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, 8th edition (2016).

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.

Bioethicist David Resnik emphasizes that such policies, despite their potential to make our society healthier, “open the door to excessive government control over food, which could restrict dietary choices, interfere with cultural, ethnic, and religious traditions, and exacerbate socioeconomic inequalities” (31).

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

Bioethicist David Resnik emphasizes that such policies, despite their potential to make our society healthier, “open the door to excessive government control over food, which could restrict dietary choices, interfere with cultural, ethnic, and religious traditions, and exacerbate socioeconomic inequalities” (31).

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 you cite in the text of your paper. The list is arranged alphabetically by authors’ last names.

Resnik, David. “Trans Fat Bans and Human Freedom.” American Journal of Bioethics, vol. 10, no. 3, Mar. 2010, pp. 27-32.