How to Cite a Source That Has No Author
Citing a source without an author can be a challenging task, especially when following specific citation styles such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. However, with a few key guidelines, you can effectively cite such sources in your academic or professional work. In this article, we will discuss how to cite a source that has no author, focusing on the different citation styles and providing examples for each.
APA Style
In APA style, when citing a source without an author, you should use a shortened title of the source in parentheses followed by the publication date. The shortened title should be italicized and should not exceed 45 characters. Here’s an example:
“According to the report (The Economic Outlook, 2020), the global economy is expected to grow by 3.5% this year.”
If you need to include a page number, you can do so after the publication date:
“According to the report (The Economic Outlook, 2020, p. 5), the global economy is expected to grow by 3.5% this year.”
MLA Style
In MLA style, when citing a source without an author, you should use a shortened title of the source in parentheses followed by the publication date. The shortened title should be placed in quotation marks and should not exceed 50 characters. Here’s an example:
“According to ‘The Economic Outlook,’ the global economy is expected to grow by 3.5% this year (2020).”
If you need to include a page number, you can do so after the publication date:
“According to ‘The Economic Outlook,’ the global economy is expected to grow by 3.5% this year (2020, p. 5).”
Chicago Style
In Chicago style, when citing a source without an author, you should use a shortened title of the source in parentheses followed by the publication date. The shortened title should be placed in quotation marks and should not exceed 45 characters. Here’s an example:
“According to ‘The Economic Outlook’ (2020), the global economy is expected to grow by 3.5% this year.”
If you need to include a page number, you can do so after the publication date:
“According to ‘The Economic Outlook’ (2020, p. 5), the global economy is expected to grow by 3.5% this year.”
Additional Tips
– When citing a source without an author, always include the publication date to help readers locate the source.
– If you cannot find a shortened title for the source, use the full title in quotation marks.
– Be consistent with your formatting throughout your document to maintain readability and professionalism.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively cite a source that has no author in various citation styles. Remember to consult the specific style guide for your field or institution to ensure you are following the correct format.
