Answered from cited sources · retrieved September 20, 2026
how to cite sources in mla
MLA style requires a two-part system consisting of brief in-text parenthetical citations and a comprehensive Works Cited list at the end of your paper.
MLA style uses a two-part system to credit sources: brief in-text citations that point readers to a full list of sources at the end of your paper. In-text citations typically include the author's last name and the specific location (such as a page number) in parentheses. The Works Cited page provides full bibliographic details for every source you summarized, paraphrased, or quoted. Entries are organized alphabetically, typically by the author's last name, and use a hanging indent format. MLA relies on a template of core elements—such as author, title, container, and publication date—to help you construct consistent citations for any type of source.
- In-Text Citations. In-text citations generally use the author's last name and the page number in parentheses, placed at the end of the sentence before the final punctuation. If the author's name is already in your sentence, only the page number is needed in the parentheses.
- Works Cited Page Formatting. The Works Cited page lists all sources used in your paper. Entries are double-spaced, organized alphabetically by the author's last name (or title if no author is provided), and use a hanging indent for lines after the first.
- Core Elements of a Citation. MLA uses a template of core elements to standardize citations. These include the author, title of source, title of container, other contributors, version, number, publisher, publication date, and location (such as a page range, URL, or DOI).
- Handling Missing Information. If a source is missing a core element, such as an author or page number, omit it from the citation. For online sources, prefer a DOI or permalink over a standard URL, and omit the http:// or https:// protocol if desired.
Sources
- MLA Citations: Overview - Purdue OWLowl.purdue.edu
- M L A Documentation (9th edition)bucks.edu
- MLA STYLE GUIDEmvcc.edu
- Packetdbu.edu
- Works Cited - How Do I Cite in MLA? - McMaster LibGuides at McMaster Universitylibguides.mcmaster.ca
- MLA STYLE, 9 EDITION:ustpaul.ca
- MLA REFERENCING FOR POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS – Updated September 2025library.cit.ie
- MLA Handbook Ninth Edition | Modern Language Associationmla.org
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