How to Cite Something in MLA with No Author
Citing sources in MLA format is an essential aspect of academic writing, as it helps to give credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism. However, there may be instances where you need to cite a source that does not have an identifiable author. In such cases, it is crucial to follow the proper MLA citation format to ensure that your citation is accurate and complete. This article will guide you on how to cite something in MLA format when there is no author.
1. Start with the Title
When citing a source with no author in MLA format, begin with the title of the source. If the title is a work of art, such as a painting or a sculpture, include the title in quotation marks. For other types of sources, such as an article or a website, use italics for the title.
Example:
– “The Starry Night” (painting)
– “The Great Gatsby” (novel)
2. Include the Publication Date
Next, include the publication date of the source. For print sources, use the year of publication. For online sources, include the date of the most recent update or the date you accessed the source.
Example:
– “The Starry Night” (painting, 1889)
– “The Great Gatsby” (novel, 1925)
3. Specify the Medium
After the publication date, indicate the medium of the source. For print sources, use “Print.” For online sources, use “Web.”
Example:
– “The Starry Night” (painting, 1889, Print)
– “The Great Gatsby” (novel, 1925, Print)
4. Add the Page Number (if applicable)
If you are citing a specific part of the source, such as a paragraph or a quote, include the page number after the title. Use “p.” for a single page and “pp.” for multiple pages.
Example:
– “The Starry Night” (painting, 1889, Print, p. 10)
– “The Great Gatsby” (novel, 1925, Print, pp. 25-30)
5. Cite the Source in the Text
When citing the source in your text, use the author’s name (if available) and the page number (if applicable) in parentheses.
Example:
– (Van Gogh, p. 10)
– (Fitzgerald, pp. 25-30)
6. Create a Works Cited Entry
Finally, create a Works Cited entry for the source. List the title, publication date, and medium, as mentioned above. If the source is an online source, include the URL or DOI number.
Example:
– Van Gogh, Vincent. “The Starry Night.” 1889. Print.
– Fitzgerald, F. Scott. “The Great Gatsby.” 1925. Print.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully cite a source in MLA format with no author. Remember to always double-check the MLA Handbook or a reliable online resource for the most up-to-date citation rules.
