How to Cite an Online Article with No Author
Citing an online article without an author can be a bit tricky, but it’s still essential to follow proper citation guidelines to ensure academic integrity and give credit where it’s due. Whether you’re writing a research paper, a blog post, or any other type of academic work, accurately citing sources is crucial. In this article, we’ll discuss the steps to follow when citing an online article with no author.
1. Start with the Article Title
When citing an online article without an author, the first element you need to include is the title of the article. Place the title in quotation marks and capitalize the first letter of each major word. For example:
“Title of the Article”
2. Provide the Website Name
Next, include the name of the website where the article is published. If the website name is part of the article’s title, you can omit it. However, if the website name is not included in the title, be sure to include it in italics. For example:
“Title of the Article” (Website Name)
3. Mention the Publication Date
If the publication date is available, include it in parentheses following the article title. If the date is not available, you can omit it. For example:
“Title of the Article” (Website Name, Publication Date)
4. Add the URL
The URL is a critical component of an online citation, as it allows readers to access the source directly. Place the URL in parentheses after the publication date (if available). Make sure to include the full URL, including the “http://” or “https://” prefix. For example:
“Title of the Article” (Website Name, Publication Date) Available at: http://www.example.com/article-url
5. Format the In-text Citation
When citing the article in your text, use a parenthetical citation with the article title and publication date (if available). For example:
According to “Title of the Article” (Website Name, Publication Date), the author discusses…
6. Include the Full Citation in the Works Cited List
Finally, include the full citation in your Works Cited list. Follow the appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) to format the entry correctly. For example, in APA style:
Website Name. (Publication Date). “Title of the Article.” Available at: http://www.example.com/article-url
By following these steps, you can accurately cite an online article with no author, ensuring that your work adheres to proper citation guidelines and gives credit to the original source.
