How to Format an MLA Citation

How to Format an MLA Citation in Google Docs

As you work on your academic writing projects, properly formatting source citations is crucial for credibility and avoiding plagiarism. In this article, we'll show you how to format an MLA citation in Google Docs using the 8th edition of the MLA Handbook.

## Introduction

To start citing sources in MLA format, it's essential to understand the basic components of a citation: author name, title, publication date, publication information, and page numbers (if applicable). We'll break down each section step-by-step, providing concrete tips, examples, and numbered/bulleted lists to help you master the art of formatting MLA citations in Google Docs.

## The Basics of an MLA Citation

A typical MLA citation consists of three main components:

• Author name
• Title (in title case)
• Publication date (if applicable)

Here's a basic MLA citation structure:

Author's Last Name, First Initial. Title of the Work. Publisher, Year.

Example: Smith J. The History of America. Random House, 2010.

## Adding Publication Information

When citing sources with publication information, include the publisher, city, and state (if applicable), along with the publication date:

Author's Last Name, First Initial. Title of the Work. Publisher, City, State: Year.

Example:

Johnson K. The Art of Photography. Bulfinch Press, New York, NY: 2015.

## Adding Page Numbers

If you're citing a specific page range from a book or article, include the page numbers in parentheses after the author's name:

Author's Last Name, First Initial. "Title of the Article/Chapter." Title of the Collection, Publisher, Year, pp. Page Range.

Example:

Williams J. "The Science of Dreams." The Art of Sleep, Random House, 2012, pp. 12-15.

## In-Text Citations

In MLA format, in-text citations are used to credit sources within your writing. A brief parenthetical citation includes the author's last name and page number(s) (if applicable):

(Williams 12)

For multiple authors, separate their names with commas:

(Johnson, Smith 23-25)

## Conclusion

Properly formatting source citations in MLA format is a crucial aspect of academic writing. By mastering these basic components and structures, you'll be well on your way to producing well-cited, credible work. Remember to consult the MLA Handbook or online resources for more detailed guidance on citing specific types of sources, such as websites, journals, and primary sources.