How to in-text cite an article without an author
In academic writing, it is crucial to give proper credit to the sources of information. When citing a source that does not have an author, it can be a bit tricky to format the in-text citation correctly. This article will guide you on how to in-text cite an article without an author, ensuring that you adhere to the appropriate citation style.
1. Use the Title of the Article
When citing an article without an author, you can use the title of the article as the author’s name in the in-text citation. This is especially useful when the title is unique and easily recognizable. For example:
– (Title of the Article)
Make sure to use quotation marks around the title if it is a shortened version or if it is not a proper noun.
2. Use the Date of Publication
If the title of the article is not unique or if you are unsure about its uniqueness, you can use the date of publication as the author’s name. This method is also helpful when the article has multiple authors or when the authors are not easily identifiable. For example:
– (Year of Publication)
This format clearly indicates the year of publication and helps readers locate the source.
3. Use the Title of the Journal
If the article does not have an author and the title of the article is not helpful, you can use the title of the journal as the author’s name. This method is particularly useful when the article is part of a larger journal or when the journal’s name is well-known. For example:
– (Title of the Journal)
Remember to include the journal’s title in italics to indicate that it is a proper noun.
4. Use the Title of the Book
In some cases, the article might be part of a book collection. If that’s the case, you can use the title of the book as the author’s name. For example:
– (Title of the Book)
Similar to the journal title, include the book’s title in italics to indicate that it is a proper noun.
5. Use the Organization or Institution
If the article is produced by an organization or institution, you can use that name as the author’s name. For example:
– (Name of the Organization/Institution)
This method is particularly useful when the article is part of a series or when the organization or institution is well-known.
6. Use the DOI or URL
If all else fails, you can use the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or URL (Uniform Resource Locator) as the author’s name. This method is especially helpful when the article is available online. For example:
– (DOI/URL)
By using the DOI or URL, you provide a unique identifier for the article, making it easier for readers to locate the source.
In conclusion, when citing an article without an author, you can use the title of the article, the date of publication, the title of the journal, the title of the book, the organization or institution, or the DOI/URL as the author’s name. Remember to follow the appropriate citation style and ensure that your in-text citations are clear and concise.
