How to Cite in Text MLA Without Author
Citing sources in MLA format can sometimes be challenging, especially when the author’s name is not available. However, it is still essential to provide proper attribution to the original source to avoid plagiarism. In this article, we will discuss how to cite in text MLA without author, ensuring that you can accurately credit your sources while adhering to MLA guidelines.
Understanding MLA In-text Citations
In MLA format, in-text citations are crucial for acknowledging the sources of information used in your paper. They typically consist of the author’s last name and the page number where the information was found. However, when the author’s name is not available, you can still create a proper in-text citation by using the title of the source or another identifying element.
Using the Title of the Source
If the author’s name is not provided, you can use the title of the source as a substitute. When using the title, it is essential to ensure that it is in quotation marks. Here’s an example:
“Title of the Source,”
For example, if you are citing a book without an author, you would write:
“Title of the Book,”
Page number.
Using a Shortened Title
If the title of the source is lengthy, you can use a shortened version that still adequately identifies the source. To do this, you can omit certain words, such as articles (a, an, the), prepositions, and conjunctions. Here’s an example:
“Title of the Source,”
Page number.
For instance, if the title is “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities,” you can shorten it to “Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities,”
Page number.
Using Other Identifying Elements
If the title is not available or does not adequately identify the source, you can use other identifying elements, such as a shortened version of the title, a subtitle, or a key word from the title. Here’s an example:
“Climate Change,”
Page number.
Remember to maintain consistency in your in-text citations by using the same identifying element throughout your paper.
Using Works Cited Page
In MLA format, it is essential to include a Works Cited page at the end of your paper. This page lists all the sources you cited in your paper, including those without an author. When citing a source without an author, follow the standard MLA format, which includes the title of the source, the publication date, and the page number (if available). Here’s an example:
Title of the Source. Publication Date. Source.
For example:
“Title of the Source.” Publication Date. Source.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively cite sources in MLA format without an author, ensuring that you give proper credit to the original source while adhering to MLA guidelines.
