Citing sources, MLA style: Overview

MLA citations are made with a combination of signal phrases and parenthetical references in the text of your paper (in-text citations) and a list of references (works cited) at the end of the paper.

The guidelines presented here are consistent with advice given in the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th ed. (2009).

How to use citations in the text of your paper (in-text citations)

A signal phrase indicates that something taken from a source (a quotation, summary, paraphrase, or fact) is about to be used; usually the signal phrase includes the author’s name.

Legal scholar Jay Kesan notes that many companies monitor employees electronically, but “there may exist less intrusive safeguards for employers” (293).

The parenthetical reference, which comes after the cited material, normally includes at least a page number.

Legal scholar Jay Kesan notes that many companies monitor employees electronically, but “there may exist less intrusive safeguards for employers” (293).

How to list references at the end of your paper (works cited list)

At the end of the paper, a list of works cited gives complete information about all the references the writer cites in the text of the paper. The list is arranged alphabetically by authors’ last names.

Kesan, Jay P. “Cyber-Working or Cyber-Shirking? A First Principles Examination of Electronic Privacy in the Workplace.” Florida Law Review 54.2 (2002): 289-332. Print.

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Exercise: MLA documentation: in-text citations 1

Exercise: MLA documentation: in-text citations 2

Exercise: MLA documentation: in-text citations 3

Exercise: MLA documentation: identifying elements of sources

Exercise: MLA documentation: Works cited 1

Exercise: MLA documentation: Works cited 2

Exercise: MLA documentation: Works cited 3

Exercise: MLA documentation

Related topics:

MLA in-text citations

MLA list of works cited

Directory to MLA in-text citation models

Directory to MLA works cited models