How to Properly Format In-Text Citations in MLA Style

What is the correct way to format in-text citations in MLA style?

Which in-text citation is correctly formatted in MLA style?

A. "This is a quote from a book" (Smith, 3).

B. John Smith said that xyz in his book How to Cite Sources Correctly.

C. This is a paraphrased version of a book (Smith, 5).

Answer:

In-text citations in an MLA format usually go as this:

MLA in-text citation style uses the author's last name and the page number from which the quotation or paraphrase is taken, for example: (Smith 163). If the source does not use page numbers, do not include a number in the parenthetical citation.

Properly formatting in-text citations in MLA style is essential when writing academic papers or articles. In MLA style, the author's last name and the page number from which the quotation or paraphrase is taken are included in parentheses at the end of the sentence.

For example, if you are quoting directly from a book, the in-text citation would look like this: "This is a quote from a book" (Smith 123). This tells the reader where the information came from and allows them to easily find the source in the Works Cited page.

If you are paraphrasing information from a book, the in-text citation should still include the author's last name and the page number, such as: This is a paraphrased version of a book (Smith 45). This ensures proper credit is given to the original author.

Remember, if the source you are citing does not use page numbers, you should omit the number in the parenthetical citation. Following these guidelines will help you maintain consistency and accuracy in your writing, and avoid unintentional plagiarism.