MLA Intext Citations for Websites
MLA, or Modern Language Association, is one of the most commonly used citation styles in the humanities, including literature, language, and culture studies. In this article, we will discuss how to properly cite a website using MLA in-text citation, including when there is no author listed.
MLA in-text citation example
The basic format for an MLA in-text citation for a website is to include the author’s name (if available) and the page number(s) where the information was found. For example:
“According to the National Institutes of Health, 7-8 hours of sleep each night is recommended for adults” (NIH).
If there is no author listed for the website, simply use the first few words of the title of the webpage in quotation marks. For example:
“Vaccines are one of the most important public health tools available” (“Vaccines”).
How to cite a website in text
Citing a website in text is an important aspect of academic writing, as it provides proper credit to the original source of information and helps to avoid plagiarism. The Modern Language Association (MLA) has established guidelines for citing website sources in text, which are widely used in the humanities.
To cite a website in text using MLA, there are two main elements you need to include: the author’s name (if available) and the page number or paragraph number (if available). Here is a detailed guide on how to cite a website in text using MLA:
- Determine the author or sponsor of the website. If the website has an author or sponsor, the author’s name should be listed first in the citation. If the website does not have an author, you can use the title of the webpage instead.
- Locate the page number or paragraph number. If the website is organized by page numbers, such as in an online journal, locate the page number of the information you are citing. If the website is not organized by page numbers, such as in a blog or forum, locate the paragraph number instead.
- Use the author’s name and page number/paragraph number in parentheses. Place the author’s name or the title of the webpage in parentheses, followed by the page number or paragraph number. For example:
- (Smith 24)
- (“History of Art” par. 7)
- Include the author’s name or title of the webpage in the signal phrase. In some cases, you may want to introduce the information from the website with a signal phrase that includes the author’s name or title of the webpage. For example:
- According to Smith, “The history of architecture is fascinating” (24).
- “History of Art” explains that “The Renaissance period was characterized by a renewed interest in classical art and literature” (par. 7).
- If you are citing multiple authors, use “et al.” If a website has more than three authors, you can use “et al.” after the first author’s name. For example:
- (Jones et al. 56)
How to cite a website in a Works Cited page
In addition to in-text citations, you will also need to include a Works Cited page at the end of your paper. This page provides a list of all the sources you used in your research, including websites. When citing a website in your Works Cited page, include the author (if available), the title of the webpage, the name of the website, the date the webpage was published or last updated, and the URL. Here is an example of a Works Cited citation for a website:
NIH. “How Much Sleep Do We Really Need?” National Institutes of Health, 15 Feb. 2018, https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/sdd/howmuch.
- MLA in-text citation multiple authors: If a website has multiple authors, list them all in the in-text citation or include the first author’s name followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”). Here are some examples:
- Two authors: (Smith and Johnson 42)
- Three or more authors: (Brown et al. 15)
Sample MLA works cited page
Here is an example of works cited page with website references in MLA format:
Works Cited
“Climate Change.” National Geographic, National Geographic Society, 21 Jan. 2019, www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/climate-change/.
Harris, Jessica. “The Top 10 Best Books of 2022.” Goodreads, Goodreads Inc., 30 Dec. 2022, www.goodreads.com/blog/show/2254-the-top-10-best-books-of-2022.
“How to Cook the Perfect Steak.” Bon Appétit, Condé Nast, 7 Mar. 2021, www.bonappetit.com/story/how-to-cook-the-perfect-steak.
Kramer, John. “The Benefits of Yoga for Stress Relief.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 12 Jan. 2020, www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-yoga-for-stress-relief.
Lopez, Jennifer. “How to Make Your Own Soap.” The Spruce Crafts, Dotdash, 23 Apr. 2021, www.thesprucecrafts.com/how-to-make-your-own-soap-516803.
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