How to Do Parenthetical Citations Without an Author
In academic writing, citing sources is crucial to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original authors. Parenthetical citations, also known as in-text citations, are a common way to reference sources within your text. However, what should you do when you need to cite a source without an author? In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to do parenthetical citations without an author.
Firstly, it is essential to understand the basic structure of a parenthetical citation. A typical parenthetical citation includes the author’s last name, the year of publication, and the page number(s) where the information is found. For example: (Smith, 2020, p. 15). When you don’t have an author’s name, you can still create a proper citation by following these steps:
1. Use the title of the source in place of the author’s name. The title should be in italics or underlined. For example: (Title, 2020, p. 15).
2. Include the year of publication immediately after the title. This helps readers to identify the source’s publication date. For example: (Title, 2020, p. 15).
3. If the source has a page number, include it at the end of the citation. If the source does not have a page number, you can omit it. For example: (Title, 2020, p. 15) or (Title, 2020).
4. In some cases, the source may not have a title or a page number. In such situations, you can still create a citation by using a shortened version of the source’s title or by describing the source in your own words. For example: (Source, 2020).
5. Remember to format the citation according to the specific citation style you are using, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. Each style has its own guidelines for formatting parenthetical citations without an author.
In conclusion, citing a source without an author can be done by using the title of the source, the year of publication, and the page number (if available). By following these steps and adhering to the appropriate citation style, you can ensure that your in-text citations are accurate and professional.
