MLA In-Text Citations
Master MLA parenthetical citations with comprehensive examples and guidelines
MLA In-Text Citation Basics
MLA in-text citations use an author-page format to identify sources within your text. These brief citations direct readers to the complete source information in your Works Cited page.
Basic MLA Citation FormatEssential
(Author Page#)
Example: (Smith 42)
Standard Author-Page Citations
Basic Citation Format
The standard MLA in-text citation includes the author's last name and the page number where the information appears, enclosed in parentheses.
Format:
(Author Page#)
Examples:
Climate change represents "the defining challenge of our time" (Johnson 15).
Recent studies confirm this trend (Martinez 78).
Author Mentioned in Text
When you mention the author's name in your sentence, include only the page number in parentheses.
Format:
Author argues that "quotation" (Page#).
Examples:
Johnson argues that climate change represents "the defining challenge of our time" (15).
According to Martinez, these findings are significant (78).
Multiple Authors
Two Authors
For sources with two authors, include both last names connected by "and."
The research demonstrates significant findings (Smith and Johnson 45).
Smith and Johnson conclude that "further research is needed" (45).
Three or More Authors
For sources with three or more authors, use the first author's last name followed by "et al."
Multiple studies support this conclusion (Williams et al. 123).
Williams et al. argue that "collaboration enhances outcomes" (123).
Special Citation Situations
No Page Numbers
For sources without page numbers (like websites), use only the author's name.
Online education continues to grow (Peterson).
Peterson notes that "digital learning offers flexibility."
No Author
When no author is listed, use a shortened version of the title in quotation marks.
Education funding has decreased significantly ("Budget Crisis" 12).
The report states that "immediate action is required" ("Budget Crisis" 12).
Corporate or Government Authors
Use the organization name, or a shortened version if it's long.
Statistics show improvement in graduation rates (Dept. of Education 25).
The Department of Education reports "significant progress" (25).
Advanced Citation Scenarios
Multiple Works by Same Author
When citing multiple works by the same author, include a shortened title to distinguish between sources.
Early research supports this theory (Johnson, "Climate Patterns" 34).
Later studies refine these findings (Johnson, "Advanced Models" 67).
Indirect Sources (Qtd. in)
When quoting a source that you found quoted in another source, use "qtd. in" to indicate the indirect citation.
Einstein stated that "imagination is more important than knowledge" (qtd. in Miller 89).
Multiple Sources
To cite multiple sources in one citation, separate them with semicolons.
Several studies confirm this trend (Smith 45; Johnson 78; Williams 123).
Digital Sources
Website Articles
For web sources, use the author's name. If no page numbers exist, omit them from the citation.
Online learning has transformed education (Anderson).
Anderson explains that "digital platforms offer unprecedented access."
Social Media Posts
Use the author's real name or username if real name is unavailable.
The announcement sparked immediate discussion (Chen).
As Chen tweeted, "Education reform starts with listening to students."
Common In-Text Citation Mistakes
Avoid These Errors
❌ Wrong:
According to Smith, "quotation." (page 42)
✅ Correct:
According to Smith, "quotation" (42).
❌ Wrong:
(Smith, page 42)
✅ Correct:
(Smith 42)
❌ Wrong:
(Smith, John 42)
✅ Correct:
(Smith 42)
❌ Wrong:
The citation comes before the period (Smith 42.)
✅ Correct:
The citation comes after the period (Smith 42).