MLA Citation Format: A Complete Guide (9th Edition)

The Modern Language Association (MLA) citation format is one of the most widely used styles in academic writing, particularly within the humanities. Known for its simplicity and consistency, MLA provides a structured method for acknowledging sources, ensuring academic honesty, and promoting intellectual integrity.

What is MLA Citation Format?

MLA citation format is a standardized method of documenting sources in research papers, essays, and other academic writing. It provides guidelines for both in-text citations and the “Works Cited” page at the end of a document. The format is primarily used in disciplines such as English literature, cultural studies, and the arts, where clear source attribution is essential for maintaining scholarly credibility.

The core principle of MLA style is author-page citation, meaning that in-text citations typically include the author’s last name and the page number where the information was found. This allows readers to easily locate the corresponding source in the Works Cited list and verify the information.

Why Use MLA Style?

Using MLA style offers several advantages. First, it ensures consistency across academic documents, making it easier for instructors, editors, and readers to follow the content and locate references. Second, it provides a framework for crediting sources, thereby helping writers avoid plagiarism. Third, it helps organize and structure research in a way that promotes clarity and professionalism.

For students and researchers, mastering MLA format is essential not only to meet academic standards but also to develop responsible research habits. Moreover, MLA style’s emphasis on simplicity and readability ensures that the primary focus remains on the content rather than the formatting.

Overview of MLA 9th Edition Updates

The 9th edition of the MLA Handbook, released in 2021, builds upon the foundational principles established in earlier versions while introducing several important updates. One of the most significant changes is the flexible approach to citation. Rather than following rigid templates, MLA 9 encourages writers to consider the source’s “core elements” and the order in which these elements should appear.

These core elements include:

• Author
  
• Title of source
  
• Title of container
  
• Other contributors
  
• Version
  
• Number
  
• Publisher
  
• Publication date
  
• Location
  

This edition also emphasizes the use of inclusive language, improved clarity in citing various types of media (such as digital and audiovisual content), and expanded examples of works cited entries. The goal is to make MLA format more adaptable to the rapidly evolving landscape of academic research and publishing.

Understanding MLA Citations

What is a Citation?

A citation is a reference to a source used in the creation of a document, which provides essential information for locating that source. Citations can appear in the text itself (in-text citations) or in a comprehensive list at the end of the paper (Works Cited). In MLA format, citations include the author’s last name and the page number in the body of the text, followed by a detailed entry in the Works Cited section.

For instance, a typical in-text citation might look like this:
(Smith 22)
This tells the reader that the information came from page 22 of a source written by Smith.

MLA format citation examples provide clarity in documentation. Here is an MLA format citation example for a book:
Smith, John. The Art of Writing. Penguin Books, 2020.

Why Citations Are Important

Citations serve multiple purposes in academic writing. First and foremost, they give credit to the original authors and creators of the content, recognizing their intellectual contributions. Second, citations help readers trace the origin of ideas, statistics, and quotations, allowing for further research and fact-checking. Third, they establish the credibility of your work by showing that your arguments are backed by reliable sources.

Failing to cite properly can lead to accusations of plagiarism, which can have serious academic and professional consequences. A properly cited paper demonstrates thorough research, academic integrity, and respect for the work of others.

Plagiarism and Responsible Research

Plagiarism is the act of presenting someone else’s words, ideas, or work as your own without proper attribution. It can be intentional or unintentional, but both are serious offenses in the academic world. MLA format is designed to prevent plagiarism by providing clear guidelines for citing a variety of sources.

Responsible research involves not only gathering information but also using that information ethically. This means acknowledging all sources—whether paraphrased or directly quoted—and ensuring that your work is a product of your own understanding and synthesis of the material.

In an MLA format citation in paper example, when using a direct quote, the citation should follow the quote, like this:
“Writing is an act of faith, not a trick of grammar” (King 45).

This method of citation makes it easy for readers to identify where the information originated and to locate it in the Works Cited list.

How to Format MLA Citations: A Step-by-Step Guide

In-Text Citations

In MLA style, in-text citations are brief references placed in parentheses within the body of the text. They generally include the author’s last name and the page number, with no comma in between.

Example:
(Smith 89)

If the author’s name is mentioned in the sentence, you only need to include the page number:
According to Smith, writing is a reflective process (89).

When citing sources with multiple authors, list both names connected by “and”:
(Smith and Johnson 112)

For three or more authors, use the first author’s last name followed by “et al.”:
(Smith et al. 143)

Works Cited Page

The Works Cited page appears at the end of your paper and includes full citations for all the sources referenced. Entries are listed alphabetically by the author’s last name and use a hanging indent format.

Basic Format:
Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of Source. Publisher, Publication Date.

MLA Format Citation Example (Book):
Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. HarperCollins, 1960.

MLA Format Citation Example (Website):
Chan, Amanda. “How Reading Rewires the Brain.” Live Science, 10 June 2020, www.livescience.com/reading-brain-change.html.

Special Cases and Media Types

MLA 9th edition includes guidelines for citing various types of media including:

• Ebooks
  Rowling, J.K. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. Kindle ed., Pottermore, 2012.
  
• Journal Articles
  Jameson, Fredric. “Postmodernism and Consumer Society.” New Left Review, vol. 146, 1984, pp. 111–125.
  
• Films
  Nolan, Christopher, director. Inception. Warner Bros., 2010.
  

Each format has nuances, and the MLA Handbook provides extensive examples. Digital sources should include a URL, and any media that is not print should be clearly labeled in the citation.

Tips for Using MLA Style Effectively

• Use a consistent font and double-spacing throughout your paper.
  MLA recommends using a legible font like Times New Roman, 12 pt., with 1-inch margins on all sides.
  
• Include a header with your last name and page number on the top-right corner of each page.
  
• Begin your Works Cited page on a new page at the end of your paper.
  Title it “Works Cited,” centered at the top, with entries in alphabetical order.
  
• Follow the punctuation and capitalization rules carefully.
  Titles of books and full works should be italicized, while shorter works like articles or essays should be in quotation marks.
  
• Always double-check digital sources for accuracy and completeness.
  Include the most stable URLs and dates of access when necessary.

The Core Elements of an MLA Citation

The 9th edition of the MLA Handbook promotes a flexible and streamlined approach to citation by encouraging writers to use a consistent structure across different types of sources. This structure is based on nine core elements that can be applied to virtually any work, whether it be a book, article, video, or website. These elements, when included in order and separated by punctuation, form a complete and accurate citation.

1. Author

The author element refers to the individual or group primarily responsible for creating the content. In MLA format, the author’s name is listed last name first:

Example:
Rowling, J.K.

If there are two authors, connect them with “and”:
Example:
Smith, John, and Jane Doe.

For three or more authors, list the first author followed by et al.:
Example:
Johnson, Mike, et al.

2. Title of Source

This is the specific title of the work you are citing, such as a book, an article, a video, or a webpage. The formatting depends on the type of source:

• Italicize titles of standalone works (books, films, websites)
  
• Use quotation marks for works that are part of a larger whole (articles, essays, poems)
  

Example:
The Great Gatsby
“Shakespeare’s Use of Symbolism”

3. Title of Container

The “container” is the larger work in which the source is found. For example, a journal article’s container would be the journal itself, and a web article’s container might be the website.

Example:
If citing an article from a journal:
Harris, Jane. “Climate Change Ethics.” Environmental Studies Quarterly, vol. 10, no. 3, 2021, pp. 44–55.

Here, Environmental Studies Quarterly is the container.

4. Other Contributors

This element includes editors, translators, illustrators, or directors who contributed significantly to the source.

Example:
Translated by Richard Pevear and Larissa Volokhonsky

Or
Directed by Christopher Nolan

5. Version

If a source has multiple versions—such as updated editions or translated versions—you should include that information.

Example:
2nd ed.
Revised ed.
Unabridged version

6. Number

For sources that are part of a numbered sequence, such as volumes or issues, include that data here.

Example:
vol. 2, no. 4

This is especially useful when citing journal articles or serialized books.

7. Publisher

This is the organization or company that produced or distributed the content. Not all sources will require a publisher, especially self-published online content.

Example:
Penguin Books
Oxford University Press

8. Publication Date

List the most accurate and specific date available. The format follows day-month-year style.

Examples:
15 Apr. 2022
2023

If only the year is available, that’s sufficient.

9. Location

This refers to the place where the source can be found. It varies depending on the type of source:

• Page numbers for print materials
  
• URL for online sources
  
• Disc number or timestamp for audio/video sources
  

Examples:
pp. 101–105
www.example.com/article
00:02:45–00:05:00

MLA Works Cited Format

The Works Cited page is an essential part of any paper using MLA format. It provides the full details of every source referenced in your paper, allowing readers to find and verify those materials. Entries are listed alphabetically and use a hanging indent format, where the first line is flush left and subsequent lines are indented.

General Formatting Rules

1. Title the page “Works Cited,” centered at the top.
   
2. Double-space all text.
   
3. Use a hanging indent of 0.5 inches.
   
4. Alphabetize entries by the author’s last name.
   
5. Omit titles like Dr., Mr., or PhD.
   
6. Use italics for long works and quotation marks for shorter pieces.
   
7. URLs should omit “https://” unless required.
   

Examples for Different Source Types

Book

MLA Format Citation Example:
Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. Scribner, 2004.

E-book

Example:
Orwell, George. 1984. Kindle ed., Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.

Website

Example:
Mitchell, Emily. “Exploring Ancient Rome.” History Today, 10 Jan. 2021, www.historytoday.com/ancient-rome.

Journal Article

Example:
Williams, David. “The Impact of War on Literature.” Modern Fiction Studies, vol. 62, no. 1, 2018, pp. 35–58.

Video or Film

Example:
Nolan, Christopher, director. Inception. Warner Bros., 2010.

MLA In-text Citations

In-text citations are brief references used within the body of your paper to point readers toward the full citation in the Works Cited section. This practice supports your arguments, gives credit to original authors, and helps maintain academic integrity.

Format and Placement

The most common MLA format in-text citation includes the author’s last name and the page number, placed in parentheses directly after the quote or paraphrased material.

Example:
(Woolf 72)

If the author’s name is mentioned in the text, only the page number is needed:

Example:
According to Woolf, the concept of androgyny is central to creative writing (72).

Citing Multiple Authors

• Two authors:
  (Miller and Davis 45)
  
• Three or more authors:
  (Smith et al. 101)
  

No Author Scenarios

If a source has no known author, use the title instead—shortened and in quotation marks.

Example:
(“Global Warming Trends” 3)

The citation should lead to a matching entry in the Works Cited list.

No Page Number Cases

When there is no page number—common with web articles or videos—simply omit it:

Example:
(Taylor)

However, MLA prefers including a paragraph or timestamp if possible:

Example:
(Taylor, par. 4)
(“How Stars Form,” 00:02:10–00:03:00)

Citing Indirect Sources or Quotes

When quoting a source mentioned within another source, include “qtd. in” (quoted in) before the original source.

Example:
Johnson argued that “education transforms society” (qtd. in Carter 88).

This technique helps acknowledge both the original speaker and the source through which you accessed the quote.

MLA Formatting Guidelines

While proper citations are crucial to MLA style, the format also requires specific document layout guidelines. Following these ensures consistency and professionalism in academic writing. Whether you’re writing a term paper or a research essay, these guidelines make your work easy to read and evaluate.

Paper Layout (Margins, Font, Spacing)

MLA format requires uniform page layout across the document. Here’s a breakdown of the standard formatting requirements:

• Margins: Set all margins (top, bottom, left, and right) to 1 inch.
  
• Font: Use a legible font such as Times New Roman, 12-point size.
  
• Line Spacing: Double-space the entire document, including quotations, notes, and the Works Cited page.
  
• Indentation: Indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches using the Tab key (not the spacebar).
  

This uniform formatting ensures clarity and readability throughout the paper.

Headings and Page Numbers

MLA style does not require a title page unless specified by the instructor. Instead, a simple heading appears on the top-left corner of the first page and includes:

• Your full name
  
• Instructor’s name
  
• Course name/number
  
• Date (in the format: 21 June 2025)
  

Example:

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CopyEdit

Jane Doe  

Dr. Carter  

ENG 102  

21 June 2025  

Following the heading, center the title of your paper (without bold, underline, or italics) and start the text below it.

Additionally, insert a header on the top-right of each page that includes your last name and the page number:

Example:
Doe 1

This feature helps track pages and is essential for printed or multi-page submissions.

Title and Section Formatting

MLA format emphasizes a clean, minimal approach to titles and section headings:

• Main Title: Centered, standard capitalization (capitalize the first word and major words), no additional styling.
  
• Section Headings: Optional but useful in longer essays. MLA doesn’t specify a formal heading style, so be consistent.
  
  • Use bold or italic if you choose to style them.
    
  • Do not number sections unless required by your institution.
    

Proper formatting of titles and sections enhances navigation and organization within your paper.

Tools & Resources

Mastering MLA format becomes much easier with the help of digital tools and up-to-date resources. Whether you’re struggling with citations or unsure about grammar, several platforms and guides can streamline your writing process.

MLA Handbook (9th Edition)

The official MLA Handbook, 9th edition, is the primary source for all citation and formatting rules in MLA style. It offers a detailed overview of the citation core elements, sample citations, in-text citation practices, and updated rules for digital sources.

The latest edition reflects changes in scholarly publishing and addresses the needs of students working with a wide range of media. Every mla format citation example in the handbook is verified for accuracy, making it a reliable guide for academic writing.

You can purchase the handbook or access it online via platforms such as MLA.org or your institution’s library portal.

Citation Generators

Citation generators are tools that automate the process of creating MLA citations. These are particularly helpful when dealing with multiple source types. Some popular citation tools include:

• EasyBib
  
• CiteThisForMe
  
• Zotero
  
• BibMe
  

To use these tools, simply enter the source information (e.g., book title, author, URL) and select MLA style. The tool generates a formatted citation which you can copy into your Works Cited page.

However, it’s always wise to double-check auto-generated citations against the official MLA Handbook or a trusted mla format citation in paper example to avoid formatting errors.

Grammar and Plagiarism Checkers

Ensuring your paper is grammatically correct and plagiarism-free is vital. Grammar and plagiarism checkers enhance your academic credibility and help prevent unintentional ethical mistakes.

Top tools include:

• Grammarly
  
• Turnitin
  
• QuillBot
  
• Scribbr Plagiarism Checker
  

These platforms can check sentence structure, passive voice, punctuation, and flag content that may need proper citations. Many also highlight missing in-text citations, which helps maintain responsible research practices.

FAQs About MLA Citation Format

Final Thoughts

MLA citation format, especially in its 9th edition, offers a flexible, consistent, and thorough approach to academic writing. Beyond just formatting, it teaches valuable lessons in research ethics, attribution, and critical thinking.

From setting up your paper layout and constructing proper in-text citations to using tools like citation generators and grammar checkers, following MLA format helps ensure your work is professional and academically honest.

Whether you’re referencing an article, citing a YouTube video, or using a translated book, MLA has a process that guides you from drafting to final submission. If you ever feel unsure, referring to a clear mla format citation example or using tools mentioned above can help reinforce accuracy.

By committing to responsible citation practices, you not only improve the quality of your own work but also contribute to a broader academic culture of integrity and respect.

Mangesh Belekar

Belekar Sir is the founder and lead instructor at Belekar Sir’s Academy, a trusted name in English language education. With over a decade of teaching experience, he has helped thousands of students—from beginners to advanced learners—develop fluency, confidence, and real-world communication skills. Known for his practical teaching style and deep understanding of learner needs, Belekar Sir is passionate about making English accessible and empowering for everyone. When he’s not teaching, he’s creating resources and guides to support learners on their journey to mastering spoken English.