MLA 8th Style Guide: In-Text Citation Examples

In-Text Citation Basic Format

How will it look in my paper?

Format

(Author’s Last Name page number)

Example

In 1861, a large number of settlers made the trek West (Highman 112).


If you write the author’s name in the sentence, you do not need to repeat it in the parentheses at the end.

Example

Highman notes that in 1861, a large number of settlers made the trek to California (112).


If there is no page number listed, omit it.

Example

One out of three textbooks are purchased as brand new (Johnson).

Example

Johnson found that one out of three textbooks are purchased as brand new.

Common Exceptions

If there are 2 or 3 authors, include all names.

Example

(Highman and Smith 41) or (Highman, Smith and Heart 41)


If there are more than 3 authors, you may use all the names, or just the first author’s name followed by et al.

Example

(Highman, et al. 41)


If there is no author, use the first piece of information you have from the long citation, which is often the title of the item (title of article, video, etc.).

Example

(“Diabetes Superfood” 12)


If an online sources does not have page numbers, omit it.

Example

(“Diabetes Superfoods”)