Are you having difficulty citing quotes in MLA format? Don’t worry. You’re not alone. Many students struggle with the same issue. Fortunately, citing quotes in MLA style is much easier than you may think. In this guide, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about citing quotes in MLA format.
Why Do We Cite Quotes?
Citing quotes is important for a number of reasons. First, and most importantly, it allows you to give credit to the original source where you got the quote. This is essential in academic writing, as it helps to protect you from being accused of plagiarism. Secondly, citing quotes allows you to provide evidence to support your argument and makes your writing more credible. Finally, citing quotes can help to clarify a point or add depth to your work.
When Should You Cite Quotes in MLA?
In general, you should always cite any quote that is not considered common knowledge. Common knowledge is information that is widely known in a particular field or among the general public. For example, it’s common knowledge that the Earth is round and revolves around the Sun. However, quotes from books, articles, or other sources should always be cited.
How to Cite Quotes MLA
Now that you know why and when to cite quotes, let’s talk about how to cite quotes in MLA format. The exact formatting of your citation will vary depending on the source material, but in general, you will want to follow the same basic guidelines. Here’s how to cite quotes in MLA:
- Include the author’s last name and the page number in parentheses at the end of the quote.
- Include the author’s last name in the text before the quote.
- Include the title of the source material in parentheses after the quote.
- If the author’s name is not included in the text, include it in the parentheses after the quote.
For example, if you were quoting from William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, you would write: “Parting is such sweet sorrow” (Shakespeare 2).
How to Cite Quotes MLA for Different Source Materials
The exact formatting of your citation will depend on the source material. Here’s how to cite quotes in MLA for different source materials:
- For books: Include the author’s last name and the page number in parentheses at the end of the quote. For example: “Parting is such sweet sorrow” (Shakespeare 2).
- For articles: Include the author’s last name and the page number in parentheses at the end of the quote. For example: “Parting is such sweet sorrow” (Shakespeare 2).
- For websites: Include the author’s last name and the date of publication in parentheses at the end of the quote. For example: “Parting is such sweet sorrow” (Shakespeare, 2019).
Citing Quotes in Different Contexts
In some cases, you may need to cite quotes in different contexts. For example, if you’re quoting someone in a speech, you may need to cite the quote differently than if you were citing it in an essay. Here’s how to cite quotes in different contexts:
- For speeches: Include the author’s last name and the date of publication in parentheses at the end of the quote. For example: “Parting is such sweet sorrow” (Shakespeare, 2019).
- For essays: Include the author’s last name and the page number in parentheses at the end of the quote. For example: “Parting is such sweet sorrow” (Shakespeare 2).
- For interviews: Include the name of the person being interviewed, the date of the interview, and the name of the interviewer in parentheses at the end of the quote. For example: “Parting is such sweet sorrow” (Smith, 2019, Interviewer: Johnson).
Tips for Citing Quotes in MLA Format
Now that you know how to cite quotes in MLA format, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Be sure to double-check your citations for accuracy.
- Make sure that the source material is properly formatted.
- Make sure to include all necessary information in the citation.
- If you’re unsure, consult a style guide for help.
Conclusion
Citing quotes in MLA format may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right knowledge and a bit of practice, you’ll be citing quotes like a pro in no time. Just remember to always double-check your citations for accuracy and to consult a style guide if you’re unsure.