Embedded Files
In-Text Citations
(MLA 9th)In-Text Citations
All quotations and paraphrased text should be introduced with a signal phrase and/or contextual information, documented with MLA, and analyzed in detail using two to four sentences of scholarly analysis proving why that quote proves the assertion you made in your topic sentence, which supports the claim you make in your thesis in turn. In the body of your essay, post, or paragraph, cite all of the following types of information:
Direct quotations, paraphrases, summaries, and facts beyond common knowledge.
Page Numbers
(In-Text Citations for Sources with Page Numbers)Page Numbers
Signal Phrase (author’s name stated in the sentence)
Wordsworth claims Romantic poetry is marked by a "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (263).
In-Text or Parenthetical (author’s name cited in parentheses)
Romantic poetry is characterized by the "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (Wordsworth 263).
Paraphrase (author’s name cited in sentence; no quotation)
Wordsworth extensively explores the role of emotion in the creative process (263).
Line Numbers (Poetry)
(In-Text Citations for Sources with Line Numbers)Line Numbers (Poetry)
Signal Phrase (author’s name stated in sentence)
Next, Shakespeare goes on to explain that until one achieves the object of his lust, he is “murderous,” “bloody,” “full of blame,” “rude,” “cruel,” and “savage” (lines 3-4).
Parentheses (author’s name cited in parentheses)
The poet takes this argument to its ultimate conclusion by explaining at great length that even after an enchanted object has been attained, it is not “bliss” that follows but “woe” (Shakespeare, line 11).
* If the author’s name begins an in-text citation using a line number, place a comma after the author's name and before the word "line."
No Page Numbers
(In-Text Citations for Sources without Page Numbers)No Page Numbers
For sources that do not have page numbers, use books, sections, paragraphs, lines, cantos, stanzas, or parts if they are numbered in the primary text.
If your source provides specific paragraph numbers instead of page numbers, cite those numbers using the label par. or pars. as appropriate. Do not create or assign numbers that aren't already included in the source. If the source numbers a different type of section—such as chapters, sections, or lines—adjust the label accordingly (ch., chs., sec., secs., line, lines).
When the author’s name appears at the beginning of the citation, insert a comma between the name and the label.
Retain the original formatting of the numbered parts you are citing (e.g. book numbers written in Roman numerals). Abbreviate properly!!!
Signal Phrase (Book Numbers; author’s name stated in sentence)
In Stephen Mitchell’s 2014 edition of Gilgamesh, Enkidu remarks, “Dear friend, a scream sticks in my throat, my arms are limp” (bk. III).
Parentheses (Book Numbers; author’s name cited in parentheses)
In Gilgamesh, Enkidu first remarks, “Dear friend, a scream sticks in my throat, my arms are limp” but later seems to recant that sentiment (Mitchell, bks. III-IV).
Parentheses (Paragraph Numbers; author’s name cited in parentheses)
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website describes these specific pathogens and a solution to their transmission (Smith and Wilson, pars. 12-18).
No Author
(In-Text Citations for Sources without an Author)No Author
For sources that do not have an author, abbreviate the title of the work and include in the in-text citation. Retain the proper title style (i.e. "Article Title"). For example, "What Gods Would Be Theirs?" would be shortened to "What Gods."
No Author (Article title "What Gods Would Be Theirs?"; w/ page numbers)
The author remarks, “Therefore, when the veil has fallen, we find God in a vibration of the ground, in the pulse of the wind, in the beat of the waves, and in the timing of the morning glories who every day stretch out their purple arms at dawn and worship the rising sun” ("What Gods" 189).
Multiple Authors
(In-Text Citations for Sources with Multiple Authors)Multiple Authors
For two authors, list both authors' last names in the in-text citation. For three or more authors, list the first author’s last name and et al. to indicate "and others."
The authors seem positive that most Gen Z readers have difficulty decoding "subtext, figurative language, and metaphorical meanings" (Smith and Chow 9).
The authors claim that one cause of faction in the United States is religious affiliation (Garcia et al. 124-25).
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