How to Cite if Author is Unknown MLA
Citing sources is an essential part of academic writing, as it gives credit to the original authors and prevents plagiarism. When citing sources in MLA format, it is important to follow the guidelines correctly, especially when the author of the source is unknown. In this article, we will discuss how to cite if the author is unknown in MLA format.
1. Start with the Title
When the author of a source is unknown, the title of the source should be placed first in the citation. If the title is longer than 40 characters, it should be shortened to fit within the MLA guidelines. For example:
“Title of the Source (if unknown)”
2. Include the Publication Date
Next, include the publication date of the source. If the date is not available, you can use “n.d.” (for “no date”) to indicate this. For example:
“Title of the Source (if unknown), n.d.”
3. Specify the Source Type
After the title and publication date, specify the type of source you are citing. This could be a book, article, website, or any other type of source. For example:
“Title of the Source (if unknown), n.d. Web.”
4. Provide the URL or Page Numbers
If the source is an online source, include the URL in the citation. If the source is a print source, include the page numbers in parentheses after the title. For example:
“Title of the Source (if unknown), n.d. Web. www.example.com”
5. Follow MLA In-text Citations
When citing the source in your text, use the author’s name in parentheses before the page number. Since the author is unknown, use the first word of the title instead. For example:
(Title of the Source)
6. Format the Works Cited List
In the Works Cited list, include the source with the author’s name in parentheses, followed by the title and publication information. If the author is unknown, the format will be similar to the in-text citation. For example:
“Title of the Source (if unknown). n.d. Web. www.example.com.”
By following these guidelines, you can properly cite sources with unknown authors in MLA format. Remember to always double-check the MLA Handbook for specific formatting rules and guidelines.
