When navigating the world of academic writing, properly citing your sources is paramount, especially when using online materials. MLA (Modern Language Association) in-text citation style is a widely recognized method for giving credit where it’s due and avoiding plagiarism. This guide will provide you with a clear understanding of MLA in-text citations, specifically focusing on how to cite online sources effectively.
Understanding the Basics of MLA In-Text Citations
MLA style utilizes parenthetical citations within your text. This means you’ll briefly refer to your sources within parentheses at the end of sentences or clauses where you use a quotation or paraphrase. These in-text citations then link to a comprehensive “Works Cited” page at the end of your document, providing full bibliographic information for each source.
The core principle of MLA in-text citation is the author-page style. This means, whenever possible, you should include the author’s last name and the page number where you found the information.
For example:
Original sentence: Wordsworth stated that Romantic poetry was marked by a “spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings.” (page 263)
MLA in-text citation examples:
Wordsworth stated that Romantic poetry was marked by a “spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings” (263).
Romantic poetry is characterized by the “spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings” (Wordsworth 263).
Wordsworth extensively explored the role of emotion in the creative process (263).
In these examples, “(263)” and “(Wordsworth 263)” tell the reader that the cited information comes from page 263 of a work by Wordsworth. Readers can then find complete details about this source on your Works Cited page under “Wordsworth.”
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Image alt text: Portrait of William Wordsworth, a key figure in Romantic poetry, whose works are frequently cited in literary analysis.
Citing Online Sources in MLA: Addressing the Digital Landscape
The digital age presents unique challenges for citation, primarily due to the frequent absence of page numbers in online content. However, MLA style provides clear guidelines for citing online sources effectively. The key is to provide enough information in your in-text citation to direct your reader to the correct entry on your Works Cited page.
General Guidelines for Online In-Text Citations
When citing online sources, remember these core principles:
- Identify the First Element: Your in-text citation should begin with the first piece of information that appears in the corresponding entry on your Works Cited page. This is usually the author’s name or, if no author is listed, the title of the article or website.
- Omit Page Numbers (Usually): Online sources often lack page numbers. In most cases, you simply omit page numbers from your in-text citation when citing websites, online articles, or other digital content without pagination.
- Avoid URLs in Text: Generally, do not include full URLs within your in-text citations. Only include partial URLs if the website name itself is crucial for identifying the source (e.g., CNN.com). Full URLs belong in your Works Cited entry.
Specific Scenarios for Online MLA Citations
Let’s explore common scenarios you might encounter when citing online sources:
1. Online Sources with Known Author
If you are citing an online article or webpage with a clearly identified author, use the author’s last name in your in-text citation, just as you would for a print source.
Example: One online film critic stated that Fitzcarraldo “has become notorious for its near-failure and many obstacles” (Taylor, “Fitzcarraldo”).
In this case, “Taylor” leads the reader to the Works Cited entry starting with Taylor’s name. Notice there’s no page number because it’s an online article. To further distinguish between multiple works by the same author, a shortened title is included.
2. Online Sources with No Author
When an online source lacks an author, use a shortened version of the article title or website name in your in-text citation.
- Short Titles (Articles): Use quotation marks for short works like articles or webpages.
- Long Titles (Websites): Italicize or underline for longer works like entire websites.
Example: The Purdue OWL is accessed by millions of users every year. Its “MLA Formatting and Style Guide” is one of the most popular resources.
Here, “MLA Formatting and Style Guide” is used as the signal phrase in the sentence itself, so no parenthetical citation is needed. If the title wasn’t in the sentence, you’d use a shortened title in parentheses.
3. Citing Specific Parts of Online Sources
While page numbers are often absent, some online sources, particularly PDFs or documents hosted online, may have paragraph numbers, section headings, or other organizational markers. If these are present and relevant, you can include them in your citation to guide the reader more precisely. However, MLA generally prioritizes brevity and clarity. If the source is easily searchable (as most online content is), author/title alone is often sufficient. Avoid adding paragraph numbers based on your web browser’s formatting, as these will vary.
4. Websites with Corporate Authors
If a website is authored by an organization or corporation, use the corporate author’s name in your in-text citation. You can use abbreviations (e.g., nat’l for national) if the full name is lengthy.
5. Time-Based Media Online (Videos, Podcasts)
For online videos or podcasts with runtimes, you can include timestamps in your in-text citation to pinpoint specific moments.
Example: (00:02:15-00:02:35) would refer to content between 2 minutes 15 seconds and 2 minutes 35 seconds into the media.
Image alt text: The Purdue OWL logo, representing a trusted online resource for writing and citation guidance.
Key Takeaways for MLA In-Text Citation Online
- Author-Page Style is Core: Even for online sources, the author-page principle guides MLA in-text citation.
- Prioritize First Works Cited Element: Your in-text citation must match the first element of your Works Cited entry.
- Omit Page Numbers for Unpaginated Online Content: This is usually the case for websites and online articles.
- Clarity and Brevity: Provide enough information to guide your reader without being overly verbose.
- Consult the Works Cited: Always ensure your in-text citations accurately correspond to your Works Cited page.
Mastering MLA in-text citation for online sources is essential for academic integrity in the digital age. By following these guidelines, you can confidently and correctly cite your online research, giving proper credit and enhancing the credibility of your work. Remember to always consult the full MLA Handbook or reputable online resources like the Purdue OWL for more detailed guidance and specific examples.
