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Paraphrasing in MLA

Paraphrasing is a valuable skill. It allows you to seamlessly integrate another person’s ideas into your work, and it is the preferred way to integrate most research information into a paper.

In addition to writing a good paraphrase, you must also include a citation with the paraphrase. One effective way to do this is by using MLA in-text citations .

But first, let’s define paraphrasing.

What is a paraphrase? Why is it beneficial?

• A paraphrase is a piece of information written in a new way after reading and analyzing a source.
• A paraphrase translates the main ideas of a passage into a new passage that uses your own words and perspective.
• A paraphrase lets you control what point or information is highlighted.
• A paraphrase allows you turn a long passage into a condensed, focused passage.
• Direct quotes are helpful, but paraphrasing allows you show that you truly understand a work. Think about it: Is it easier to quote a source or paraphrase?

What does MLA have to do with it?

Academic integrity is extremely important, and a paraphrase allows you to use someone’s ideas efficiently in your work…but that is only part of the work. In order to stay ethical, you’ll also need include an in-text citation. That’s where MLA style comes in.

An MLA in-text citation gives appropriate credit to the original source. By following the guidelines of the MLA style and including an accurate citation, you can avoid accusations of plagiarism.

MLA stands for the Modern Language Association, which is a scholarly association dedicated to the study and advancement of languages. The MLA style comes from their published MLA Handbook , which provides rules and guidelines on research and writing. The latest update to the MLA style occurred in 2021, and careful consideration needs to be paid to these guidelines.

Although there are other styles of research and writing, MLA is the primary style guide for humanities, language, and literature in the United States.

How to paraphrase

Steps in paraphrasing.

• Read the original source material carefully. It is always a good idea to read it more than once so you can paraphrase accurately.
• Consider why the source was written, when it was written, who it was written by, and who the target audience was.
• What were the key ideas or points communicated?
• What is the key point you want to highlight from the source?
• What other contextual facts about the source do you think are important to include?
• Based on your notes, put together a paraphrase.
• Next, take a minute to double check your paraphrase against the original to ensure that you have used your own writing style.
• Finally, add an MLA in-text citation.

How to add an MLA in-text citation

In order to give credit for ideas that are not yours, citing is key. According the MLA, after you create a paraphrase, you should include an in-text citation with the paraphrase. In addition to the short, in-text citation, a full reference of the source should be included on your Works Cited page. This article will focus only on the in-text citation, but see this guide for more information on MLA works cited citations.

An MLA in-text citation can be done in two ways:

• Parenthetical

Both approaches require you to know the following:

• Last name of the author
• Page number

Parenthetical citation

One way to cite in the text is to use a parenthetical citation after the paraphrase. This includes putting the author’s last name and page number where you found the information at the end of the sentence, before the final period.

Using a website as a source? Note that if a source does not have page numbers, you do not have to include the page number in your parenthetical citation.

Parenthetical in-text citation structure:

Paraphrase (Author Last Name Page #)

Parenthetical example:

I kept pounding on the doors ’til my hands hurt and I woke up the dogs (Bronte 12).

Place that end punctuation carefully! Note that there is no period at the end of the sentence, but the period is outside the parentheses. Also, there is no comma between the author’s last name and the page number.

Citation in prose

A citation in prose means that you include the author’s last name within the page text and the page number at the end of the sentence in parentheses. A citation in prose would look like this:

Citation in prose citation structure:

Paraphrase with Author Last Name (Page #)

In-prose example:

Bronte explains how Lockwood kept pounding on the doors until his hands began to hurt and he woke up the dogs (12).

Example of how to paraphrase

Here is a piece of text taken from the novel Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen:

“In vain I have struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”

Elizabeth’s astonishment was beyond expression. She stared, coloured, doubted, and was silent. This he considered sufficient encouragement; and the avowal of all that he felt, and had long felt for her, immediately followed. He spoke well; but there were feelings besides those of the heart to be detailed; and he was not more eloquent on the subject of tenderness than of pride. His sense of her inferiority—of its being a degradation—of the family obstacles which had always opposed to inclination, were dwelt on with a warmth which seemed due to the consequence he was wounding, but was very unlikely to recommend his suit.

A paraphrase of the above would go something like this:

Mr. Darcy had meant to communicate that he loved Elizabeth, but in the end all he managed to do was communicate all the reasons he had fought against his feelings for her (Austen 390).

Notice the benefits of paraphrasing here?

• The paraphrase is (thankfully) much shorter than the full excerpt.
• The paraphrase writer could have mentioned several different ideas and points. Instead, paraphrasing allowed the writer to focus on the main point they wanted to highlight.
• The paraphrase demonstrates the writer’s deep understanding of what was communicated in the original passage.

Also, as mentioned previously, every in-text citation needs to have a matching, full citation in the Works Cited page. Here is the full citation for the above example:

Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice . 1813. Project Gutenberg , 2008, www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/42671.

How NOT to paraphrase

When you paraphrase, do not do the follow:

• Use most of the same words and switch out a few words for synonyms.
• Use most of the same words and change the sentence order a little.
• Take key phrases from the sentences and put them into a new paragraph without quoting them.
• Create a good paraphrase but forget to include an in-text citation.
• Create a good paraphrase but cite the wrong source.

Other MLA considerations

The Modern Language Association advises that summaries, paraphrases, and direct quotations can all be used to back up your argument. However, direct quotations should be used infrequently. Try to save them for experts who are speaking on the topic.

Although you are putting a paraphrase into your own words, you still need to cite it because the ideas are not your own. MLA style asks for the author’s last name and the page number where you found the information.

Key takeaways

• The ability to paraphrase is of the utmost importance in regard to academic integrity.
• To paraphrase well, read the original a few times, consider the context, jot down the key ideas, compose your paraphrase, compare your paraphrase to the original, and add an in-text citation.
• The MLA advises using in-text citations in order to give proper credit to a paraphrase’s original source.

Published October 28, 2020. Updated July 18, 2021.

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MLA Style Guide, 8th Edition

• How to Paraphrase
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MLA Format Guidelines

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Recommended MLA Websites

• MLA Citation Guide - Purdue Owl An overview of MLA style guidelines by Purdue Owl.
• MLA In-Text Citations Purdue OWL's guide to writing In-Text citations.
• MLA Works Cited Page Purdue OWL's guide to format your Works Cited Page.
• MLA Sample Works Cited Page A sample works cited page created by the Purdue OWL team.
• MLA Sample Paper A sample paper from Purdue OWL that has annotations explaining rules and formatting.

Include the source's author (last name only) and page number (if applicable) in parentheses either at the end of sentence before the sentence-ending punctuation or before a natural break in the sentence, such as a semicolon or comma.

• Human beings have been described as "symbol-using animals" (Burke 3).

If the author's name is used in the sentence, include the page number in parentheses before a natural break or at the end of the sentence.

• Wordsworth stated that Romantic poetry was marked by a "spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings" (263).

If a quotation is more than four lines long in your document, indent it 0.5 inches on a new line without quotation marks around it. Double space the quotation, and insert closing punctuation before the parenthetical citation at the end.

At the end of Lord of the Flies the boys are struck with the realization of their behaviour:

The tears began to flow and sobs shook him. He gave himself up to them now for the first time on the island; great, shuddering spasms of grief that seemed to wrench his whole body. His voice rose under the black smoke before the burning wreckage of the island; and infected by that emotion, the other little boys began to shake and sob too. (Golding 186)

• The line before your long quotation, when you're introducing the quote, usually ends with a colon.
• The long quotation is indented half an inch from the rest of the text, so it looks like a block of text.
• There are no quotation marks around the quotation.
• The period at the end of the quotation comes  before  your in-text citation as opposed to  after , as it does with regular quotations.

Paraphrase or Summary

Unlike a direct quotation, a summary or paraphrase still relays ideas from a source but in your own words to make it fit better with your document. A paraphrase is a specific idea from a source that needs a citation with author and page number.

Paraphrasing from One Page

Include a full in-text citation with the author name and page number (if there is one). For example:

• Mother-infant attachment became a leading topic of developmental research following the publication of John Bowlby's studies (Hunt 65).

Paraphrasing from Multiple Pages

If the paraphrased information/idea is from several pages, include them. 

• Mother-infant attachment became a leading topic of developmental research following the publication of John Bowlby's studies (Hunt 50, 55, 65-71).

One or Multiple Authors

Citation rules vary based on how many authors a source. Consult the following table for how to handle these different situations.

Indirect (Secondary) Sources

When citing a quotation from a source, include the quotation's original author in text and insert a parenthetical citation that begins with the phrase "qtd. in" to indicate the source from which the quotation came.

• According to Allegeria, biology "revolves around the idea that the cell is a fundamental unit of life" (qtd. in Smith 15).

Authors with the Same Surname

In addition to the author's name and the page number(s), include a shortened version of the title to distinguish which source is being referenced. 

• Mattias Jakob Schleiden and Theodor Schwann, were scientists who formulated cell theory in 1838 (Smith, "Cell Theory" 20). 

Anonymous Author

When a source's author is unknown, cite the first few words of the source's reference list entry, usually the title with appropriate formatting if an article (quotation marks) or book (italicized).

• Cell biology is an area of science that focuses on the structure and function of cells ( Cell Biology  15).
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How to cite in MLA format

MLA is one of the most common citation styles used by students and academics. This quick guide explains how to cite sources according to the 9th edition (the most recent) of the MLA Handbook . You can also use Scribbr’s free  citation generator to automatically generate references and in-text citations.

An MLA citation has two components:

• In-text citation : Every time you quote or paraphrase a source, you cite the author and the page number in parentheses.
• Works Cited : At the end of your paper, you give a full reference for every source you cited, alphabetized by the author’s last name.

MLA Works Cited list

The list of Works Cited (also known as the bibliography or reference page) gives full details of every source you cited in your text. Each entry is built from nine core elements:

Following this format, you can create a citation for any type of source—for example, a book , journal article , website , or movie . You only include information that’s relevant to the type of source you’re citing.

Missing information in MLA citations

Regardless of the source type, the most important elements of any MLA citation are the author , the source title , and the publication date. If any of these are missing from the source, the Works Cited entry will look slightly different.

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MLA in-text citations

MLA in-text citations are brief references that direct your reader to the full source entry. You include them every time you quote , block quote , paraphrase or summarize a source.

The in-text citation must match the first word of the Works Cited entry—usually the author’s last name . It also includes a page number or range to help the reader locate the relevant passage.

If you already named the author in your sentence, include only the page number in parentheses:

Sources with no page numbers

If the source has no page numbers, you either use an alternative locator, or leave the page number out of the citation:

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Citation Styles and How to Guide

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MLA Style is a citation style created by the Modern Language Association, which is how it got its name!  Although it's most commonly used in the humanities, MLA can be used across many disciplines.  Therefore, the current citation style for this edition is more like a set of guidelines rather than strict rules.

MLA Style is currently in the 9th edition.  For an overview of changes between the 8th and 9th editions of MLA, check out this article  from the Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL).

MLA Citation Style Basics

• Resources for Getting Started
• Formatting Paper
• In-Text Citations
• Works Cited

These are some recommended resources for getting started citing in MLA Style.

A collection of frequently asked questions about MLA style answered by the Modern Language Association.

From the creators of MLA Style, this is a great resource for getting started with MLA.

Purdue OWL provides a wealth of information in their MLA Formatting and Style Guide.

You must format your paper according to MLA guidelines if you are citing using MLA Style.  

Purdue OWL provides some  general guidelines  for formatting your paper in MLA Style, which include:

• Papers should be typed
• Use double spacing
• 1 inch margins 
• Use 12 pt. size font
• The first line of each paragraph should be indented with the  Tab  key
• On the first page of your paper, you should include the following information indented left: your name, your instructor's name, the course that the assignment is for, and the date.  All subsequent pages should have a header in the top right corner with the page number.
• A Works Cited page at the end of your paper that includes all the sources

For MLA Style formatting examples, take a look at  MLA Style Center's Sample Papers  and  Purdue OWL's Sample Papers .

MLA Style's in-text citations use parenthetical citations that consist of an author-page style. 

The author's last name and page number(s) from where the quotation or paraphrase is taken appears in the text.  The structure of the in-text citation will depend on whether you are paraphrasing or quoting the text.  This in-text citation will correspond to a complete reference on the Works Cited page.

For example, if you are citing something paraphrased by  Jasmine Plott  on  page 3  of her work, you would provide an in-text citation that looks as follows:  (Plott 3) .  The full citation would appear in the works cted page.

For more information about how to craft an in-text citation, refer to Purdue OWL's guidance available  here .

Your Works Cited page appears at the end of your paper and will alphabetically lists all the sources that you included as in-text citations in your paper.  For MLA Style, there are a set of  core elements  that serve as general guidelines for what should go into a citation.  Structure your citations using the core elements listed below.  Don't forget to include the punctuation after each element in the below list, since that is an important part of the citation too!

Try to include as many core elements as you can in your citation, but don't sweat it if some of the information simply isn't available.  For instance, only some sources will have  containers , which are bigger sources where that particular source is held.  As an example, an entry in an encyclopedia would be the source, and the encyclopedia itself would be the container.

MLA Style Center's Works Cited: A Quick Guide,  and  Purdue OWL's MLA Works Cited Page: Basic Format  are recommended resources for getting more information about how to structure your Works Cited page.  Check out the selected links from MLA Style Center and Purdue OWL for more detailed information!

MLA Style Center's overview of how to structure citations for a Works Cited page

Purdue OWL's information about the general format of a Works Cited page

MLA Style Center's examples for how to cite five basic source types: (1) books; (2) online works; (3) songs, recordings, and performances; (4) movies, videos, and television shows; and (5) images

Purdue OWL's guidance for basic book formatting, books with more than one author, book chapter, other print sources, etc.

Purdue OWL's guidance for scholarly journals, magazines, newspapers

Purdue OWL's guidance for websites, images, articles in databases, YouTube videos, etc

Purdue OWL's guidance for interviews, artwork, films, music, etc.

Purdue OWL's sample Works Cited page

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Paraphrasing

• Why Paraphrase?
• Paraphrasing Is a Process
• Step 1: Read
• Step 2: Take Notes
• Step 3: Think About What You Read
• Step 4: Write It In Your Own Words
• Step 5: Cite Your Source
• Citing in APA

Citing in MLA

• Paraphrasing Gone Bad Video
• What's Wrong With This Paraphrase? (A)
• What's Wrong With This Paraphrase? (B)
• What's Wrong With This Paraphrase? (C)

And here is how your article citation would look if you're using MLA.

In-text citation:

Parents should be concerned about online advertising. These advertisers are manipulative, and children are more vulnerable than most parents expect ( Cornish 454 ).

Works Cited page:

Cornish, Lara Spiteri. "'Mum, Can I Play On the Internet?' Parents' Understanding, Perception and Responses To Online Advertising Designed For Children." International Journal of Advertising , vol. 33, no.3, 2014, pp. 437-473.

As with APA, citations will have different  formats d epending  on what you're citing (a book, an article from a database,  a video, etc.).  Want to see more examples of MLA citations? Go to OWL at Purdue.

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MLA Citation Style

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The MLA Handbook

• Video Course from MLA: Quoting and Paraphrasing in MLA Format A ten-part, short but excellent video course on quoting and paraphrasing on MLA format with quizzes and examples to reinforce learning.

Who uses MLA? 

The MLA Handbook is the creation of the Modern Language Association (MLA), and is the standard style guide for languages and literatures.

Formatting In Text Citations

All citations in MLA appear in text, as a parenthetical note after the sentence in which the material is cited. The works cited provides all the bibliographical information on the source, so the in text citation only requires Author Lastname and a Page Number. This is bracketed in parentheses and placed before the period at the end of the sentence. 

This is the sentence that I am citing (Smith 55). 

This is the sentence that I am citing (Smith and Jones 31). 

Smith wrote things that I'm talking about in this sentence (45). 

If the work does not have an author, or there are multiple works by the same author, a shortened portion of the title will also go in the citation. It should be italicized or in quotes, depending on the source type. 

This is another exciting sentence that I'm citing (Jones, The Great Work  178). 

Sometimes you just don't have an author to cite ("Another Work" 89).  

Determining what information from the original source to use in a citation or who to cite is a decision for the researcher, based on what information is being cited . This is especially true for non-print materials, such as a video, image, or website. As noted in the MLA Handbook, 9th ed. , a citation for audio visual material is based on which part is being referenced.

This sentence cites song lyrics (Songwriter timestamp). 

This sentence cites a film (Director's name timestamp). 

Note : While older versions of MLA allowed footnotes as an option for citations, the current version of MLA only permits in text citations, not footnotes . The Chicago Manual of Style of the only guide that includes footnotes. Check with your professor or department if you have questions as to which method is best for your work. 

Sample Papers

• Sample MLA paper from Purdue OWL
• Norton Field Guide to Writing MLA Sample Paper (PDF)

More Online Guides

• MLA Style Center An online guide to the 9th edition of the MLA Handbook, including citation templates, sample papers, and all the rules of MLA formatting.
• Purdue OWL - MLA Style These OWL resources will help you learn how to use the Modern Language Association (MLA) citation and format style. This section contains resources on in-text citation and the Works Cited page, as well as MLA sample papers .
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Citation styles - english predominately uses mla, annotated bibliography, common writing assignments from purdue writing lab, how to use refworks, unt writing lab, student publishing opportunities, office of disabilities access, what is thorough research, literature review and synthesizing sources.

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Developing a Thesis from a Story or Novel

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Rhetorical Analysis

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Writing a Literature Review

• Writing a Literature Review A literature review is a document or section of a document that collects key sources on a topic and discusses those sources in conversation with each other (also called synthesis). The lit review is an important genre in many disciplines, not just literature (i.e., the study of works of literature such as novels and plays). When we say “literature review” or refer to “the literature,” we are talking about the research (scholarship) in a given field. You will often see the terms “the research,” “the scholarship,” and “the literature” used mostly interchangeably.

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• ePortfolio LibGuide UNT’s new ePortfolio system provides you with an opportunity to connect your experiences on campus and in your community with demonstrable skills for your future career. Learn how to begin building and archiving a personal repertoire of marketable experiences in your ePortfolio.
• Sample Essay for Summarizing, Paraphrasing, and Quoting from Purdue OWL This handout compares and contrasts the three terms, gives some pointers, and includes a short excerpt that you can use to practice these skills.

• MLA Guide from Purdue OWL These OWL resources will help you learn how to use the Modern Language Association (MLA) citation and format style. This section contains resources on in-text citation and the Works Cited page, as well as MLA sample papers, slide presentations, and the MLA classroom poster.
• MLA Sample Paper Sample Paper
• APA Style Guide from Purdue OWL APA (American Psychological Association) style is most commonly used to cite sources within the social sciences. This resource, revised according to the 6th edition, second printing of the APA manual, offers examples for the general format of APA research papers, in-text citations, endnotes/footnotes, and the reference page. For more information, please consult the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, (6th ed., 2nd printing).
• APA Sample Paper Sample Paper
• Chicago Manual of Style from Purdue OWL This section contains information on The Chicago Manual of Style method of document formatting and citation. These resources follow the seventeenth edition of The Chicago Manual of Style, which was issued in 2017.
• Chicago Manual of Style, Author Date Sample Paper Author Date Sample Paper more...
• Chicago Manual of Style, Notes and Bibliography (NB) Sample Paper Notes and Bibliography (NB) Sample Paper

Annotated Bibliographies from Purdue OWL

A   bibliography   is a list of sources (books, journals, Web sites, periodicals, etc.) one has used for researching a topic.   An   annotation   is a summary and/or evaluation. Therefore, an   annotated bibliography   includes a summary and/or evaluation of each of the sources.

Common Writing Assignments

• RefWorks - Bibliographic Manager How to create your Refworks account. 1. Enter the access code 1890-1506, go to the UNT Refworks login page at refworks.proquest.com/signup/university-of-north-texas (this link is also included in the Databases tab and in the Most Requested section on library.unt.edu) 2. Enter the UNT access code and submit. 3. Next complete the registration, and then you can start using your new account. 4. You can now login with your username and password through https://refworks.proquest.com/ wherever you have an Internet connection. 5. Visit our RefWorks Guide to learn how to make your research more efficient. Video tutorials: https://guides.library.unt.edu/rwnew/videos
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• Student Publishing Opportunities If you are interested in publishing your article take a look at these possibilities.

Plagiarism occurs when you use other people’s writing or ideas without giving credit to the creator. Any sequence of more than three words is plagiarism

  We always give credit to other people’s creative and intellectual property. We respect the rights and property of others.

Some students make errors in citing because they do not give themselves enough time to cite their material while they write. Learning how to Quote, Summarize, and Paraphrase with In-text citation is critical and learning to include in-text citations while writing your paper will avoid possible citation errors. Please use the link above and practice citing material.

Once I contacted the author of an online resource and asked if I could use some of her information in a guide I was working on. She gave me permission and I cited the author in my guide.

Types of Plagiarism:

• Direct or Clone – taking someone else’s work directly. This plagiarism carries the most severe penalty because it demonstrates dishonesty and involves intent.
• Self Plagiarism – reusing work from a previous courses without permission from your professor.
• Mosaic, patch writing, or find and replace plagiarism. If you quote a source, or keep the basic format from the source and use synonyms to change a few words, without properly citing the information, then you are committing plagiarism.
• Accidental – this can occur if the student does not use their own critical analysis found from synthesizing the information learned, and instead uses the critical argument of another author.

Video:  Student Success Series, A Student’s Guide to Avoiding Plagiarism and Understanding Citations

Avoid Plagiarism by citing your material correctly

If you are not sure if you need to cite your material, it is always better to cite and not have a problem with plagiarism.

Student Academic Integrity

UNT promotes the integrity of learning processed and embraces the core values of trust and honesty.  Academic integrity is based on educational principles and procedures that protect the rights of all participants in the educational process and validate the legitimacy of degrees awarded by the university.  In the investigation and resolution of allegations of student academic dishonesty, the university’s actions are intended to be corrective, educationally sound, fundamentally fair, and based on reliable evidence. 

Writing Center. (2018, January). Six Common Types of Plagiarism. Ashford University. https://writingcenter.ashford.edu/sites/default/files/inline-files/Six%20Common%20Types%20of%20Plagiarism_0.pdf

Free Plagiarism Checker. (2021). Scan My Essay. Viper. https://www.scanmyessay.com/plagiarism/types-of-plagiarism.php

CopyLeaks. (2019, October 21). 4 Types of Olagiarism and How to Avoid Them. Copyleaks Technologies LTD. https://copyleaks.com/blog/types-of-plagiarism/

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"Thorough research" 

• Reviewing all sources and finding relevant information for your paper..
• Use correct sources (popular or scholarly) based on your assignment requirements. Use recommended databases from your school which guarantees the quality of the material found. If you use Google, Google Scholar, Yahoo or another search engine you have to evaluate the source which takes a considerable amount of time. 
• Using more than one sources gives a broader perspective on a subject. All journals write to a specific audience and the more articles or items you reference the greater your understanding of the current discussions surrounding your topic.

Evidence Explained. (2014, July 29). QuickTips. https://www.evidenceexplained.com/quicktips/

• Writing a Literature Review In a review of the literature, the writer provides an overview of the most important research and scholarship on a specific topic, problem, or question. (In this context, "literature" refers to the important scholarly sources on a topic including the current scholarly conversation.
• Synthesizing Sources Synthesizing Sources from Purdue OWL When you look for areas where your sources agree or disagree and try to draw broader conclusions about your topic based on what your sources say, you are engaging in synthesis. Writing a research paper usually requires synthesizing the available sources in order to provide new insight or a different perspective into your particular topic (as opposed to simply restating what each individual source says about your research topic).
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Citation Guide

• APA Style - 7th Edition
• MLA Style - 9th Edition
• Chicago/Turabian Style

Introduction to this Page

Paraphrasing, summarizing.

• Tools for Managing Citations
• Citation Season!

What This Page Covers

This page covers how to incorporate sources into your text through quoting, paraphrasing, and summarizing.

These guidelines will help you to avoid unintentional plagiarism. Any quote, paraphrase, or summary needs to be accompanied by an in-text citation that identifies what work you are referring to. This gives credit to the people you have learned from and shows the process of your work.

• Purdue OWL Guide to Quoting, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing Learn more from this Purdue OWL Guide, which includes a tool to help you check your text.

Tutorials from APA & MLA

The guidelines on this page apply to any citation style, though the different styles may have specific rules for some details like formatting a block quote. The following are helpful tutorials about incorporating sources directly from the APA and the MLA.

Direct Quotations and Paraphrases

Learn how to cite and format direct quotations in APA Style, including short quotations and block quotations; make and indicate changes to quotations; and cite paraphrased material.

Academic Writer // © 2023 American Psychological Association.

• Quoting and Paraphrasing in MLA Format This video course is all about quoting and paraphrasing sources in your paper! Learn rules of quoting and paraphrasing responsibly, and see examples of in-text citations in MLA format.

Definition of Quoting

When you quote a source, you reproduce or repeat a passage or phrase exactly and use quotation marks around the quoted text.

Quotes are exact duplicates of text. 

When to Quote

Style guides generally advise that you quote sparingly. A quote is a good idea in these situations:

• When the writing expresses a point extremely well
• When you want to comment on the author's choice of words

Tips for Quoting

• Only quote as much as you need to to communicate the information. 
• Look at a citation style guide to see how to format block quotes and in-text quotes.  
• If there is a spelling or other error in the text, copy the error and add sic  after the quote to denote that the error was in the text
• Omit words through using ellipsis marks (...)
• If you want to call attention to specific words in a quote, emphasize the words by using italics

Definition of Paraphrasing

When you paraphrase, you express the meaning of a written or spoken passage, or the words of an author or speaker using different words.

Paraphrasing is used when the detail of a passage is important, but the exact wording is not important. 

When to Paraphrase

Paraphrase when the details of a section of text are important. 

Tips for Paraphrasing

• Be careful not to borrow too many words from the original text. It's helpful to use synonyms.  
• Make sure to change the sentence structure of the original text.  
• If you're having a hard time paraphrasing, make sure you understand what is being said and can explain why it's relevant to your work.
• Imagine yourself explaining the idea to a friend verbally, and then write down what you would say. This can be a draft you revise later, if you need to.

Definition of Summarizing

When you summarize, you communicate the main ideas of what you have learned from a source, without including much detail.

When to Summarize

Summarize when there are long passages that have important main ideas. 

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• Next: Tools for Managing Citations >>
• Last Updated: Jun 3, 2024 8:27 AM
• URL: https://libguides.caldwell.edu/citations

• Ask a Librarian

EDCI 63800 - Spring 2022 Doctoral Seminar

• E-Books on Educational Research
• Literature Search Tools
• Literature Search Strategies
• Creating an Annotated Bibliography
• APA Style Guide
• Citation Managers
• Writing Abstracts
• Finding a "Mentor Article"

Resources for Creating an Annotated Bibliography

Purdue's OWL (Online Writing Lab) provides guidance on creating an annotated bibliography. Below are a few topics covered by the OWL.

• Annotated Bibliographies - Definitions & Format
• Annotated Bibliography Breakdown
• Annotated Bibliography Samples
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• Next: APA Style Guide >>
• Last Edited: May 31, 2024 4:07 PM
• URL: https://guides.lib.purdue.edu/EDCI_63800

Citation FAQ: Answers to Common Questions

Citing sources properly is crucial in academic writing. It gives credit to original authors, avoids plagiarism, supports your arguments, helps readers find sources, and shows your research effort. Different citation styles like APA, MLA, Chicago, IEEE, and AMA have specific rules for formatting citations and references. Choose the right style for your field.

In-text citations briefly reference sources within the text, including the author's name, publication year, and sometimes page numbers. The format varies by citation style. A reference list or bibliography lists all sources cited in your paper, organized alphabetically by author's last name. It includes full details for each source.

Paraphrasing restates ideas in your own words, while quoting uses the original author's exact words. Follow guidelines for effective paraphrasing and using quotation marks correctly. Citation management tools like Zotero , Mendeley , and EndNote help organize and format citations, saving time and reducing errors.

Plagiarism is using someone else's work without credit. To avoid it, take accurate notes, paraphrase correctly, cite all sources, and use citation tools. Plagiarism can have serious consequences.

Online resources like the Purdue OWL , UNC Writing Center , and Library of Congress provide citation guidance. Seek help from instructors, librarians, and writing centers.

Related video from YouTube

Reasons for Citing Sources

Citing sources is crucial in academic writing. Here's why:

Giving Credit

• You acknowledge the work of others by citing sources.
• This shows respect for their intellectual property.
• It prevents plagiarism, which has serious consequences.

Providing Evidence

• Citations support your arguments and claims.
• They show where you found your information.
• This allows readers to verify your sources.

Demonstrating Research Effort

• Citing sources reflects the depth of your research.
• It shows you gathered information from credible sources.
• This showcases your research skills and critical evaluation.

Citing Sources: The Key Points

• Gives credit to original authors and researchers
• Avoids plagiarism, a serious academic offense
• Provides evidence for your arguments and claims
• Allows readers to verify and locate your sources
• Demonstrates the depth and quality of your research

What Needs Citation?

When writing academic papers, it's crucial to know what information requires citation. Here's a breakdown of what needs to be cited:

Direct Quotes and Paraphrases

You must cite any direct quotes or paraphrased text from published sources like:

• Research papers
• Online sources

If you use someone else's words or ideas, you need to give them credit by citing the original source. This avoids plagiarism and maintains the integrity of your work.

Facts, Data, and Theories

You also need to cite factual data, ideas, and theories from other works, even if you present the information in your own words. This includes:

• Statistical data
• Research findings
• Concepts developed by others

Citing these sources demonstrates the depth of your research and acknowledges the contributions of others in the field.

Visual Materials

Any visual materials like images, graphs, and charts that you didn't create yourself must be cited. This includes visuals from publicly available sources. Citing visuals helps avoid copyright issues and gives credit to the original creators.

Unpublished Sources

Unpublished sources like personal communications and interviews also require citation, such as:

• Conversations with experts or individuals

Even though these sources aren't publicly available, citing them maintains the integrity of your work.

Common Knowledge

Common knowledge refers to widely known and accepted facts that can be found in multiple sources and aren't attributed to a specific author or researcher. Common knowledge doesn't need to be cited, but be aware of the context and audience. If you're unsure whether something is common knowledge, it's best to cite the source.

Citation Styles

When writing academic papers, you need to follow specific citation styles. These styles have rules on how to format citations and references. Here are some common citation styles:

The American Psychological Association (APA) style is used in social sciences, education, and business fields. In APA style, you include the author's last name and publication year in the in-text citation, like this: (Smith, 2020). APA style is known for its clear and concise formatting.

The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is used in humanities, literature, and arts fields. In MLA style, you include the author's last name and page number(s) in the in-text citation, like this: (Smith 24). MLA style is flexible and works well for papers with multiple sources.

Chicago/Turabian Style

The Chicago/Turabian style is used in history, philosophy, and art history fields. This style uses footnotes or endnotes, along with a bibliography. Chicago/Turabian style is known for its detailed formatting and is suitable for papers with extensive research.

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) style is used in engineering, technology, and computer science fields. In IEEE style, each source is assigned a number in the order it appears in the paper, like this: [1]. IEEE style is clear and concise.

The American Medical Association (AMA) style is used in medical and health sciences fields. Like IEEE style, AMA style uses a numerical citation system, where each source is assigned a number in the order it appears, like this: [1]. AMA style is also clear and concise.

Choosing the Right Style

It's important to choose the right citation style for your paper. This affects the credibility and readability of your work. Always check with your instructor or publication guidelines to determine the required style. Be consistent and follow the chosen style throughout your paper.

In-Text Citations

In-text citations are brief references within the text that point to the full source details listed in the reference list or bibliography. They allow you to give credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism.

Why Use In-Text Citations?

• Acknowledge the work of others
• Support your arguments with evidence
• Help readers locate the original sources
• Avoid plagiarism by properly crediting authors

Basic Format

In-text citations typically include the author's last name and publication year, sometimes with page numbers. The exact format varies by citation style.

Multiple Authors

For sources with multiple authors, the format changes slightly:

No Author or Date

If a source lacks an author or date, use the following formats:

Repeated Citations

When citing the same source multiple times, the format varies:

Reference Lists and Bibliographies

Purpose and structure.

A reference list, also called a bibliography, is a list of sources cited in your paper. It allows readers to find and verify the information you used. The purpose of a reference list is to:

• Give credit to the original authors
• Show the depth of your research

A reference list is organized alphabetically by the author's last name. It includes full details for each source, like the author's name, publication date, title, and publication information. The structure may vary based on the citation style.

Formatting Entries

Here are examples of reference list entries for different source types:

Alphabetizing and Multiple Works

When alphabetizing reference list entries:

• Arrange entries alphabetically by author's last name.
• If the same author has multiple works, list them in chronological order by publication date.
• If multiple authors have the same last name, include their first initials to distinguish between them.

Different Source Types

Reference lists can include various source types, such as:

• Books and book chapters
• Journal articles and conference proceedings
• Websites and online articles
• Theses and dissertations
• Government reports and data
• Interviews and personal communications

Each source type has its own formatting rules, which can be found in the relevant citation style guide.

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Paraphrasing and quoting.

Paraphrasing and quoting are crucial skills in academic writing. They allow you to incorporate external sources into your work while avoiding plagiarism and maintaining your unique voice. This section explains when to paraphrase or quote, provides guidelines for effective paraphrasing, discusses the use of quotation marks, and warns against patchwriting.

When to Paraphrase or Quote

Paraphrasing involves restating someone else's idea in your own words, while quoting means using the original author's exact words. You should paraphrase when:

• You want to convey the main idea of a source without using the original words.
• You need to simplify complex information or make it more concise.
• You want to integrate multiple sources into your writing.

On the other hand, you should quote when:

• The original words are particularly memorable or well-phrased.
• You want to highlight a specific point or argument made by the author.
• You need to provide evidence or support for your claims.

Paraphrasing Guidelines

Effective paraphrasing requires more than simply replacing words with synonyms. Here are some tips:

• Read the original text carefully and understand the main idea.
• Identify the key points and rephrase them in your own words.
• Use different sentence structures and vocabulary to avoid similarity with the original text.
• Check your paraphrase against the original to ensure it accurately conveys the same meaning.

Using Quotation Marks

When quoting, it's essential to use quotation marks correctly to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original author:

• Use double quotation marks ("") to set off quoted material from the rest of your text.
• Include the author's name, publication date, and page number(s) in your in-text citation.
• Use block quotes for longer quotations (usually four lines or more) and indent them from the main text.

Avoiding Patchwriting

Patchwriting is a common mistake where a writer attempts to paraphrase but ends up imitating the sentence structure or vocabulary of the original source. This can lead to plagiarism, even if you cite the source. To avoid patchwriting:

• Take the time to thoroughly understand the original text.
• Use your own words and sentence structures to convey the main idea.
• Check your writing against the original to ensure it's not too similar.

Citation Management Tools

Citation management tools are software programs that help you organize and format citations and bibliographies. These tools can save you time and reduce errors.

Popular Tools

Some popular citation management tools include:

• Zotero : A free, open-source tool for collecting, organizing, and citing sources, with collaboration features.
• Mendeley : A free tool for organizing research papers and sharing with others.
• EndNote : A paid tool with advanced features for managing and formatting citations.

Benefits of Using Tools

Citation management tools offer several advantages:

• Consistency : They ensure your citations and bibliographies are formatted correctly, reducing errors.
• Time-saving : They automate the citation process, allowing you to focus on writing.
• Collaboration : Many tools enable sharing and working with others on research projects.
• Organization : They help you organize your sources and notes, making it easier to find information.

Using the Tools

To get started with citation management tools:

• Choose a tool : Select a tool that meets your needs and is compatible with your operating system.
• Create an account : Sign up for an account, if required.
• Collect sources : Import sources from databases, websites, or other sources.
• Organize sources : Use folders, tags, or other methods to organize your sources.
• Format citations : Use the tool to format your citations and bibliographies in the required style.
• Collaborate : Share your sources and collaborate with others, if needed.

Avoiding Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the act of using someone else's work or ideas without giving proper credit. It is a serious offense that can have major consequences. This section explains what plagiarism is, how to avoid it, and the potential consequences.

What is Plagiarism?

Plagiarism occurs when you:

• Copy someone's work word-for-word without using quotation marks or citing the source.
• Take phrases or sentences from different sources and combine them without proper citation (mosaic plagiarism).
• Reuse your own previously written work without citing it (self-plagiarism).

How to Avoid Plagiarism

To avoid plagiarism, follow these steps:

• Take accurate notes : When researching, record the author, title, publication date, and page numbers for all sources used.
• Paraphrase correctly : Restate the author's ideas in your own words, not just replace a few words with synonyms.
• Cite all sources : Cite every source you use, including books, articles, websites, and interviews.
• Use citation tools : Tools like Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote can help you organize and format citations properly.

Consequences of Plagiarism

Plagiarism can have serious consequences:

• Lower grades or failure : You may receive a lower grade or fail the assignment or course.
• Damaged reputation : Plagiarism can harm your academic reputation, making it harder to get into graduate school or find a job.
• Expulsion : In severe cases, you may be expelled from your university or college.
• Legal issues : Plagiarism can lead to fines or lawsuits for copyright infringement.

Plagiarism is a serious offense that can have long-lasting effects on your academic and professional career. It's crucial to understand what constitutes plagiarism and take steps to avoid it by properly citing sources and using your own words.

Additional Resources

Online resources.

Here are some helpful websites and online tools for more information and citation assistance:

• The Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) provides guides on citation styles like APA, MLA, and Chicago.
• The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Writing Center offers resources on citations, paraphrasing, and avoiding plagiarism.
• The Library of Congress has a guide for citing various sources, including books, articles, and websites.

Getting Help

Don't hesitate to ask your instructors or librarians for guidance. They can offer personalized support and help you navigate complex citation issues.

Writing Centers

Utilize writing centers on your campus or online. They provide one-on-one consultations, workshops, and resources to improve your writing and citation skills.

Key Points Summary

Final Thoughts

Citing sources properly is a fundamental responsibility in academic writing. It maintains academic integrity, credibility, and intellectual honesty. By understanding the importance of citations and following the appropriate citation style, you contribute to the growth of knowledge and uphold scholarly standards in your field. Remember to cite sources diligently and carefully.

How do I cite sources in APA style?

In APA style, use the author-date citation method. Include the author's last name and the year of publication in the text, like this: (Jones, 1998).

When should I include a citation?

Include a citation when you use content that is not your own to support your writing. This includes:

• Word-for-word quotes
• Phrases or sayings
• Ideas or thoughts summarized or paraphrased

Citing sources helps maintain academic integrity and avoid plagiarism.

What are the three main citation formats?

The three main citation formats are:

Each format has specific rules for formatting citations and references.

Related posts

• Citation Tool Essentials for Academic Writing
• Citation Builder APA: Avoiding Plagiarism
• Choosing an APA Citing Tool
• How to Cite in an Essay MLA Format

ENGL 1301 - Bosché - Summer 2024: MLA Citation

• Search Techniques
• Choosing the Best Sources
• Writing & Grammar

Stumped by a citation question?

Ask a librarian, documentation & plagiarism.

Not sure why you need to document your sources? 

Read our Documentation & Plagiarism Guide to find out.

Signal phrases

Figuring out how to fit a quote or paraphrase from a source into your paper can be tricky. You must craft a sentence so that the quote flows grammatically. We often introduce a quote or paraphrase with a signal phrase that helps setup the quote. In MLA  we use the present tense of verbs for this signal phrase. So a sentence with a quotation or paraphrase from a person with the last name Smith might start something like this:

Smith argues that "..."

Smith disputes the idea that ...

According to Smith, "..."

More information on and examples of signal phrases can be found on the OWL Purdue site.

Figuring out how to make your paper flow between your words and quotes from other authors can be tricky at first, but with practice you can learn to seamlessly support your writing with quotations from other authors.

MLA (Modern Language Association) Documentation style

Each ACC Library has a copy of the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers in the Reference collection ( REF LB 2369 .G53 2003 ) for use in the library and copies in the circulating collection (LB 2369 .G53 2003 ) that you can check out for 2 weeks.

• MLA citation guide Covers the basic citation rules and provides citation examples of the commonly used source types.
• Purdue OWL: MLA Formatting and Style Guide A guide from Purdue University on using MLA guidelines in research papers and and citing all sources.

Citation Generators

Remember, even if you use a citation generator, it's still your responsibility to check over your citations to make sure they're correct!

• Citation Machine A citation generator for MLA, APA, Turabian and Chicago styles.
• KnightCite A citation generator created by the Hekman Library of Calvin College. It assists with creating citations in MLA, APA, and Chicago for all types of resources. You have the option to register for additional features such as saving and exporting citations.
• NoodleTools Use NoodleBib Express to quickly create citations in MLA or APA, or register for a NoodleBib MLA Starter account for additional features such as the ability save citations and format a works cited page.
• Zotero A Firefox extension that helps with the collection, management, and citation of sources. Note: For FIREFOX only.

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• Last Updated: Jun 3, 2024 10:01 AM
• URL: https://researchguides.austincc.edu/Bosche2024

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