How to Quote in MLA Format

Quoting in MLA format is a crucial skill for anyone working on research papers, essays, or other academic assignments. This standardized format helps students and professionals give proper credit to the original authors of the sources they use. By quoting correctly, you can avoid plagiarism, bolster your argument, and demonstrate academic integrity. The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is one of the most commonly used styles, especially in the humanities. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of quoting in MLA format, ensuring that you fully understand how to incorporate quotes into your work correctly.

Step 1: Understand MLA Citation Rules

Before you begin quoting, it’s essential to understand the basic MLA citation rules. The MLA format focuses on brief in-text citations and a comprehensive Works Cited page at the end of the document. When quoting directly from a source, you need to include the author’s last name and the page number where the quote is found. This allows your readers to easily trace the source of your quotation. Mastering these rules will help you maintain accuracy and professionalism in your writing.

Step 2: Short vs. Long Quotes

In MLA format, quotes are divided into two categories: short quotes (fewer than four lines) and long quotes (more than four lines). Short quotes are placed within the body of your text and enclosed in quotation marks. Long quotes, however, are formatted as block quotes and do not require quotation marks. You should also remember to keep both types of quotes exactly as they appear in the original source, maintaining proper punctuation and spelling. Knowing the difference between short and long quotes ensures you use the correct formatting in every situation.

Step 3: Quoting Short Passages

For short passages (less than four lines), you should enclose the quotation in quotation marks and integrate it into your sentence. For example: “The benefits of citing sources correctly are numerous” (Smith 23). Notice that the author’s last name and the page number are included in parentheses at the end of the quote. This allows readers to easily identify the source of the quote. Properly embedding short quotes into your writing strengthens your argument and maintains a smooth flow in your text.

Step 4: Formatting Block Quotes

When quoting long passages (more than four lines), you should format the quote as a block quote. Block quotes are indented one inch from the left margin and do not use quotation marks. The citation comes after the punctuation at the end of the quote. For example, if you were quoting a paragraph longer than four lines, it would look like this:
"One of the most challenging aspects of writing a research paper is learning to cite sources accurately. Many students struggle with the rules, leading to a lot of confusion. However, once the basic guidelines are understood, citing sources becomes a relatively easy task" (Johnson 45).
Block quotes give your document a more professional appearance while also allowing you to include longer passages.

Step 5: Punctuating Your Quotes

Punctuation is an essential part of quoting in MLA format. Ensure that punctuation marks such as commas and periods are placed correctly. For short quotes, the punctuation mark typically comes before the parenthetical citation. In block quotes, the punctuation goes at the end of the quote, before the citation. Proper punctuation ensures that your quotations are easy to read and follow MLA guidelines.

Step 6: Using Ellipses and Brackets

Sometimes, you may need to omit parts of a quote or add clarification. When you leave out words, you should use ellipsis marks (…) to indicate the omission. If you need to add a word for clarity, use square brackets. For instance, in a sentence where you omit part of a quote:
“The research on the topic is incomplete… [but] the findings show some promise” (Jones 79).
Ellipses and brackets help you maintain the accuracy of the original text while keeping your quote relevant to your argument.

Step 7: Citing Multiple Authors

When quoting a source with multiple authors, MLA format requires you to list all authors in the citation. For two authors, use “and” between the names, and for three or more authors, use the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” For example:

• “The evidence supports the hypothesis” (Smith and Johnson 56).
• “The data is conclusive” (Smith et al. 22).
  By following this rule, you provide clarity for your readers on which source you’re referencing, especially in cases of collaborative work.

Step 8: Quoting Sources without Page Numbers

Some online sources, such as websites and e-books, may not have page numbers. In these cases, MLA recommends omitting the page number and just including the author’s name. For example:

• “Proper citation helps maintain academic integrity” (Brown).
  This helps your readers identify the source even if no page number is available. However, if the work has no page number but contains paragraph numbers or section headings, you can include them in your citation for precision.

Step 9: Quoting Secondary Sources

Sometimes, you may need to quote a source that is cited within another work, which is known as quoting a secondary source. MLA format allows you to cite the original source and indicate that you are using a secondary citation. For example:

• “This phenomenon is a result of inconsistent practices” (qtd. in Lee 34).
  The citation should show that you are referring to the secondary source (Lee) while still acknowledging the original source of the quote. Always check if you can access the original source before quoting it in this manner.

Step 10: Works Cited for Quoted Sources

Finally, every source you quote must be listed on your Works Cited page. The Works Cited page should be formatted according to MLA guidelines, with each source listed in alphabetical order. For a book, the citation should include the author’s name, title of the work, publisher, and year of publication. For articles, you should also include the journal title, volume number, and pages. This page ensures that all your references are properly documented and available for your readers.

Seven Common Mistakes to Avoid When Quoting

1. Forgetting to include the in-text citation after a quote.
2. Misplacing punctuation marks when quoting.
3. Failing to indent block quotes correctly.
4. Using quotation marks in block quotes.
5. Omitting the source from the Works Cited page.
6. Using long quotes without necessity.
7. Inaccurately paraphrasing a source instead of quoting directly.

Seven Essential Tips for Quoting in MLA Format

1. Always place the in-text citation immediately after the quote.
2. Use ellipses for omissions and brackets for clarifications.
3. Avoid overusing long quotes in your writing.
4. Properly format block quotes to make them stand out.
5. For multiple authors, follow MLA rules for citation.
6. For online sources, use the author’s name when no page number is available.
7. Double-check your Works Cited page for proper citation format.

When using quotes in MLA format, remember that the goal is to enhance your argument while giving credit to the original author. Whether you’re quoting short passages or longer excerpts, consistency and accuracy are key. By adhering to the MLA guidelines, you maintain credibility and avoid plagiarism. Don’t forget to properly cite all sources on your Works Cited page to ensure that your references are well-documented. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll confidently use quotes to strengthen your writing.

Quoting correctly in MLA format is a vital skill for anyone working with academic texts. Whether you’re writing an essay, a research paper, or a professional report, quoting sources appropriately allows you to build a strong, credible argument. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure that all your quotes are formatted correctly and that your citations are accurate. Don’t forget to share these insights with your peers so they can also refine their quoting skills. Proper quoting not only improves your academic writing but also ensures you avoid potential pitfalls such as plagiarism.