How to Cite in Text MLA No Author
Citing sources in MLA format can sometimes be a bit tricky, especially when dealing with sources that do not have an author. In such cases, it’s important to follow the proper guidelines to ensure your citation is accurate and complete. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cite in text MLA when there is no author.
Understanding MLA Format
Before diving into the specifics of citing sources without an author, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of MLA format. MLA (Modern Language Association) is a citation style commonly used in the humanities, particularly in English and other language studies. The format requires in-text citations and a Works Cited page at the end of your document.
Formatting an In-Text Citation
When citing a source without an author in MLA format, you should use a shortened title of the source as the author’s name. Here’s how to format an in-text citation:
1. Start with the shortened title of the source in quotation marks.
2. Follow the title with a period.
3. Include the page number(s) where the information is found, if applicable.
For example, if you are citing a book without an author, you would format the in-text citation as follows:
“Title of Book,”
If you are citing a journal article without an author, you would format the in-text citation as follows:
“Title of Article,”
Example of an In-Text Citation
Let’s say you are citing a journal article titled “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities” without an author. If you found the information on page 12, your in-text citation would look like this:
“The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities,”
Remember to adjust the format according to the type of source you are citing.
Formatting the Works Cited Page
After including the in-text citation, you will need to create a Works Cited entry for the source. When there is no author, you should start the entry with the title of the source, followed by other relevant information such as the publication date, volume, issue number, and page numbers.
For example, if you are citing the same journal article mentioned earlier, your Works Cited entry would look like this:
“The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities.” Journal of Environmental Studies, vol. 12, no. 2, 2020, pp. 12-25.
Conclusion
Citing sources without an author in MLA format may seem daunting at first, but by following these guidelines, you can ensure your citations are accurate and complete. Remember to use the shortened title of the source as the author’s name in your in-text citation and to include all relevant information in your Works Cited entry. By doing so, you will be well-prepared to handle any source, regardless of whether it has an author or not.
