How to Properly Use MLA Style Citation in Your Writing

Understanding MLA Style Citation

MLA style stands for Modern Language Association style, which is widely used in the humanities, especially in fields like literature, language, and the arts. One of the key components of MLA style is how to properly cite sources in your writing.

How MLA Style Citation Works

According to MLA style, you must include Works Cited at the end of any writing project that contains research. This section should contain a list of all the sources you have referenced in your work. Each entry should include the author's name, the title of the source, publication date, and other publication information depending on the type of source.

When citing within the text, you should include the author's last name and the page number in parentheses at the end of the sentence where the information is used. For example, (Smith 25).

Why MLA Style Citation is Important

Proper citation is crucial in academic writing to give credit to the original authors and to avoid plagiarism. MLA style citation also helps readers to locate the sources you used, allowing them to verify the accuracy of your information.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Some common mistakes in MLA style citation include not citing all sources used, citing sources incorrectly, and using outdated citation formats. Make sure to consult the latest MLA handbook for the most up-to-date guidelines.

Conclusion

Understanding and properly using MLA style citation can greatly improve the quality of your academic writing. By acknowledging the sources of your information and following the MLA guidelines, you can enhance the credibility of your work and contribute to the academic community.