How to Cite Work with No Author in MLA Format
Citing work without an author in MLA format can be a bit tricky, but it’s important to do it correctly to avoid plagiarism and give proper credit to the original source. In MLA style, when you reference a source that does not have an author’s name, you still need to include in-text citations and a works cited list entry. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to cite work with no author in MLA format.
First, when you come across a source without an author, use a shortened title in place of the author’s name in your in-text citation. For example, if you’re referencing a chapter in a book or an article in a journal, include the shortened title of the work in parentheses after the quote or paraphrase. Make sure to capitalize the first word of the title and any subsequent words that are not articles, prepositions, or conjunctions.
In-text citation without author:
For instance, (Introduction to Modern Philosophy) discusses the importance of critical thinking in contemporary philosophy.
Remember to use the shortened title consistently throughout your paper. If the title is long, you can omit minor words like “a,” “an,” “the,” “at,” “on,” “in,” “for,” “with,” “without,” and “of” to make it shorter, but do not change the capitalization or add any words.
Works Cited entry without author:
When creating your works cited list entry, start with the title of the work, followed by the medium of publication (book, journal, website, etc.), the publisher or website, and the publication date. If the work is part of a larger publication, include the title of the larger work, the volume number, issue number, and page numbers.
Here’s an example of a works cited entry for a book without an author:
Introduction to Modern Philosophy. Book, Publisher, Publication Date.
And for a journal article without an author:
“Title of the Article.” Journal Name, volume number, issue number (year), page numbers.
If the source is from a website, include the URL at the end of the works cited entry.
In conclusion, citing work with no author in MLA format involves using a shortened title in your in-text citations and including the full title, publication information, and URL (if applicable) in your works cited list entry. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you’re giving proper credit to the original source while maintaining the integrity of your academic work.
