How to Do an In-Text Citation with No Author MLA
In MLA citation style, in-text citations are essential for acknowledging the sources of information used in your paper. When citing a source that does not have an author’s name, the format of the in-text citation changes slightly to accommodate this. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating an in-text citation with no author in MLA format.
Firstly, it is important to understand the basic structure of an MLA in-text citation. Typically, it consists of the author’s last name and the page number where the information was found. However, when the source lacks an author’s name, you must use a shortened title of the source instead. This title should be included in quotation marks and should be brief enough to identify the source easily.
For example, if you are citing a source with no author and the title is “The Economic Impact of Climate Change,” you would format the in-text citation as follows:
“The Economic Impact of Climate Change,” p. 15.
In this case, the title of the source is used to replace the author’s name, and the page number follows the title within parentheses.
It is also important to note that if the source has multiple authors, you should list all their last names in alphabetical order. If the source has more than three authors, you can use “et al.” (meaning “and others”) after the first author’s name. In this case, the in-text citation would look like this:
“The Impact of Social Media on Youth,” p. 23.
When citing a source with no author and no title, you can use a shortened version of the source’s name or a description of the content to identify it. For instance:
“Online Education Statistics,” p. 30.
In this example, the phrase “Online Education Statistics” serves as a brief description of the source.
Remember to always double-check the formatting guidelines provided by your instructor or academic institution, as there may be specific requirements for in-text citations with no author in MLA format.
In conclusion, creating an in-text citation with no author in MLA format involves using a shortened title or a description of the source in place of the author’s name. By following the proper structure and ensuring that the citation is concise and clear, you can effectively acknowledge the sources of information used in your paper while adhering to MLA citation style.
