Quoting in MLA format is a crucial skill for writing research papers, essays, and other academic documents in the humanities. MLA, which stands for Modern Language Association, provides guidelines that scholars use to ensure consistency and clarity in their work. When quoting sources, following MLA style helps you avoid plagiarism and strengthens the credibility of your work by demonstrating a clear trail of research.
Understanding how to effectively integrate quotations involves more than just inserting them into your text. You must also provide proper attribution and format them according to MLA standards. The MLA Handbook provides detailed instructions on how to handle quoting, but here’s a comprehensive look at the process:
Basics of MLA Quoting
The basic rule for quoting in MLA style is that any direct quote must be placed in quotation marks and must include an in-text citation. This citation should direct the reader to the specific entry in the Works Cited list at the end of the paper. If the quotation is longer than four lines (in prose) or three lines (in poetry), it should be formatted as a block quote.
In-text Citations
Every time you quote, paraphrase, or refer to information from a source, you must include an in-text citation. This citation typically includes the author’s last name and the page number where the original information can be found, without a comma separating them, enclosed in parentheses. If the author’s name is mentioned in your text, only the page number is needed in the parenthesis:
Example:
According to Smith, "Direct quote" (102).
Or, if the author is not mentioned in the text:
"Direct quote" (Smith 102).
Formatting Short Quotations
For quotations that extend to fewer than four lines, incorporate them into the text using quotation marks. Ensure that you reproduce the text exactly as it appears in the source, including punctuation and capitalization. Here’s how to format a short quote:
- Introduce the quote with a signal phrase that includes the author's last name followed by the page number in parentheses.
- Place a period after the closing parentheses.
Example:
As Morrison argues, "Text of the quotation" (23).
Formatting Long Quotations (Block Quotes)
When dealing with longer quotations—more than four lines of prose or three lines of poetry—the format changes slightly. Here's how to handle long quotes:
- Introduce the quotation with a complete sentence and a colon.
- Do not use quotation marks to enclose a block quote.
- Start the quotation on a new line, with the entire quote indented ½ inch from the left margin while maintaining double-spacing.
- Your parenthetical citation should come after the closing punctuation mark.
Example:
Smith’s research covers a range of topics:
Here is a long quotation here is a long quotation here is a long quotation here is a long quotation here is a long quotation here is a long quotation here is a long quotation here is a long quotation here is a long quotation here is a long quotation here is a long quotation. (Smith 22)
Adding or Omitting Words
In some cases, you might need to modify a quote. If you add or change words in a quotation, you should indicate this by placing brackets around the altered parts. If you omit words, use ellipses to indicate the missing material. However, make sure these changes do not alter the original meaning of the quote.
Example of adding words:
"The results of the study [conducted in 2020] were inconclusive."
Example of omitting words:
"He found that… the sky was blue."
Citing Poetry
When quoting poetry, use a slash to indicate line breaks. Make sure to maintain the original formatting of the poem as much as possible.
Example:
Keats writes, “Heard melodies are sweet, but those unheard / Are sweeter” (11-12).
Using Citations from Digital Sources
For digital sources, follow the same principles, adding relevant location information such as paragraph numbers or section titles if page numbers are unavailable. This is especially common when citing sources like websites and e-books.
Example:
"Digital technology has transformed the way we connect" (Smith, par. 4).
Formatting Your Works Cited Page
Finally, every source you cite in-text must appear in your Works Cited list, formatted according to MLA guidelines. This includes full bibliographic information that guides the reader to the source material.
Remember, quoting should be done judiciously; integrate sources to support your arguments, not to make them for you. Always maintain your own voice and ensure the quotes have context and explanation. Proper quoting is essential not just for compliance with MLA format but to engage and inform your reader effectively.