors are listed without inverting the names. A book that is anonymous does not require an author.

   For example (note that the book is underlined in MLA citations, but not here due to publication limitations):
   Brazelton, T Berry and Stanley I Greenspan. The Irreducible Needs of Children. New York: Perseus, 2000.

5. Use a similar format for online sources. Start with the author, underline the website name and use programming brackets, the ones that look similar to arrows, around the URL.

   For example: Durst, Pablo. "Masquerading and Maulings." Website of Awesome Stuff. 1999. Temple University. 25 Dec. 2009 <http://www.fake.edu/fakeness/faker.html>.

6. Cite a book chapter, remembering to underline the book title.

   For example: Beam, James. "Chapter of Drinking." Drinking for Fun. Ed. James Bowley. Seattle: Crane Publishing, 1988. 165-168.

Tips & Warnings

• When you cite sources in MLA style, remember to...

• UNDERLINE where specified after each step.

• INDENT every line except the first.

• Use a proper MLA style guidebook for further information, or cross-reference to other sites that contain more information.

• FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS AT THE BOTTOM OF EACH STEP!

• Always look for the most current information on how to site sources MLA style, via other trustworthy sites, or an MLA style handbook.

References

• Indiana University: Citing Sources in MLA Style