is a research paper apa or mla

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• Citation Styles

What is the difference between APA and MLA format?

APA and MLA are two of the most common citation styles. But, what’s the difference between APA and MLA format? In this post, we discuss the differences between APA and MLA. We cover when to use these styles and provide examples of correct APA and MLA citations.

What is APA?

APA style is a citation style that is most commonly used in the social sciences, but also in education, business, and some science fields. APA stands for  American Psychological Association .

Essentially, APA style is a set of rules for formatting citations, title pages , headers, and other aspects of research papers.

What is MLA?

MLA style is the primary citation style for humanities fields like literature. It was developed by the  Modern Language Association of America, an association of scholars and teachers of language and literature.

Like APA, MLA style includes rules for how to format citations and how to structure research papers.

What are the differences between APA and MLA?

Both APA and MLA style require two distinct types of citations:

• in-text citations
• full bibliographic references in a section at the end of the paper

APA and MLA citations also have similar components:

• Book citations contain the author’s name, the title of the book, the publisher, and the publication date.
• Journal article citations contain the author’s name, the title of the work, and the date, but also include the title of the journal, the volume and issue number of the journal, and the page range. Citations for online journal articles also include a DOI.
• Website citations feature the author’s name (if one is available), the title of the website, the date that is was published or accessed, and the URL.

The main differences between APA and MLA are in how they format and structure these elements.

In-text citations

APA and MLA style both utilize parenthetical citations for in-text citations. However, there are key differences between the two:

• ALA parenthetical citations include the author’s last name and the year of publication (Smith, 2020). When a specific page number is cited, the citation also includes p. and the number (Smith, 2020, p. 4).
• MLA parenthetical citations mainly include the author’s last name and a page number, without a comma between the elements (Smith 25).

Papers in APA style may also utilize narrative citations. Here are a few examples of APA narrative citations:

Rode (2012) claims that productive activities have been part of human civilization since ancient times.

In some cases, author and date might both appear in the narrative. In this case, no parentheses are needed:

In 2012, Rode wrote about the productive activities...

If you cite multiple works parenthetically, place the citations in alphabetical order, separating them with semicolons:

(Adams et al., 2019; Shumway & Shulman, 2015; Westinghouse, 2017)

If multiple sources are cited within a sentence, they can appear in any order:

Suliman (2018), Gutiérrez (2012, 2017), and Medina and Reyes (2019) examined...

Bibliographic references

MLA prefers the label “Works Cited” for the bibliography at the end of the paper. This list includes full bibliographic references for all of the cited texts. APA calls this list “References,” and includes both works that were cited and those that were consulted. Both styles alphabetize entries by the first author’s last name.

Additionally, APA and MLA bibliographies differ in how they structure individual entries. The primary differences occur in:

• Author name : While both styles invert the regular order of names (i.e. put the last name first), APA abbreviates the author’s first name and only uses the first letter, followed by a period (Smith, J.). MLA uses both the last name and first name of an author (Smith, Jane).
• Date placement : APA requires the publication date to be in parentheses, following the author’s name: Smith, J. (2020). In MLA, the publication date goes at the very end for books, or after the volume and issue numbers for journals.
• Capitalization : In APA style, you only need to capitalize the first word of a title, the first word following a colon, and any proper nouns. MLA requires you to capitalize all of the words in a title, except for articles.
• Volume and issue numbers for journal articles : Both APA and MLA place the volume and issue numbers of journals after the journal title; however, they format this information differently. APA italicizes the volume number and places it directly against the issue number, which is put in parentheses: 6 (3). MLA style uses the abbreviations, vol. (volume) and no. (number), and places a comma between them: Journal of Pedagogy , vol. 6, no. 3.

APA examples and resources

Here are some examples of full bibliographic citations in APA style:

Atske, S. (2021, April 7).  Social media use in 2021 . Pewresearch.Org. https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2021/04/07/social-media-use-in-2021/

Eskritt, M., Fraser, B., & Bosacki, S. (2021). Did you just lie to me? Deception detection in face to face versus computer mediated communication.  The Journal of Social Psychology , 1–14.

Fuchs, C. (2021).  Social Media: A Critical Introduction  (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications.

Visit these resources to learn more about APA citations and formatting:

APA citation guide (7th edition)

The ultimate guide to citing in APA

Citation styles by discipline

Comprehensive APA guides

APA title page: format and templates

MLA examples and resources

Here are some examples of full bibliographic citations in MLA style:

Works Cited

Edwards, Michael. “The Lost Library of Anne Conway.”  The Seventeenth Century , vol. 36, no. 1, 2021, pp. 119–147.

Farr, Jason S.  Novel Bodies: Disability and Sexuality in Eighteenth-Century British Literature . Rutgers University Press, 2019.

Wall, Wendy. “The Pulter Project.”  Northwestern.Edu , https://pulterproject.northwestern.edu/. Accessed 18 Aug. 2021.

Visit these resources to learn more about MLA citations and formatting:

MLA citation guide (9th edition)

The ultimate guide to citing in MLA

Comprehensive MLA guides

MLA title page: format and templates

Frequently Asked Questions about what is the difference between APA and MLA format

The main differences between APA and MLA format are found in the bibliography. APA style uses a reference list that includes any works cited or consulted; MLA uses a works cited list that only contains texts that were cited in the paper. Also, there are differences in how each style handles key pieces of bibliographic information like titles and names.

If you need to create citations for an assignment, you can ask your instructor which style to use. APA is most commonly used in the social sciences, while MLA is preferred in humanities disciplines.

APA style is used to create in-text citations and bibliographic references for the social sciences and other disciplines.

MLA style is used to create in-text citations and works cited entries for some humanities fields.

Both APA and MLA aim to provide guidance on how to create accurate citations and bibliographies. Using these styles correctly lends credibility to your research and helps you to avoid plagiarism .

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For students and teachers.

• Key Differences

Know the Differences & Comparisons

Difference Between MLA and APA

As different disciplines have a different way of researching information and so the method of development, compilation and presentation of that information is also different. Basically, these two formats provide recommendations on the way in which style, content and references are to be formatted.

Here we are going to tell you the differences between MLA and APA format.

Content: MLA Vs APA

Comparison chart, similarities.

Definition of MLA

MLA style is a formatting style developed by Modern Language Association, to provide the scholars, researchers, and journal publishers working in the field of literature and language, a uniform and consistent way of documenting the sources, research paper layout and presenting their research work.

The association releases the latest edition as a Handbook periodically, which not just contains instructions on MLA format, but also specific guidelines for submission of the work, which complies with the rules and standards of the association.

MLA style gives recommendations on the set of guidelines which the students and scholars can apply in their source. It focuses on the mechanics of writing, i.e. punctuation, citation and documentation. This style is preferred by various schools, colleges, universities, academic departments, etc. worldwide. It is primarily used in humanities, i.e. English language and literature, cultural studies, literary criticism, cultural studies and so forth.

Definition of APA

APA style is the formal style of formatting developed by the American Psychological Association in 1929, setting up rules for journal articles publications and books. The guidelines for the work is provided through the APA publication manual.

The APA style assists the authors to organize their work, while creating a distinct style of references and citations, in the field of behavioural sciences and social sciences. Behavioral Sciences include psychology, neuroscience and cognitive science, whereas social science covers human geography, sociology, anthropology, linguistics, economics, political science, etc.

It aims at providing the reader with a comprehensive text having appropriate headings, list of works cited and preventing plagiarism. It facilitates the researchers and scholars to communicate the facts and information about their projects, ideas, and experiments in a uniform and consistent format.

Basically there are four sections in the paper:

• Title page : It includes running head, title, name of the author and name of the educational institution.
• Abstract : An abstract is the synopsis of your paper, which should be around 150 to 250 words. The word limit can vary as per the requirement. It contains Topic of research, Questions and Hypothesis, Methodology, Analysis and Conclusion
• Main body : The main body is nothing but the essay, which may be divided into different sections.
• References : It contains the list of all the sources which have been referred and used while writing the paper

Key Differences Between MLA and APA

The differences between MLA and APA are discussed here in detail:

• MLA style can be understood as a means of documenting sources and formatting papers, in scholarly writing, developed by the Modern Language Association. On the other hand, APA style is one of the styles of writing papers, publications, books, journals etc. introduced by the American Psychological Association, which is mainly used in social sciences.
• If we talk about sections, there are four main sections in APA format, i.e. title page, abstract, body paragraphs and references. Conversely, the MLA format contains only two main sections which are – body paragraphs and work cited.
• In both direct and indirect in-text citation, in MLA format you don’t need to mention the year, and a comma after the name of the author and a p. before the page number, which is mandatory in the case of APA format.
• The source page, i.e. the page in which we list out all the sources which have been referred, used, or cited during the writing, is called references in case of APA format, whereas the same is known as works cited in MLA format.
• At the time of citing the sources at the end of the document, in MLA style the author’s last name is spelt out and then the first name is written. In contrast, in APA style, the authors last name is written, and the first name is reduced to initials.
• In MLA style, the first letter of all the important words in the title are capitalized and the title is underlined. As against, in an APA style, the first letter of title, subtitle and proper nouns, are capitalized and the title is written in Italics.
• In both styles, the paper needs to be double spaced.
• Font style should be “Times new roman”, with 12 point size.
• There should be a one-inch margin from each side.
• The list of sources used is arranged in alphabetical manner, as per the author’s last name.

One can choose any of the two formats for the work based on the question which is to be answered with the help of research, how the research paper is completed and the procedure applied during the writing process.

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How To Cite a Research Paper: MLA, APA, and Chicago Style

• Posted on January 25, 2022

When you’re writing a research paper, you’ll use a variety of sources to find information. You might find that you end up using other people’s research papers as sources of information for your own work. You need to know how to cite a research paper properly.

Using text citations tells readers where you got your information, and help build a sense of trust, allowing the reader to feel confident that you haven’t falsified the information. You have to prove that you’ve done the research and found data to back up the claims you’re making.

Writing a paper without giving credit to people whose work you’re using is plagiarism. Unless you’re citing a direct quote you want to change the language enough, by putting the quote in your own words, so it sounds like original content. Quetext’s plagiarism checker  helps you search for similar content across the web so you can turn in a completely original paper.

Whether you’re submitting a research paper to school or for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, you’re required to cite your sources. Editors often reread the work of writers and researchers to ensure the information is factual. A teacher or professor will definitely check that your sources are accurate, so using tools like Quetext will help avoid unintentional plagiarism errors or wrongfully cited information.

Why Text Citations are Important

If you don’t have sources to back up your research, others might accuse you of spreading false information or plagiarism. Any journal publishing papers should verify what they’re printing, but ultimately, as the author, the buck stops with you.

In general, it’s a kindness to cite your sources. The people who created them did a lot of work, so it’s wrong to claim ownership of their ideas and information. But it’s also an ethical issue that can have major repercussions.

There have been cases where researchers  make up information  or falsify their sources and must face the consequences. People depend on factual information and don’t react well when they realize you lied to them or falsely paraphrase information.

That’s why it’s common knowledge to write a well-researched paper with text citations. If anyone claims your information is incorrect, you can point them to the source where you found the data. This doesn’t guarantee that the information you cited is correct, but you’ll be able to provide readers with a source of where you gathered your information.

When you’re citing other people’s research papers, make sure the source is legitimate. You should only use peer-reviewed journals so you know the article has gone through edits and fact-checking. Something identified as a research paper that is only on a blog or message board isn’t always a reliable source.

Many students like to use  Wikipedia  because there’s so much information available from one source. However, Wikipedia allows users to edit the information. What you read in a specific entry might not be true. It’s best to scroll down to the works cited and go to the original source yourself. If you can’t find a reliable, original source for the information, you shouldn’t use it.

Using the Various Citation Styles

The information used in any citation is basically the same across each style guide. The formatting and order of some elements may vary, so it’s important to know the difference between Modern Language Association (MLA), American Psychological Association (APA), and Chicago Styles.

The style you use depends on what type of writing you’re doing. All will use these basic elements in some form or another:

Source name

Volume and edition

Publication date

Page numbers

Publisher name

City and country of the publisher

URL and DOI for web pages and digital sources

The date you accessed the material

In addition to a reference list at the end of your work, you’ll also use in-text citations. Whenever you reference an idea or data that isn’t yours, you cite it. Each style has different types of in-text citations as well. Read on to find out about each citation format.

You’ll likely use the  MLA citation guide  if you’re writing papers in the humanities, such as for language arts, literary criticism, cultural studies, and more. The current edition of the MLA Handbook is the ninth because the style constantly evolves. As new technology creates new potential sources, MLA adds information to help students and researchers cite everything correctly.

The MLA Handbook has instructions on how to cite song lyrics, social media posts, and digital images, along with all of the standard research outlets. The book also gives detailed information on how to cite a research paper.

The MLA Handbook includes information about how to format your reference page. Use a 12-pt standard font like Times New Roman, so the text in italics is clearly different from the regular font. Center the title, Works Cited, at the top of the page. Your last name and page number are in the top right corner, and the reference page always comes at the end of your document.

Alphabetize citations according to the last name of the author. Left-align the citations and double-space them with no extra lines between each entry. When a citation goes beyond a single line, use a hanging indent to format it correctly. This lets the reader know it’s still the same citation continuing on.

Now that you know the basic format for the Works Cited page read on to find out how to cite a research paper for inclusion on this list.

Citing a Research Paper in MLA Style

When you’re citing a research paper in MLA style, you start with the author’s full name, putting the last name of the author first, followed by the title of the research paper in quotation marks. Next comes the the title of the journal that published the paper in italics, followed by the volume number, issue number, and date of publication.

You’ll also include the page number since the paper is in a journal with many pages. If you found the source online, include the digital object identifier or DOI. The DOI is a way to give a document a permanent web address so people reading your work can easily find the source.

MLA format also asks you to include the date you accessed online materials. Doing so gives your reader more information about when you read the research if it changed since that date. Here is an example of a research paper citation in MLA style:

Writer, Maria. “My Research Paper.” Research Journal, vol 3, no. 4, 2020, pp. 7-9. doi:12.34/mfs.12.34. Accessed 13 March 2021.

If the work wasn’t published online, you could stop your citation after the page numbers.

Sometimes you might find research papers that aren’t published in a scholarly journal. You can still use those in your work, but the MLA citation will look different. You’ll still put the last name of the author first, but instead of putting the title of the research paper in quotation marks, you’ll put it in italics.

Here is an example of an unpublished research paper citation in MLA style:

Writer, Maria. My Research Paper. 2020, http://websiteused.com . Accessed 13 March 2021.

These two examples show you how to document the source on your Works Cited page. In-text citations look different.

In-Text Citations for a Research Paper in MLA Style

When you’re working with the MLA format, an in-text reference requires a parenthetical citation.

If you refer to someone else’s research in a sentence, either with a direct quote or by paraphrasing, you need to give that author credit. At the end of the sentence where you use the information, you’ll put the author’s information in parenthesis and then put the sentence’s ending punctuation.

You use the author’s last name and the page number where you found the information for in-text citations. Then anyone reading your work can go to your Works Cited page, find the entry by the author’s last name, and access the document themselves. The page number directs them to where you got the specific information, so they don’t have to read the whole paper to find it. Here is an example of an in-text citation in MLA style:

Over 80% of the city’s garbage ended up in the ocean (Writer, 8).

You might mention the author’s name in your sentence. In that case, the parenthetical citation only needs to have the page numbers for reference. Here is an example:

According to Maria Writer, over 80% of the city’s garbage went into the ocean (8).

Researchers in the social science field, like sociology, anthropology, and psychology, use the  APA style  in their work. Like the MLA Handbook, the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association has gone through changes over the years. It’s currently on the 7th edition.

In addition to helping you understand how to cite research, the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association has information about how to format your paper to include tables, figures, and headings that often accompany scientific journal articles.

The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association also tells you how to format your reference page. In MLA style, this is the Works Cited page. For APA style, it’s either the Reference List or Reference Page.

This page uses the same font style as the rest of the paper but starts on its own page with a number in the top right corner. The title of the page is bold and centered at the top and should simply read “References.”

List citations in alphabetical order by author’s last name regardless of the type of source. Each citation is double-spaced and has a hanging indent if it goes beyond one line.

Now that you understand how to properly format your APA reference page, learn how to cite a research paper to include on the list.

Citing a Research Paper in APA Style

When you use a research paper in your work, you need to include it on your APA references page at the end of your document.

An APA citation includes the same information as the MLA format but in a different order. The citation starts with the author’s last name but only uses their first initial. Then comes the year of publication in parenthesis.

The paper’s title follows, then the title of the journal in italics. You also include the journal volume, issue number, and page numbers. As with MLA citations, include a DOI if you found the research paper online. Here is an example of a published research paper cited in APA format:

Writer, M. (2020). My Research Paper. Research Journal, 3(4), 7-9. doi:12.34/mfs.12.34

If the paper isn’t published in a journal, you can still use it in your work with a proper citation. Here is an example:

Writer, M. (2020). My Research Paper [PDF]. Retrieved from http://websiteused.com

In-Text Citations for a Research Paper in APA Style

In-text citations in the APA format differ from MLA style. You still put it in parenthesis, but you include different information. For APA parentheticals, include the author’s last name and the paper’s year of publication. This method applies when you’re summarizing or paraphrasing the author’s idea. Here is an example of an in-text citation for a research paper in APA style:

Over 80% of the city’s garbage went into the ocean (Writer, 2020).

If you’re using a direct quote from the work you need to include the page number so the reader can find the quotation. Here is an example:

Maria Writer said, “Over 80% of the city’s garbage is going into the ocean” (2020, p. 8).

Chicago Style

Chicago Style  got its name from the University of Chicago, where the style originated. Writers use this format for works in the field of history, but you can also use it for the sciences, social sciences, and humanities.

MLA style has a Works Cited page, APA has References, and Chicago Style differs because it includes a Bibliography. The page comes at the end of your work with a page number in the top right corner. The title, “Bibliography,” is bold and centered at the top.

You will single-space your citations, but you’ll add an extra line between each entry. As with the other reference pages, you’ll left-align the work and use a hanging indent when a citation continues onto a second line.

Having an overview of how to format the bibliography will help you understand the citation styles for a research paper.

Citing a Research Paper in Chicago Style

Citations in Chicago Style are a mix of MLA and APA formats. It’s easiest to follow this template:

Writer, Maria. 2020. “My Research Paper.” Research Journal 3 (4): 7-9. doi:12.34/mfs.12.34.

As with other styles, you can reference an unpublished research paper as a document. Here is an example:

Writer, Maria. 2020. My Research Paper. PDF. http://websiteused.com .

In both instances, if there are multiple authors for a paper, list the rest of the authors in normal format. For example:

Author, Alan, Stanley Sample, and Maria Writer. 2020. “My Research Paper.” Research Journal 3 (4): 7-9. doi:12.34/mfs.12.34.

In-Text Citations for a Research Paper in Chicago Style

An in-text citation in Chicago Style is much simpler than both MLA and APA formats. You only need to include the last name of the author and year of publication in parenthesis with no comma in between them. For example:

Almost 80% of the city’s garbage goes into the ocean (Writer 2020).

You’ll include the page number for specificity if you’re quoting the author. Here’s an example:

Maria Writer said, “Over 80% of the city’s garbage is going into the ocean” (2020, 8).

You can also use endnotes in Chicago Style. A citation refers the reader to your source, but an endnote includes a bit of an explanation of why you used it. The information included in an endnote would disrupt the flow of your paper, but it’s still something you want the reader to know.

Make Text Citations Easy

Knowing when you need to cite a source helps you manage your research. Anytime you find information that you’re going to paraphrase, summarize, or quote in your work, you need to cite the source. The full citation will go on your reference page, but you’ll need an in-text citation where you use the information in your paper.

When you’re stating something that is  common knowledge , there’s no need to make a citation. Common knowledge is something that your reader would believe without needing proof. You can check if something is common knowledge by searching for it and finding it mentioned, without a citation, in at least five sources.

Once you learn the basics about citing a research paper in MLA, APA, and Chicago Styles, you’ll feel more confident in your work. The important thing is to pay attention to small details, like capitalization, italics and the use of abbreviations. But there’s no need to do it all on your own—Quetext has a  citation assistant  waiting to help. Give Quetext citation generator a try on your next project.

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• Differences between MLA and APA Format

Which subjects use which style?

Always confirm with your instructor which citation style they prefer for their class. Not every course at SCC uses the same citation style.

In-Text Citations

While both MLA and APA requires in-text citations, the format for those citations will look very different.

Source Pages (Works Cited and References)

One major difference between MLA and APA format is how they label and format their source pages. While there are many small differences in MLA and APA formatting (such as the way page numbers are formatted), the below chart will show some of the major, recognizable differences.

Title Pages

If you are writing a paper in APA format, please confirm with your instructor as to whether they require a title page or not for your essay.

• Differences between MLA and APA Format This handout will explain some of the major differences between MLA and APA format.
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When we talk about style at EasyBib.com, we’re not talking about the clothes, shoes, or accessories we’re rocking. We’re talking about the best type of style there is — citation styles!

Even though there are thousands of citation styles in existence (yes, thousands!), the world generally revolves around the two most commonly used citation styles: MLA and APA . Both have been around for quite a long time and most students and researchers use one or the other to cite their sources. Even though MLA and APA are popular citation styles that are taught in thousands of schools each year, there are always tons of questions about the differences between the two. That’s why we’ve put together a handy visual infographic showing the main differences between MLA and APA.

If you’ve been wondering what MLA and APA stands for, which disciplines use the styles, how the names of authors and titles are displayed, or how to format MLA in-text citations or APA citations , look no further! Our colorful infographic has the main differences highlighted just for you. It’s easy to read, easy to understand, and will give you the lowdown on the main points you need to know about MLA vs. APA. If that wasn’t enough, we even have examples thrown in to help you make sense of everything. #winning!

After you’ve read through our infographic, head to our homepage, and give our citation generator and grammar checker a whirl. Both are innovative, easy-to-use tools to help rock any and all research projects and written assignments. Head on over and try them out now!

Written by Michele Kirschenbaum. Michele Kirschenbaum is a school library media specialist.

Do you like Dr. Seuss quotes ? Do you have writing assignments about historical figures like Winston Churchill ? Do you do reports on authors like Mark Twain ? If you said yes to any of these, checkout the EasyBib topic guides for fun history facts and quotes you can use in your next paper.

Citation Guides

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• APA 7 Updates
• View APA Guide
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• Works Cited
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• View MLA Guide

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Published by Nicolas at January 17th, 2024 , Revised On January 23, 2024

When To Use MLA Vs APA

Two predominant citation styles in academic writing, like thesis or dissertation stand out: the Modern Language Association (MLA) and the American Psychological Association (APA). Each style is a set of guidelines designed to standardize the citation and formatting of sources, ensuring consistency and clarity in scholarly communication.

Table of Contents

The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is widely used in the humanities and liberal arts, providing a structured approach to citing sources in research papers, essays, and other scholarly works. Initially developed by the Modern Language Association, this style emphasizes the author’s name and page number in in-text citations, with a detailed Works Cited page listing all sources.

The American Psychological Association (APA) style, on the other hand, is a prominent citation guide used in the social sciences and natural sciences. Created by the American Psychological Association, this style emphasizes clarity, conciseness, and objectivity. APA uses a parenthetical author-date citation system and compiles all sources on a References page.

Importance Of Proper Citation Styles In Academic Writing

Accurate and consistent citation is fundamental to maintaining the integrity of academic writing. Proper citation serves multiple purposes:

Acknowledging Sources

• Citations give credit to the original authors for their ideas, theories, or findings.
• They acknowledge the intellectual contributions that form the foundation of a writer’s work.

Avoiding Plagiarism

• Citation styles provide a framework to cite sources appropriately, helping writers avoid plagiarism.
• Plagiarism, the uncredited use of someone else’s work, is a serious ethical breach in academic writing.

Ensuring Credibility

• Proper citations enhance the credibility of the author’s work by allowing readers to verify and trace the sources referenced.
• Credible sources contribute to the strength and validity of an academic argument.

Facilitating Communication

• Standardized citation styles promote clear communication within the academic community.
• They enable researchers to share and build upon each other’s work by providing a common language for citation.

Meeting Academic Standards

• Adhering to specific citation styles aligns with academic conventions and standards.
• Different disciplines in universities in Canada may have preferences for particular citation styles, and adherence reflects a commitment to scholarly norms.

Understanding MLA

The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is a widely recognized and used set of guidelines for academic writing, specifically tailored to the fields of literature, language, and the humanities. Developed by the Modern Language Association, this citation style provides a systematic approach to citing sources, formatting papers, and acknowledging the intellectual contributions of others.

The primary purpose of MLA is to establish a standardized method for scholars and students to present their research and ideas clearly and consistently. By prescribing citation and document formatting rules, MLA ensures that academic writing is accessible, organized, and ethically grounded.

Common Usage In Humanities And Liberal Arts

MLA finds its common usage in disciplines such as literature, philosophy, history, art, and other areas within the humanities and liberal arts. The style’s adaptability to various forms of humanistic expression makes it a preferred choice for scholars and students in these fields. Whether crafting essays, research papers , or literary analyses, humanities students often turn to MLA to structure their academic work.

The key elements of MLA citation are:

In-text citations

In MLA, in-text citations serve to provide brief yet crucial information about the source of a particular idea or quotation within the body of the text. Typically, these citations include the author’s last name and the page number from which the information is drawn. For instance: (Khan 45). This practice allows readers to easily locate the source on the Works Cited page.

Works Cited page

The Works Cited page is a comprehensive list of all the sources referenced in a paper. It is placed at the end of the document and provides detailed bibliographic information for each source, allowing readers to verify and explore the referenced materials. 

The Works Cited page follows specific formatting guidelines, including the author’s name, source title, publication information, and other relevant details.

Understanding APA

The American Psychological Association (APA) style is a widely adopted set of guidelines for academic writing, particularly within the social sciences and natural sciences. Developed by the American Psychological Association, APA provides a systematic framework for citing sources, formatting papers, and organizing research that promotes clarity, objectivity, and precision.

The primary purpose of APA is to establish a standardized approach to writing and documentation within the scientific community. By emphasizing clarity and conciseness, APA allows researchers, psychologists, and social and natural sciences scholars to communicate their ideas precisely and ensure that their work can be easily understood and verified.

Common Usage In Social Sciences And Sciences

APA is commonly used in finance thesis , psychology, sociology, education, business, botany papers , and various natural and social sciences. Its structured approach to citation and formatting aligns with the demands of scientific communication, where precision and clarity are paramount. Researchers and scholars in these fields turn to APA to ensure that their work adheres to the established conventions of their disciplines.

The key elements of APA citation include the following:

In APA style, in-text citations follow a parenthetical author-date format, where the author’s last name and the publication year are included. For example (Khan, 2019). This method allows readers to quickly identify the source of information and cross-reference it with the detailed information provided on the References page.

References page

The References page is a thorough list of all sources cited within a paper. It is positioned at the end of the document and provides detailed bibliographic information for each source. The information typically includes the author’s name, publication date, title of the source, and other relevant details. The References page in APA style is organized alphabetically and follows specific formatting guidelines to ensure consistency.

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When To Use MLA

MLA is the preferred citation style in several academic disciplines within the humanities and liberal arts. Common disciplines include literature, philosophy, history, art, and languages. Scholars and students in these fields often adhere to MLA guidelines to maintain consistency and convey information in a manner suitable for their respective subjects.

MLA is well-suited for citing a wide range of sources commonly found in the humanities. These sources include:

• Books: MLA is particularly effective in citing books, whether they are novels, manuscripts , anthologies, or scholarly monographs.
• Journal Articles: Academic journals in humanities and liberal arts fields are often cited using MLA format.
• Poems and Short Stories: MLA is ideal for citing individual poems or short stories frequently encountered in literature studies.
• Artistic Works: MLA can be used to reference paintings, sculptures, or other forms of artistic expression.

MLA Examples

• Literary Analysis Essays: When writing an essay analyzing a piece of literature, such as a novel or poem, MLA is commonly used to cite textual evidence and provide in-depth analysis.
• History Research Papers: Historical research papers format often adopt MLA citation, emphasizing the proper acknowledgment of historical sources and texts.
• Philosophy Papers: Papers in philosophy that involve the analysis of philosophical texts or arguments often use MLA for citation.

When To Use APA

APA is the preferred citation style in various academic disciplines and preliminary literature reviews , especially those in the social sciences and natural sciences. Disciplines that commonly use APA include psychology, sociology, education, business, and health sciences. The style’s emphasis on clarity, objectivity, and precision aligns with the requirements of these scientific fields.

APA is well-suited for citing various sources commonly found in the social and natural sciences. These sources include:

• Research Articles: APA is extensively used for citing research articles published in academic journals.
• Empirical Studies: Studies conducted in psychology, sociology, and related fields often cite APA.
• Academic Papers in Education: APA is preferred for citing educational research and academic papers.
• Scientific Reports: APA is commonly used for citing scientific reports in the natural sciences, such as biology or chemistry.

APA Examples

• Psychology Research Papers: When conducting and presenting research in psychology, APA is the preferred style for ensuring clarity and precision in communication.
• Sociology Literature Reviews: Literature reviews in sociology often adopt APA citation to organize and present a synthesis of existing research.
• Business Reports: Business and management reports, including those in marketing or organizational behaviour, frequently cite APA.

Key Differences Between MLA And APA

Some of the key differences between MLA and APA are discussed below.

Differences In Formatting And Layout 

• MLA typically features a header on the left side of the paper with the author’s name and page number.
• APA uses a running head on the right side, which includes a shortened title and page number.
• APA often requires a title page with specific information like the title, author’s name, institutional affiliation, and an author note.
• MLA generally does not mandate a title page unless specified by the instructor.
• MLA typically recommends using a legible font like Times New Roman in 12-point size.
• APA generally prefers a sans-serif font like Arial or Calibri in 12-point size.

Citations And Referencing Variations

• MLA employs parenthetical in-text citations with the author’s last name and page number (Khan 45).
• APA uses parenthetical author-date citations with the author’s last name and the publication year (Khan, 2019).
• MLA uses a “Works Cited” page that lists sources alphabetically with specific formatting.
• APA uses a “References” page, also alphabetized, with distinct formatting guidelines for each source type.
• In MLA, titles of larger works (books, movies) are italicized, while titles of shorter works (articles, poems) are in quotation marks.
• In APA, italics are used for titles of longer works, and shorter works are in title case and not enclosed in quotation marks.

Peculiar Rules Unique To Each Style

Medium in MLA:

• MLA may require the inclusion of the medium (print, web, etc.) in bibliographic entries.

DOI in APA:

• APA may involve the use of Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) for online sources when available.

Publication Information Order:

• MLA typically lists the author’s name, title, publisher, and date in that order.
• APA follows the order of author, date, title, and publisher.

How To Choose Between MLA And APA

• Consider your academic discipline.
• Preferred in humanities and liberal arts disciplines.
• Commonly used for literature, philosophy, history, and related fields.
• Preferred in social sciences and natural sciences.
• Commonly used for psychology, sociology, education, business, and scientific research.
• Understand assignment requirements
• Learn about instructor preferences and guidelines

Tips For Proper Implementation

Here are some final tips and tricks to help you properly implement MLA and APA.

Tip 1: Familiarizing Oneself With Style Guides

• Thorough Review: Take the time to thoroughly review the official style guides for both MLA and APA. These guides provide complete information on formatting, in-text citations, and references.
• Style Guide Accessibility: Make a copy of the MLA Handbook (for MLA) or the American Psychological Association Publication Manual (for APA) readily accessible for quick reference.
• Online Resources: Explore online resources provided by reputable institutions and libraries to supplement your understanding of each style.

Tip 2: Using Citation Tools And Resources

• Citation Generators: Use online citation generators to automate the process of creating citations. Tools like Zotero , EndNote , or online generators provided by academic institutions can save time and reduce the chance of errors.
• Online Style Guides: Many universities and academic institutions provide online style guides with examples and tutorials. Refer to these resources to clarify specific citation rules.
• Library Support: Take advantage of library resources and support services, which often include workshops or consultations on proper citation practices.

Tip 3: Seeking Guidance From Instructors Or Writing Centers

• Instructor Clarification: When in doubt, seek clarification from your instructor regarding citation preferences and any specific guidelines for the assignment.
• Writing Centers: Use campus writing centers that offer guidance on citation styles. Writing tutors can provide valuable insights and assistance in mastering MLA or APA.
• Peer Review: Consider engaging in peer review sessions where you can exchange insights and tips on proper citation with fellow students.

Frequently Asked Questions

When to use apa vs mla.

Use APA for social and natural sciences, psychology, education, and research studies. Choose MLA for humanities, literature, philosophy, and arts. Consider assignment requirements, academic discipline, and instructor preferences to determine the appropriate citation style for academic writing.

What is APA vs MLA?

APA (American Psychological Association) and MLA (Modern Language Association) are distinct citation styles. APA is common in social sciences, emphasizing clarity. MLA is prevalent in humanities, emphasizing authorship. They differ in formatting citations and are chosen based on academic discipline and assignment requirements.

Is MLA or APA used for English?

MLA (Modern Language Association) is commonly used for English, literature, and humanities disciplines. Its emphasis on authorship and literary analysis aligns with the conventions of these fields. APA is more prevalent in social sciences and natural sciences.

Who uses APA?

APA (American Psychological Association) is primarily used by professionals and scholars in the fields of psychology, social sciences, education, business, and health sciences. It provides a standardized citation style for research articles, empirical studies, and scientific publications in these disciplines.

What is the difference between APA MLA and Harvard?

APA (American Psychological Association) and MLA (Modern Language Association) are citation styles used in academic writing, with specific rules for formatting and citations. Harvard is a referencing style with a focus on author-date citation but is less prescriptive in formatting, commonly used in the UK and Australia.

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• Research Paper Format | APA, MLA, & Chicago Templates

Research Paper Format | APA, MLA, & Chicago Templates

Published on November 19, 2022 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on January 20, 2023.

The formatting of a research paper is different depending on which style guide you’re following. In addition to citations , APA, MLA, and Chicago provide format guidelines for things like font choices, page layout, format of headings and the format of the reference page.

Scribbr offers free Microsoft Word templates for the most common formats. Simply download and get started on your paper.

APA |  MLA | Chicago author-date | Chicago notes & bibliography

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• Ensure consistent paragraph formatting
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Table of contents

Formatting an apa paper, formatting an mla paper, formatting a chicago paper, frequently asked questions about research paper formatting.

The main guidelines for formatting a paper in APA Style are as follows:

• Use a standard font like 12 pt Times New Roman or 11 pt Arial.
• Set 1 inch page margins.
• Apply double line spacing.
• If submitting for publication, insert a APA running head on every page.
• Indent every new paragraph ½ inch.

Watch the video below for a quick guide to setting up the format in Google Docs.

The image below shows how to format an APA Style title page for a student paper.

Running head

If you are submitting a paper for publication, APA requires you to include a running head on each page. The image below shows you how this should be formatted.

For student papers, no running head is required unless you have been instructed to include one.

APA provides guidelines for formatting up to five levels of heading within your paper. Level 1 headings are the most general, level 5 the most specific.

Reference page

APA Style citation requires (author-date) APA in-text citations throughout the text and an APA Style reference page at the end. The image below shows how the reference page should be formatted.

Note that the format of reference entries is different depending on the source type. You can easily create your citations and reference list using the free APA Citation Generator.

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The main guidelines for writing an MLA style paper are as follows:

• Use an easily readable font like 12 pt Times New Roman.
• Use title case capitalization for headings .

Check out the video below to see how to set up the format in Google Docs.

On the first page of an MLA paper, a heading appears above your title, featuring some key information:

• Your full name
• Your instructor’s or supervisor’s name
• The course name or number
• The due date of the assignment

Page header

A header appears at the top of each page in your paper, including your surname and the page number.

Works Cited page

MLA in-text citations appear wherever you refer to a source in your text. The MLA Works Cited page appears at the end of your text, listing all the sources used. It is formatted as shown below.

You can easily create your MLA citations and save your Works Cited list with the free MLA Citation Generator.

Generate MLA citations for free

The main guidelines for writing a paper in Chicago style (also known as Turabian style) are:

• Use a standard font like 12 pt Times New Roman.
• Use 1 inch margins or larger.
• Place page numbers in the top right or bottom center.

Chicago doesn’t require a title page , but if you want to include one, Turabian (based on Chicago) presents some guidelines. Lay out the title page as shown below.

Bibliography or reference list

Chicago offers two citation styles : author-date citations plus a reference list, or footnote citations plus a bibliography. Choose one style or the other and use it consistently.

The reference list or bibliography appears at the end of the paper. Both styles present this page similarly in terms of formatting, as shown below.

To format a paper in APA Style , follow these guidelines:

• Use a standard font like 12 pt Times New Roman or 11 pt Arial
• Set 1 inch page margins
• Apply double line spacing
• Include a title page
• If submitting for publication, insert a running head on every page
• Indent every new paragraph ½ inch
• Apply APA heading styles
• Cite your sources with APA in-text citations
• List all sources cited on a reference page at the end

The main guidelines for formatting a paper in MLA style are as follows:

• Use an easily readable font like 12 pt Times New Roman
• Include a four-line MLA heading on the first page
• Center the paper’s title
• Use title case capitalization for headings
• Cite your sources with MLA in-text citations
• List all sources cited on a Works Cited page at the end

The main guidelines for formatting a paper in Chicago style are to:

• Use a standard font like 12 pt Times New Roman
• Use 1 inch margins or larger
• Place page numbers in the top right or bottom center
• Cite your sources with author-date citations or Chicago footnotes
• Include a bibliography or reference list

To automatically generate accurate Chicago references, you can use Scribbr’s free Chicago reference generator .

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Caulfield, J. (2023, January 20). Research Paper Format | APA, MLA, & Chicago Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved August 5, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-paper/research-paper-format/

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How To Write And Format A Research Paper: APA, MLA, Chicago

Diving into the world of academic writing can often feel like navigating a maze. With diverse styles like APA, MLA, and Chicago dictating the presentation of research papers, understanding the nuances becomes essential.

From the specific requirements of title pages, the subtleties of headers, to the intricacies of citation styles, this comprehensive guide sheds light on formatting your research paper impeccably.

Whether you’re a seasoned researcher or just beginning your academic journey, mastering these formatting styles not only enhances your paper’s credibility but also elevates its professional presentation.

Formatting an APA paper

If you’re embarking on writing a research paper, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the specifics of the APA format.

This formatting style, developed by the American Psychological Association, is commonly used in the social sciences.

Unlike the MLA style by the Modern Language Association, APA has some unique title page requirements. The title page should include:

• The paper’s title
• The author’s name, and
• The institutional affiliation.

All text should be centred and double-spaced. The paper title should be in title case, which means that most words are capitalised, but words such as “and” or “the” are not unless they’re the first word.

Font choices are essential; Times New Roman in 12-point is the most commonly accepted. The title page should also include the page number, typically located in the upper right-hand corner.

Running head

Within the realm of APA research paper format, the “running head” is a standout feature that researchers should master. Acting as a concise version of the paper’s title, the running head is presented in capital letters and is uniquely positioned in the header.

For those adopting the APA style, take note: this title fragment graces the top-left corner of every page, while the page number elegantly sits opposite on the top-right.

The title page gets special treatment — it introduces the running head with “Running head:”, e.g., “Running head: EFFECTS OF LIGHT ON SLEEP”.

But as you delve deeper, from the second page onwards, only the title, like “EFFECTS OF LIGHT ON SLEEP”, remains.  It’s these subtle intricacies that elevate a good research paper to an exemplar of APA formatting precision.

APA employs five levels of headings. A tip many don’t often share: these aren’t just about size or boldness, but about indicating the hierarchy of your content.

Reference page

One of the main differences between APA and other styles like MLA or Turabian is not only in-citation style but also in specific format requirements for components of a research paper. For instance, a reference page (APA) is analogous to a bibliography (MLA).

For those diving deeper into writing and formatting their papers, Purdue University offers a comprehensive style guide. This resource offers insights on everything from the research process to in-text citations and formatting rules.

One last juicy tidbit: always ensure that your thesis statement is clear and concise, as this guides the entire research paper.

It’s always advisable to check specific guidelines for formatting a research paper in APA format, ensuring all details, down to the period at the end of your in-text quotations, are impeccable.

Formatting an MLA paper

Unlike the APA style from the American Psychological Association, MLA style from the Modern Language Association lacks a title page but insists on a header with the last name and page number on every page.

Begin with your paper’s title in title case, centre, and in Times New Roman. The general format includes a thesis statement, body of the paper, and a bibliography page at the end. 

On your first page, MLA omits the traditional title page. Instead, start at the top left-hand side by typing:

• The instructor’s name
• Course number
• Course name
• Course date

Write  each detail on a new line. Following this, centre the paper’s title using title case—ensure it’s devoid of bolds, underlines, or quotation marks.

As you delve into the body of the paper, maintain a consistent header on every page, which incorporates the author’s last name and the page number in the upper right-hand corner.

For optimum readability, adjust your word processor to Times New Roman, size 12pt. 

Page header

A particularly salient aspect of an MLA research paper is its header. Unlike the APA format which uses a running head, MLA format necessitates a simpler approach.

Commence with your word processor set to:

• Times New Roman, 12pt.
• On the first page and every page thereafter, the header should feature the author’s last name followed by the page number, situated in the upper right-hand corner. 

This ensures continuity throughout the paper. Remember, there’s no title page in MLA format, so this header starts from the very first page.

Contrary to some other formatting styles like Turabian, there’s no need for elaborate details such as the paper’s title or abbreviations.

While it might seem trifling, proper header formatting, along with consistent in-text citations and a correctly formatted bibliography, are key components of a research paper, accentuating its credibility.

Works Cited page

When it comes to the nuances of the Modern Language Association’s (MLA) style, a pivotal component is the “Works Cited” page, differentiating it from APA’s “Reference Page” or Turabian’s bibliography. Positioned at the end of the paper, this section meticulously lists research sources.

Kickstart with a new page, titling it “Works Cited” in title case, without quotation marks, ensuring the title is centred.

Maintain the Times New Roman 12pt font, consistent with the body of the paper. Unlike the APA format, there’s no need for a running head on this page.

Entries are double-spaced, with a hanging indent for every subsequent line after the first line of each source. The author’s last name comes first, followed by the first name. The title of works should be in title case, with quotation marks for article titles and italics for book titles.

Each entry’s general format includes the:

• Publisher, and
• Year of publication.

Consistency is crucial. Remember, in-text citations in the paper should correspond to the entries on the Works Cited page. Focusing on these details ensures the credibility of your research paper, portraying it as a meticulously crafted piece in MLA format.

Formatting a Chicago paper

While many are familiar with the APA style from the American Psychological Association or the MLA style from the Modern Language Association, the intricacies of the Chicago formatting style might be less known.

So, here’s a dive into the specific format of a Chicago-style title page. Following these guidelines for formatting ensures your research paper may stand out, not just for the content but also for its professional presentation.

First, unlike the general format of APA where a running head is present on every page, the Chicago-style paper’s title page stands alone without a page number.

The paper should also include a centred title, and contrary to the title case seen in sample research papers in MLA format, Chicago dictates capital letters for every main word.

Beneath the paper’s title, you’ll need to include the author’s full name, followed by other details such as class information. Also, it’s recommended to use the classic Times New Roman as your font choice for a polished look.

Your last name is essential too! In the header of subsequent pages, incorporate your last name alongside the page number. 

In Chicago style, whenever you cite a source within the text, a superscript number directs readers to the relevant footnote at the bottom of the page.

Each footnote starts with the same superscript number, followed by a period. The specific format of the footnote varies based on the type of source, but general guidelines are:

• Begin with the author’s first name, then last name.
• The title, either in quotation marks (for articles, book chapters) or italicised (for books), follows.
• Include publication details like the publisher’s name, year of publication, and the page number or numbers you’re referencing.

For instance, a footnote citing a book might look like this: ^1. Jane Doe, Sample Research: Chicago Formatting and Its Implications (Modern Language Association, 2023), 45-46.

Times New Roman is the recommended font, and the entirety of the footnote should be in regular size, not superscript. 

Bibliography or reference list

While many writers might have mastered the APA format from the American Psychological Association or the MLA style from the Modern Language Association, the specifics of the Chicago style often leave researchers scratching their heads.

For a Chicago-style paper, the bibliography is typically found on a new page at the end of the paper.

Unlike the general format seen in APA style with a running head on every page, the Chicago bibliography starts with a simple centred heading: “Bibliography.”

Entries should be alphabetised by the last name of the author, and unlike the in-text citations, the bibliography provides complete details of research sources.

Each entry should use a hanging indent, with the first line of the entry aligned to the left and subsequent lines indented. For a consistent look, adopt Times New Roman as your font choice.

Also, while writing a paper, always remember to cite every primary research source in your bibliography to maintain the integrity of your work.

Extra tips for writing and formatting research papers

Ensuring your research paper is free from copied content is paramount in academia. Even when you write a research paper, inadvertent plagiarism can creep in, making citation crucial. For those navigating APA format or MLA style, citation rules can be intricate.

Check for plagiarism

There are many ways you may end up committing plagiarism, even if unintentional. Here’s how you ensure originality, and prevent plagiarism in your work. 

• Keep Track of Sources : As you dive deep into your research process, jot down every source. This not only assists in the proper format of in-text citations but also in creating a comprehensive bibliography at the end of the paper. Many use word processor features to help manage sources.
• Quote and Paraphrase : When referencing a specific passage, use quotation marks and cite. APA style and MLA format have particular guidelines for citing. When putting information in your own words, paraphrase it, but don’t forget to cite. Purdue University’s style guide is a great resource for this.
• Use Plagiarism Checkers : Before submitting, run your paper through a plagiarism checker. Universities often use tools like Turnitin, but platforms like Scribbr can be just as effective. Beware of free checkers; they might not cover all research sources or might even save your work.

Remember, the key is not just to format a research paper but to maintain integrity throughout the paper. So, always give credit where it’s due.

Proofread your work

When embarking on the task of writing a research paper, it’s essential to not only focus on the research question and the body of the paper but also on its presentation. Proofreading for correct formatting is vital.

Refer To Style Guide: refer to a style guide relevant to your formatting style, be it APA (American Psychological Association), MLA (Modern Language Association), or Turabian.

For example, the APA format requires a title page with a running head, whereas the MLA format places emphasis on the author’s last name and page number in the upper right-hand corner of every page.

Check Your In-Text Citations: APA uses the author-year of publication method, while MLA style incorporates the author’s last name and the page number. Always ensure quotations are surrounded by quotation marks and that paraphrased information is correctly cited.

Examine Your Paper’s Title: ensure it adheres to title case for APA and that it is centered for both APA and MLA. The general format of a research paper may vary, but there are specifics to look for.

For instance, the APA research paper outline uses level 1 headings, which should be in title case and bolded, whereas the MLA format employs a standard formatting system for headings.

References & Bibliography: The end of the paper should always include a reference page or bibliography. In APA, it’s titled “References”, whereas in MLA it’s “Works Cited”. Formatting an APA reference page requires hanging indents, and in MLA, entries are alphabetized by the author’s last name.

Font: Lastly, ensure font choices align with format guidelines; typically, Times New Roman is a safe bet.

Your research paper may contain extensive details, but without adhering to specific guidelines for formatting, its credibility could be undermined. Don’t undermine your hard work—proofread for proper format.

Write A Research Paper In Correct Format – Not Rocket Science!

When embarking on writing a research paper, understanding and adhering to the proper format is paramount. The blog dissects the intricacies of three primary research paper formatting styles: APA, MLA, and Chicago.

Each format has its unique specifications, from the title page layout to citation techniques.

While APA is widely recognised in the social sciences and emphasises a title page and running head, MLA forgoes the title page and stresses the importance of the “Works Cited” section. In contrast, the Chicago format is distinguished by its use of footnotes for citations.

To ensure a paper’s credibility, always meticulously follow the specific guidelines of their chosen format, check for plagiarism, and proofread for both content and formatting precision. 

Dr Andrew Stapleton has a Masters and PhD in Chemistry from the UK and Australia. He has many years of research experience and has worked as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Associate at a number of Universities. Although having secured funding for his own research, he left academia to help others with his YouTube channel all about the inner workings of academia and how to make it work for you.

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• / What does it mean to cite using MLA, APA, or Chicago style?

MLA, APA, and Chicago are three common citation styles. These are ways of giving credit to sources from which we use ideas, words, and images. Citing sources may seem unnecessary, but is actually a useful and ethical part of college writing.

Why do I need to cite sources

The most obvious reason to cite sources is to avoid plagiarism . Noting where ideas came from keeps us from stealing something that was not originally ours. Just as important, however, is that we cite sources to establish our credibility as writers and to become part of the ongoing scholarly conversation among writers and researchers. Citing sources also lets readers know who came up with a particular idea and provide them with the information to find that source for further research.

Each citation system has its own distinctive style for citing sources both within an essay (in-text) and at the end (works cited or reference page). The features of each style are based on the values of the fields that use them. Learning the reasons for these features demonstrates a lot about particular disciplines and the advantages to having different systems. To learn more about which disciplines favor which styles, visit the American University website.

Keep in mind that any details noted below may vary depending on what professors prefer; always use what they require over what online resources provide.

Modern Language Association (MLA)

• Commonly used in Humanities fields such as English and Philosophy
• Places emphasis on exact words of other writers; quotes are often important
• Page numbers used in in-text citations to help readers quickly find quotes and ideas
• Author names written out completely in Works Cited list
• No cover page or abstract required

American Psychological Association (APA)

• Used mainly in Social Sciences such as Psychology, Sociology, Education, and Criminal Justice
• Formal structure often used, including specific subheadings
• Cover page and abstract often required
• General ideas usually more important than exact words; avoid too many quotations, paraphrase (link)  ideas
• Dates important in in-text citations and Reference list; places importance on most current research­
• Author’s first names not written out; ideas and research more important than researchers

The Chicago Manual of Style (CMS)

• Commonly used in History and other Humanities fields
• There are two types: Author and Date , and Notes and Bibliography
• Notes and Bibliography uses footnotes and/or endnotes to elaborate on source material
• Title page may be used in either format but usually not required; subheadings not required

For specific instructions and examples about how to use each style, refer to the links above to each of our citation handouts. You can also find physical copies in the University Writing Center, or make an appointment for further help using citations. There are other citation styles beyond these three, but these are the most common. Always ask your professor which citation style should be used if you are unsure. For resources on teaching about incorporating sources, see “ Writing with Sources and Avoiding Plagiarism .”

What can the Writing Center do to help?

We work frequently with writers to help with all of their questions about citing sources and different citation formats. We can help you at the beginning of your research process, to help you make sure you understand what information you will need as well as when you will need to cite information. We can can also help you near the end of your writing process with specific questions about how to cite sources and construct your references page.

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Mla Vs. Apa Format: Which Citation Style Should You Use For Science Writing?

When writing a science paper or lab report, using the correct formatting style is critical for properly citing sources and presenting your scientific ideas. The two most common formatting styles are MLA and APA, but which one should you use for science writing?

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: APA format is generally preferred over MLA for science writing . APA provides guidelines optimized for scholarly scientific communications and publications.

In this comprehensive guide, we compare MLA versus APA format for science writing. You’ll learn when to use each style, key formatting differences, and tips for consistently applying the right citations in your science papers.

When to Use MLA vs. APA for Science Writing

Types of science writing.

Science writing encompasses a wide range of disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, and environmental science. It can take various forms, such as research papers, lab reports, literature reviews, and scientific articles.

Each type of science writing has its own requirements when it comes to formatting and citation styles.

MLA (Modern Language Association) style is commonly used in the humanities, including literature, art, and language studies. While it is not the most common citation style for science writing, there are situations where MLA may be appropriate.

For example, if you are writing a science paper that focuses on the historical or cultural aspects of a scientific topic, MLA style may be more suitable.

MLA format typically uses in-text citations with the author’s last name and page number, and a Works Cited page at the end of the document. It is important to provide accurate and complete citations to give credit to the original authors and allow readers to locate the sources you used for your research.

APA (American Psychological Association) style is widely used in the social sciences, including psychology, sociology, and education. It is also commonly used in scientific research papers and articles.

APA style provides a clear and concise way to present scientific information and ensure consistency in citations.

In APA format, in-text citations include the author’s last name and the year of publication. A reference list is also included at the end of the document, providing detailed information about each source cited. This allows readers to easily find and verify the sources you used in your research.

When writing scientific papers, it is crucial to follow APA guidelines for citing sources, as it helps maintain the integrity of the research and allows other researchers to build upon your work.

Key Differences Between MLA and APA Format

In-text citations.

One of the key differences between MLA and APA format lies in how in-text citations are handled. In MLA format, the author’s last name and the page number are typically used to cite sources within the text. For example, (Smith 42).

On the other hand, APA format uses the author’s last name and the publication year. For instance, (Smith, 2019). This difference in formatting is important to keep in mind when writing scientific papers, as it ensures proper attribution of sources and allows readers to easily locate the full reference in the bibliography.

Reference Lists

Another significant difference between MLA and APA format is how the reference lists are structured. In MLA format, the reference list is called the Works Cited page, and it is placed at the end of the document.

Each entry is listed alphabetically by the author’s last name and includes the author’s name, the title of the work, the publication information, and the medium of publication. In contrast, APA format uses a reference list, which is also placed at the end of the document.

Each entry is organized alphabetically by the author’s last name and includes the author’s name, the publication year, the title of the work, and other publication information.

The use of headings in MLA and APA format also differs. In MLA format, headings are not typically used, as the focus is more on the content and structure of the paper. However, APA format requires the use of headings to organize the content and provide clarity to the reader.

APA format has specific guidelines for the formatting of headings, including the use of different levels (e.g., Heading 1, Heading 2) to indicate the hierarchy of information.

Figures and Tables

MLA and APA format also have different guidelines for the inclusion of figures and tables in scientific writing. In MLA format, figures and tables are often placed within the text, close to where they are mentioned. They are typically labeled as “Fig.” and “Table” followed by a number.

APA format, on the other hand, requires figures and tables to be placed in separate sections at the end of the document. Each figure and table should have a caption that describes the content and a number that corresponds to its order of appearance in the text.

It’s important to familiarize yourself with the specific formatting requirements of MLA and APA format when writing scientific papers. Adhering to the correct citation style ensures that your work is professional, consistent, and easily understandable to your readers.

APA Guidelines for Science Writing

Formatting research papers.

When it comes to formatting research papers in APA style for science writing, there are a few key guidelines to keep in mind. First and foremost, it is important to use 1-inch margins on all sides of the paper. Additionally, the font should be Times New Roman and set to a 12-point size.

The paper should be double-spaced throughout, including the title page, abstract, main body, and references. It is also crucial to include a running head and page numbers on each page.

Writing With Precision

APA style emphasizes clear and concise writing in science papers. When writing in APA style, it is important to be precise and avoid using vague or ambiguous language. This means using specific terminology, providing detailed explanations, and avoiding unnecessary jargon.

Additionally, APA style encourages writers to use active voice, which helps to make the writing more direct and engaging. By using active voice, the writer clearly identifies the subject of the sentence and makes the writing more engaging for the reader.

Using Active Voice

One of the key aspects of APA style for science writing is the use of active voice. Active voice is when the subject of the sentence performs the action, rather than having the action done to it. For example, instead of saying “The experiment was conducted,” APA style encourages writers to say “We conducted the experiment.”

Using active voice not only makes the writing more engaging, but it also helps to clearly identify the responsible party for the action.

Reporting Statistics

When reporting statistics in APA style for science writing, it is important to provide clear and accurate information. This can be done by using appropriate statistical symbols and formatting, such as italicizing variables and using subscripts.

Additionally, APA style requires writers to include relevant information such as means, standard deviations, and sample sizes. It is also important to clearly label figures and tables and provide a thorough explanation of the statistical analysis performed.

This helps to ensure that the reader can easily understand and interpret the data being presented.

Tips for Applying APA Style in Science Writing

Use citation generators.

When it comes to applying APA style in scientific writing, using citation generators can be a great help. These online tools automatically generate citations in APA format for various sources such as books, journals, websites, and more.

They save you time and ensure that your citations are formatted correctly, following the guidelines set by the American Psychological Association. Some popular citation generators include Citation Machine , EasyBib , and BibMe .

By using these tools, you can focus more on your research and writing, knowing that your citations are accurate and properly formatted.

Adhere to APA Paper Structure

When writing scientific papers in APA style, it’s important to follow the prescribed paper structure. The APA format typically includes a title page, an abstract, an introduction, a methods section, a results section, a discussion section, and a references page.

Each section has specific formatting requirements, such as the use of headings, subheadings, and proper citation formats. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with these requirements and apply them consistently throughout your paper.

This ensures that your work is organized and easy to navigate for readers.

Be Consistent Throughout

Consistency is key when it comes to applying APA style in science writing. This means using the same format and style for all citations and references throughout your paper. Make sure to use the correct punctuation, capitalization, and italics when citing different sources, such as books, articles, or websites.

Additionally, pay attention to the order and formatting of the elements within each citation, including authors’ names, publication dates, titles, and page numbers. Being consistent in your formatting not only enhances the readability of your paper but also shows your attention to detail and adherence to professional standards.

Proofread and Revise

Before submitting your scientific paper, it’s crucial to proofread and revise it for any errors or inconsistencies, including those related to APA style. Carefully review your citations and references to ensure they are complete, accurate, and formatted correctly.

Check for any inconsistencies in capitalization, italics, or punctuation. Additionally, make sure your paper adheres to the overall guidelines of APA style, such as the use of proper headings and subheadings.

Taking the time to proofread and revise your work will help you present a polished and professional scientific paper.

For most science writing, APA format is the preferred citation style over MLA. APA provides specific guidelines that optimize scientific communication and publications.

By understanding when to use APA, adhering to key formatting differences from MLA, following APA science writing tips, and proofreading your citations, you can expertly apply APA style for your research papers, lab reports, and other scientific documents.

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Need editing and proofreading services, research paper format: apa, mla, & chicago style.

• Tags: APA , APA Style , Formatting Guidelines

In academia, research papers help us share key findings and valuable knowledge with everyone. Whether you’re in high school, college, or university, you must know how to format a research paper so you can submit a well-organized document.

The three standard formats of research papers widely used in academia are MLA, APA, and the Chicago research paper format. We’ll discuss all three paper formats in detail with actionable tips and guidelines to help you avoid rookie formatting mistakes.

We’ve also added several examples of research paper formats so you can easily learn the proper way to structure and format your research paper. Given below are the three types of research paper formats widely used in academia:

1.  APA format

The American Psychological Association (APA) format is a research paper format popular among scholars, especially in sciences and social sciences. This style emphasizes clarity and conciseness, making it an excellent format for presenting complex scientific ideas in a digestible manner.

Just so we cover all bases, we’ve included plenty of research paper format examples. Take a look!

General guidelines

The  APA paper format follows a set of simple yet strict guidelines to ensure uniformity across different works. Here are some tips on how to format a paper in APA style:

• Double-space all your text.
• Maintain one-inch margins on all sides of the paper.
• Use a font style that is easy to read (typically 12-point Times New Roman).
• Include an APA header on all pages of your paper.
• Make sure each new paragraph is indented by 0.5 inches.

Take a look at this research paper format example outlining the various APA formatting guidelines:

One of the key features of the APA format is its title page. The APA title page serves as the face of your research paper layout, providing essential information about your work. Keep the following in mind:

• Write a title that’s a crisp summary of the paper’s content.
• Mention the author’s name without any titles or degrees.
• Mention the institutional affiliation (the place where the research was conducted).
• Add a header at the top of the page.

Reference page

The reference page is a critical part of the layout of a research paper in the APA style. This page lists all the sources you’ve referenced in your paper. It’s essential for avoiding plagiarism and providing your readers with the opportunity to explore your sources further.

Follow the tips mentioned below when formatting your reference page in APA style:

• Add a “References” label at the top and align it centrally.
• Organize your entries alphabetically based on the last names of the authors.
• Ensure that every entry is double-spaced.
• Acknowledge all sources in the text to maintain transparency in your research process.

Special formatting guidelines

Major headings under APA 7 are bolded and aligned centrally, while the subheadings are indented and end with a period. Subsequent levels of headings are used here:

This format of research papers necessitates a distinct heading structure, facilitating seamless navigation through the different formats. It also implements a unique citation format, guaranteeing that all your references are accurately acknowledged. Major headings are bolded and center-aligned, whereas subheadings are indented and end with a period.

The subsequent levels of headings are used in the APA paper format:

• Level 1: Bold, centered
• Level 2: Bold, left-aligned
• Level 3: Bold italic, left-aligned
• Level 4: Indented, bold
• Level 5: Indented, bold italic

Bonus tip: Titles for tables and figures should be succinct and clear and should be referenced in the text by their respective number. For instance, “As demonstrated in Table 1…”

2.  MLA format

The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is another frequently utilized format for research paper writing, primarily within the humanities. It underscores authorship, making it an excellent choice for papers that concentrate on original analysis.

For the visual learners out there, we’ve added some research paper format examples for your benefit! So, make sure you follow these guidelines while writing your paper.

The general guidelines of the MLA paper writing format are designed to establish a uniform and professional appearance for your work. Follow these steps when formatting your paper in MLA format:

• Use double spacing for your text. 
• Maintain one-inch margins all around.
• Opt for a readable font like 12-point Times New Roman.
• Incorporate a header with your last name and page number on every page.
• Use title case for headings, capitalizing the first letter of each major word.

The MLA paper format doesn’t typically necessitate a separate title page. Instead, the required information is positioned on the first page of the paper, which includes the following:

• Name of the student
• Instructor’s name
• Title of the course
• Date of submission

The title of the paper is presented in the next line, bolded and centered. It’s crucial to ensure that your title is informative and mirrors the content of your research paper.

Bonus tip: Refrain from italicizing, underlining, or bolding the title. Also, don’t use a period after the title.

Works cited page

The “Works Cited” page in the MLA 9 format lists all the sources referenced in your paper. This page plays a crucial role in formatting research papers to avoid plagiarism. While working on your MLA works cited page, keep the following points in mind:

• Start on a new page with the label “Works Cited”, centered and bolded at the top.
• List your entries in alphabetical order by the last names of the authors.
• Make sure each entry is double-spaced.

Remember, the works cited page is not a bibliography. It should only include sources you’ve quoted or paraphrased in your paper!

One of the defining characteristics of the MLA format is its use of parenthetical citations, making the MLA research paper format unique. Instead of footnotes or endnotes, sources are cited in the text using the author’s last name and the page number. For example, (Smith 23). 

Here are some additional guidelines for formatting your paper:

• In-text citations should directly follow the quote or paraphrase, but they should come before the period at the end of the sentence.
• Every major word in the title of a work must be capitalized.

3.  Chicago format

The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), or simply the Chicago research paper format , is another commonly used style in academic and professional writing. Preferred by historians, this format offers flexibility and comprehensiveness to accommodate a wide variety of sources.

The general guidelines of the Chicago format are similar to those of the MLA and APA research paper formats, with minor differences. 

Here are the key points to remember about the Chicago paper format:

• Use double spacing for the main text.
• Use single spacing for block quotes, table titles, and figure captions.
• Maintain one-inch margins on all sides for a neat presentation.
• Use a readable font such as Times New Roman, size 12 pt.
• Start page numbers from the second page, and place them in the top right corner.

In the Chicago style, the title page includes the title of the paper, the author’s name, and your course information. Unlike other styles, the title page of a Chicago-formatted paper does not carry a page number or a running head. 

Remember these two things while formatting your Chicago title page:

• Make sure the title is positioned at the center of the page.
• Add your name and class information some lines below the table.

Observe the following example for the Chicago research paper format:

The reference page in the Chicago style is referred to as the “Bibliography”. This page includes all the sources that you’ve cited in your paper.  To correctly format your bibliography, follow the points mentioned below:

• Begin on a new page with the title “Bibliography” centered at the top.
• List your sources in alphabetical order by author’s last name.
• Use a “hanging indent” for each entry (the first line begins at the margin and the following lines are indented).

Bonus Tip: Make sure the bibliography includes all works that were consulted, not just those cited in the text.

One of the unique features of the Chicago style is its use of footnotes or endnotes for citations. When you quote or paraphrase a source, you’ll include a superscript number in the text that corresponds to a note with the citation information.

Here are some additional guidelines to format your paper in the Chicago style:

• Number the footnotes or endnotes consecutively, using Arabic numbers.
• You can be flexible with headings: Either stick to the classic five-level style or create your own.
• Ensure you stay consistent in your approach throughout your paper.

Bonus tip: The first time you’re citing a source, give all the citation info. Feel free to use the short version after that.

Formatting your research paper is much more than just improving aesthetics. It’s about making things easy to read, keeping everything on-brand, and showcasing your attention to detail. Understanding the nitty gritty of the APA, MLA, or Chicago research paper formats is essential to producing high-quality and well-organized research papers. 

We hope this article showed you how to format a research paper. After all, it’s our duty to equip you with the tools you need to excel academically. Otherwise, what good is our expertise as a paper editing service ?

If you’d like to keep creating well-researched and organized scholarly papers, here are some resources that could help:

• How to Write a Thesis Statement: Examples & Tips
• How to Write a MEAL Paragraph? Writing Plan Explained in Detail
• What Is a Mind Map? Free Mind Map Templates & Examples    
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• Independent vs. Dependent Variables | Meaning & Examples

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MLA vs APA: Citation & Format Differences

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It is useful that you understand the basics of major styles - in particular, difference between APA and MLA. They are, indeed, very popular. If you are required to follow a specific style when writing your paper, you should learn about them, This guide will help you understand some peculiarities of APA and MLA, including the following aspects:

• Academic areas these styles are typically used for
• General paper format
• Rules of making proper citations
• Rules of making proper bibliography.

Stay with us and you will learn most of the information you should know about difference between APA and MLA. This short guide would help you grasp the main concept of each style and help you choose a proper one for your paper in case you have to choose for yourself.

Don't have time to sort things out? Delegate your writing task to StudyCrumb and get expert assistance at affordable rates. Leave us a notice " write my paper for me cheap " and we will give you a helping hand. 

APA vs MLA: Applicable Disciplines

Before deciding whether you should use MLA or APA, it is useful to understand what each of these abbreviations means. APA format paper stands for ‘American Psychological Association’. It was developed by this organization and is therefore recommended for:

• Anthropology
• Social Sciences

MLA has received its name from the Modern Language Association. This organization recommends using this style in such fields of study:

• Linguistics
• Other Humanities disciplines.

Students are often instructed to follow a certain style when writing their papers. But if you need to choose whether to use MLA or APA on your own, consider the aforementioned lists of academic areas and it will be quite clear which path to take.

APA vs MLA: Citation

One of a key elements of both styles is a proper formatting of citations. You need to specify all your sources in APA and MLA. Refer to material correctly when citing it in your own text. However, each of these styles requires different in-text references. The order of sources’ details in a bibliography section is also different in each case. Below you will find detailed guidelines on how to cite your sources in APA and MLA.

MLA vs APA: In-Text Citation

Let’s start with MLA vs APA in-text citations. Both styles require parenthetical blocks for citing sources. Difference lies in details put within parenthesis. In APA, you have to include the last name of source’s author and a year this source was published. A page number is also required when a specific paragraph is directly quoted or paraphrased. Name, year and page number are separated by comma. In MLA, you have to include author’s last name and a page number which is always required. Use more than one MLA in text citation example to do it right. If you are citing a work by two authors, you need to put an ampersand between their names when following the APA style. In MLA, you should separate them with “and.” In case your source was written by multiple authors (3+), you need to specify the first author’s name and add “et al.” after it in both styles. Here are a couple of samples:

• Single author:

• Two authors:

• Multiple authors:

Works Cited in MLA vs APA Reference List

Another important aspect to consider when choosing APA or MLA: Works Cited section. In both styles, you are expected to provide complete information about all your sources at the end of your papers on a separate page. It is called Works Cited page in MLA and References in APA. The main differences are the order of a source’s details and their format. In APA, you have to provide an initial instead of an author’s first name and put a publication date right after that. You have to provide a full first name and put publication date MLA format at the end of your references. The following part – a book, journal or article title – is having each major word capitalized in MLA, but only the 1st word capitalized in APA.

APA vs MLA: Format

General requirements of MLA and APA formatting have a number of similarities:

• Text should be double-spaced.
• Font size should be 12 pt, Sans Serif (Times New Roman is preferred).
• 1 inch margin throughout a whole paper.
• 0.5 inch indent for every paragraph.

However there are significant differences between these styles. Especially, when it comes to the following elements: 

• Running head
• Headings and subheadings.

Let us explore these differences in detail. Pay close attention to each of these elements listed above.

What are requirements regarding your title page in APA or MLA? MLA cover page does not require creating a separate title page. You should however add a header on the first page of your paper. Rules are simple:

• your full name;
• your professor’s name;
• course title and number;
• submission date.
• Header must be left-aligned and double-spaced.
• The paper’s main heading must be centered on a new line under a header. Your instructor may require you to include one, though.

In APA, a separate cover page is required. This is the first page of your paper. It should contain these parts:

• Title of your paper
• Your full name
• Your institution and course
• Name of your professor
• Submission date.

An entire page should be centered and double-spaced. Use our Title Page Creator to generate a cover page in APA or MLA automatically. 

Running Head in MLA and APA

Let us now find out what are the differences between MLA and APA when it comes to the running head. In MLA, you need to include your last name and the page number into the running head. They both must be aligned to the right. It should appear at the top of every page. Into the running head APA you need to include a right-aligned page number, likewise. However it should be preceded by a shortened version of your paper’s title. It must be up to 50 characters long, all in capitals and left-aligned. This header should appear at the top of every page, including the title page.

If you need to convert lowercase to uppercase for your running head, feel free to use our tool. 

Headings and Subheadings

Finally, let us explore the rules of APA and MLA heading  and subheading. Both styles foresee 5 levels of section headings. Here is how they are to be distinguished:

• APA: centered, bold, title case
• MLA: left-aligned, bold, no indent
• APA: left-aligned, bold, title case, no indent
• MLA: left-aligned, italicized, no indent
• APA: left-aligned, bold, italicized, title case, no indent
• MLA: centered, bold
• APA: left-aligned, bold, title case, indented and ending with period (.) The next paragraph starts from the same line
• MLA: centered, italicized
• APA: left-aligned, bold, title case, italicized, indented and ending with period. The next paragraph starts from the same line
• MLA: left-aligned, underlined.

MLA vs APA: Examples

If you need some MLA and APA format examples to make it easier for you, we’ve created a few templates for your convenience. Just click on the links below and you will find more valuable information about them. Pay close attention to the implementation of the above rules in these examples.

Bottom Line

In this article we have learned together how is APA different from MLA. Also, we figured out different key points which require your attention when analysing peculiarities of both styles. These key points are:

• Applicable disciplines
• In-text citations and bibliography
• General format
• Title page, header, headings and subheadings.

Each key point was explained, briefly but concisely. Samples were given to clarify all complicated cases. In addition to this detailed review we have created several templates. They could help to grasp the key differences. We hope this information will be helpful for you in your studies. Feel free to use it when creating your next paper! 

If you need further help, do not hesitate to contact us! Our team of academic advisors is always happy to provide assistance with assignment. You do not have to worry about deadlines. Our writers have plenty of experience with different papers. They will do your work in a quick and qualitative way!

Frequently Asked Questions about MLA vs APA style

1. which format is more common – apa or mla.

It is difficult to specify which style is more popular so it would be safe to assume that they are equally common. Both APA and MLA are widely used among college students in the US, UK and many other countries. Simultaneously, MLA is more often preferred among high-school students, who are required to use it in their papers. Apparently, the reason is that it is an easier one for starters.

2. Which style is easier to use - MLA or APA?

In general, both APA and MLA styles have clear and straightforward rules which do not make any of them too complicated for an average student to use. At the same time a popular opinion is that MLA style requires less effort since its rules of citing references are less complicated compared to APA. This makes it easy to complete an MLA paper in time.

3. What is the most difficult thing about APA style?

Following rules of APA style is not too complicated for those who are well experienced in writing scientific papers. But if you are a starter, the most difficult element of this style for you would be citing your sources in the bibliography section. The reason is, APA has complex rules of formatting full references, especially when it comes to specific printed issues, volumes and articles in periodicals.

4. Can I use MLA format in Social Sciences?

Typically, rules of choosing a style are pretty strict when it comes to a highly specialized paper of a senior grade student. So, MLA format cannot be used in an academic paper in Psychology, Economics, Social Sciences or anything else from a related area. Instead, you should use APA format for such disciplines. In any case, the best way is to consult with your instructor beforehand.

Emma Flores knows all about formatting standards. She shares with StudyCrumb readers tips on creating academic papers that will meet high-quality standards.

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• Citation Styles in Research Writing: MLA, APA, IEEE

Citation styles are rules on how to cite sources in academic writing.  These citation guidelines and referencing styles may vary across academic disciplines

Beyond in-text citation and reference list formatting, Citation styles also encompass the structure of papers and cover sheets.

In this article, we will explore the characteristics of each citation style along with examples and resources. 

What is a Citation?

A citation is when you reference the source of the information used in your study. Anytime you quote someone else’s publication or paraphrase significant elements of another person’s research, what should follow is an in-text citation. 

Before we proceed, let us briefly discuss in-text citation, paraphrasing, and similar terms.

An in-text citation is a short notation that is input within your paper’s text or your presentation. The notation refers your readers to the citation at the end of the paper, or to the fuller notation which details all information about the researcher’s source of information.

Explore: Writing Research Proposals: Tips, Examples & Mistakes

Now, when placing direct quotations in a paper or publication, it should be done with quotation marks at the sides. Also, direct quotations are used when the best way to convey the idea you want to input in your work is best expressed in the exact way the source conjoined it. 

Summarizing and paraphrasing entails using your own words to express the significant idea behind the work of someone else. This is often done by either condensing the words or wording them to fit into the researcher’s writing style.

Note that there is no need for you to cite your own ideas except they have been previously published. Also, you don’t have to cite things considered as common knowledge or general information already known by your readers without looking it up on the internet.

Importance of Citation in the Research Process

1. citation is a fact-checking tool..

In writing, accuracy is extremely important, especially when the paper or publication involves science. Providing a reference that can be looked up for verification serves as an accuracy check to the work of the researcher.

For example, the authenticity of a direct quote or a summarized paraphrase can be confirmed by fact-checking the citation to a study similar to yours.  

2. Citation makes you a better researcher

One hallmark of excellent research is how it pays attention to details and how it makes connections to the information and discerns patterns. This is where excellent citation practices come in because they can help with both attention to detail and pattern discernment. Proper assertion of the sources used in research requires many details. 

Some of the details are the facts being presented in your paper, the correct spelling of the author’s name, and the correct page number. A researcher can improve their reputation in the research community and within their colleagues and readers by referencing the sources of information used in their research.

Paying attention to detail also helps the researcher to form good habits regarding the entire study. Writing Bibliography, on the other hand, prepares the researcher to discern patterns and trends which are important in scientific analysis.  

Explore: How to Write a Thesis Statement for Your Research: Tips + Examples

3. Citation makes you a better writer

We all aspire to be elegant writer who creates interesting papers. Excellent citation habits help in building the required firm foundation that leads to achieving that goal. When you accurately cite your sources, it shows you’re not slothful, shallow in thought, and sloppy.

It also shows that you do not rely on the “everyone knows this sentence” or “somebody said” phrases. You are willing to include accurate sources of the ideas in your paper.

Proper citing of sources erases any doubt in the mind of your readers as regards your key points in the paper. Another way citing makes you a better writer is by helping you avoid passive language in your writing. The more you properly cite your sources, the more your paper is free from phrases such as “it is said that” in your research paper. 

4. Good citation practices build credibility

This is a simple one that comes with good practice. As great as being a scholar is, it is even greater to see what being an author of a well-cited article or publication can do for you. Bibliography especially gives a deeper insight into the work of a researcher and this helps to build credibility for the researcher in the research community. You build more credibility among your colleagues when your paper is properly documented.  

5. Citation makes your work more verifiable

All academic writings are vetted over and over again before they are finally approved for printing or publication to a website. You also make the works of the reviewers, editors, or editorial assistants who should track the sources in the bibliography easier when you properly cite your sources.

Therefore, less criticism is given to your work even when it passes through all these verification stages, and editing. You get more positive feedback when you properly and accurately cite all your sources in your paper. 

Read: How to Write a Problem Statement for your Research

What is a Citation Style?

A citation style means a set of rules on how a researcher should cite the sources sampled in a paper. Whenever you make a reference to an idea from another person’s work, you should use a citation. This will also help you to avoid plagiarism.

The guidelines of different citation styles are usually published in an official handbook detailing the explanations of the citation styles, the examples, and the instructions.

All necessary information about citation is included, and the citation styles are orderly placed with punctuation and other formatting.

After you have concluded on what you will cite in your paper, and whether to use paraphrase or direct quotation, then select a citation style. Citation styles will give you the specific format of bibliographies and in-text citations that are in your study paper. Basically, the field you’re writing on will dictate your choice of citation style and it could also be decided by your professor.

Citation Styles in Research

1. MLA system and examples: This is mostly used in Humanities to write language and literature.

2. APA system and examples: This style came about by the American Psychological Association. It was first used in psychology and the social sciences. APA’s citation style makes use of an author-date system of the parenthetical citation.

3. Chicago/Turabian Citation Style and examples: This citation style can have both a Notes page and a Bibliography page. Also, there are two types of Chicago style. There is Chicago A and Chicago B style.

4. IEEE Style and examples: Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers is a citation style that is used in technical studies. IEEE has specifications on the types of sources. If the source style you’re using is not covered in IEEE, then use Chicago style because IEEE makes use of a numeric system.

5. Harvard system and examples: it is mostly used in the economics field. It has no official style guide, but just a few variations. 

6. MHRA system and examples : This style is a set of guidelines for referencing, commonly used in humanities subjects. In MHRA, sources are cited in footnotes, marked by superscript numbers in the text.

Read: Research Report: Definition, Types + [Writing Guide]

How to Choose a Citation Style

To pick a reference style in your research, you have to be guided by your citation style. The citation style you use will determine how you gather information and the manner in which the information is ordered. The citation style will also determine the format and the punctuation you will adopt for the footnotes and endnotes, the in-text citations, and the bibliography or list to be cited.

It is, however, easier to get the citation done when you select the citation style you want to apply in your paper before starting your research. This provides insight on the information you need to collect about the sources whose work you will adapt in your paper.

We have curated some steps that can help you in your citation style decision-making in this paragraph. Let us take a look.

1. The first thing you can do to save time is to ask your professor what the preferred style is or what the required style for your course is. That way, you are sure that the style you want to use is not out of line.

2. You can also pick your citation style on a standard basis. That means you should select your citation style depending on how they relate to your area of study. 

For instance, 

• Use the APA format if your study is under Social Sciences.
• Use the MLA if your study is under Rhetorics, Humanities, Foreign Language, and English.
• You can use Turabian in almost all academic research. It supports these two styles.

a. The notes and bibliography style are used primarily in humanities.

b. The Author-date style is used primarily in sciences and Social Sciences.

• You can use the Chicago format if your study but it supports these two styles:

When you have selected one of the above-listed styles for your paper, try to stick to it throughout. You can also make sure of a citation management tool on the internet to gather, organize and cite your sources.

Plagiarism is hugely frowned upon in the research community and in society at large. Hence, there are citing and referencing guidelines for researchers to follow. 

There is no offense in drawing ideas from someone else’s work, however, it is wrong to take credit for someone else’s work

Therefore, we have extensively discussed different types of citation styles and how to apply them in this article. It is important that you note them as a researcher and use them appropriately in your research. 

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Reference management. Clean and simple.

APA to MLA converter

Do you have APA citations , which you want to convert to MLA citations ? Just upload or paste your APA citations below and click Convert.

How to convert APA citations to MLA citations online

Follow these easy steps to turn APA citations into MLA citations with the Paperpile format converter:

• Click the Choose APA file button above, drag and drop a file into the drop zone or copy and paste the content of your APA citations into the area above.
• Select the desired output format (MLA).
• Click Convert.
• Download your new MLA citations.

Frequently Asked Questions about our bibliographic format converter

How does the paperpile apa to mla converter work.

The APA to MLA online converter uses the same technology that powers the Paperpile reference management app. Your input is parsed, matched against Paperpile's own bibliographic database, and finally converted to your format of choice. All input and output data is deleted 24h after job completion.

What is a reference list in APA style?

The APA citation style provides a framework of styling rules for academic papers. The American Psychological Association publishes a Manual which contains guidelines on paper structure and content, writing and formatting, and crediting sources. The APA style mandates short citations in-text and a reference list at the end of the document. In-text citations are presented in an author-date format, e.g. (Suliman, 2018). The reference list contains the author, year, title, and source of the cited works, at a minimum. It does not contain any references that were not cited in the paper.

What is a works-cited page in MLA style?

MLA style was developed by the Modern Language Association and is one of the most common citation styles used by students and academics. The MLA style uses a two-part documentation system for citing sources; in-text citations and a Works Cited entry, which is a full reference for every source you cited, alphabetized by the author’s last name. The list of Works Cited can be found at the end of your paper.

Finding and Evaluating Information: Using APA

• RTC Library
• What Do You Need?
• Finding Articles
• Finding Books
• Internet Searching
• Evaluating Information

About This Page

This page provides information on citing journals, books, websites and other sources using APA.

If you're not sure what you need, or how to begin, come in to the RTC Library, call us at (425) 235-2331, or email us at [email protected] . We'll be glad to help!

Library Resource

• APA Guidelines - 7th Edition : A QuickStudy Digital Reference Guide Quick reference guide to the 7th edition of the American Psychological Association's publication manual for rules of punctuation, reference citation, structure and format in 6 digital pages filled with the answers you need for these commonly used guidelines.

APA stands for the A merican P sychological A ssociation.  The APA publishes a manual that offers a standard for writers in the medical and biological sciences to use when formatting research papers and bibliographies.  The APA citation style is also used by writers in many more academic fields.

The APA Publication Manual  describes how to format your paper, how to cite the resources you use within the body of the paper, and how to create the references list - the bibliography of sources you used - at the end of the paper.  

Recommended resources to help you with APA: 

NoodleTools  - This tool can help you format your APA reference list. Sign up for a free account through the RTC database page and save your citations for up to a year.   RTC Library videos on using NoodleTools, the easy way to create a bibliography:

• NoodleTools - How to Register
• NoodleTools - Starting a New Project
• NoodleTools - Adding A Source
• NoodleTools - Exporting a Reference

The Citation Machine - Another web resource to help you format an APA citation (comes with a 30-second commercial).  Citation Machine won't save your citations, but you don't need to log-in to use it.

OWL - The Online Writing Lab at Purdue University.  Covers both APA and MLA citation styles, as well as much more information about writing.

Your References List

The References list is the bibliography - the list of sources you used for your paper - at the end of your paper.  This is a sample of a References list:

Creating Citations for the References List

A book citation

These elements go in this order:  The Author's last name, Author's First and Middle Initials. (Year of Publication).   Book Title.  City of Publication: Publisher Name.

Example 1: Finer, K. (1995). Tuberculosis. New York: Columbia.

A Journal article from an online database  

These elements go in this order: The Author's last name, Author's First and Middle Initials. (Year of Publication). Title of the article.  Title of the journal, volume (issue), pages. Name of the database from which the article was retrieved.

  Example 1:

Griffith, R. (2009, July). Role of the law in controlling the spread of tuberculosis.

Nurse Prescribing, 7 (7), 320-324. Retrieved from CINAHL database.

An article from a paper journal  

These elements go in this order: The Author's last name, Author's First and Middle Initials. (Year of Publication). Title of the article.  Title of the journal, volume (issue), pages. 

Henderson, D.A. (2008). Smallpox: Dispelling the myths. Bulletin of the  World Health  Organization, 86 (12), 917-19.

These elements go in this order: The Author's last name, Author's First and Middle Initials. (Year published or updated). Title of the page.  Date retrieved.

Clay, G. (2009). Menstuff: The national men's resource. Retrieved November 3,

2009, from http://www.menstuff.org/frameindex.html.

Showing Your Sources Within Your Paper - In-Text Citations

When quoting or paraphrasing a book, journal article, website, or other sources in your paper, you need to signal that these words or ideas are not yours.  This is usually done by listing the author's last name, page number, and the year after the sentence. This is called an in-text citation, because you are citing the work in your text.

Example 1:  “The best known lipids are fats." (Finer, 2008, p. 25).

Example 2:   According to Finer (2008) “the best known lipids are fats (p. 25).”  

If the work has  multiple authors , list all of the authors unless there are six or more. 

Example 3: Two authors: “The best known lipids are fats." (Smith & Jones, 2008, p. 29).  

Example 4: Three to five authors; “The best known lipids are fats." (Smith, Jones, Baker, Taylor & Miller, 2008, p. 31). 

Example 5: Six or more authors – list the first author and then “et al.” for the remaining authors: “The best known lipids are fats."  (Smith et al., 2001, p. 52).

Short Quotes and Long Quotes

Short Quotes - For a short quote like "The best known lipids are fats." (Smith et al., 2001, p. 52). just put the quote in the main body of your paper.  Include quotation marks and your in-text citation, but you don't have to do anything more.

Long Quotes - Put long quotes of over 40 word in a separate paragraph. Put in one blank line, indent the quote 5 spaces from the left margin, and put in another blank line at the end of the quote. Leave out the quotation marks.

The text of the paper.  This is your writing.  Then comes the long quote. You include a blank line, indent five spaces and then:.

Scientists believe that malaria originated in Africa around 30 million years ago. Human malaria perhaps evolved into its current state along with our anthropoid and early human ancestors, although no one really knows when. There is no record of its presence in Europe until the first century A.D., when it was first recorded in Rome. (Marcus, 2004, p. 38.) 

After a blank space, the text of your paper - your writing - continues.                   

Paraphrases

Paraphrases are when you use your own words to tell the reader what someone said. We often do this to for clarity or to shorten an explanation. For paraphrases, include author and date.  The page number is recommended but optional.

Example 1: Others who have studied the coast feel that currents are too strong to make this feasible (McFarlaine, 2008, p. 13). 

• << Previous: Using MLA
• Last Updated: Aug 6, 2024 11:25 AM
• URL: https://libguides.rtc.edu/Finding_Information

MLA, APA, & CMS: How to Properly Format Your Papers

Knowing the styles and when to use them.

In academic writing, how you present your information (technically) is often seen as important as the ideas you are putting forth. Proper citing, quoting and referencing of source material allows you to convey your breadth of research in a language commonly shared by others in your discipline. Giving others a chance to review and compare your work under these established guidelines enables your instructors to better see the work on its own merits, opposed to getting sidetracked by technical inefficiencies.

You MUST follow the rules like every other student: this is not an area where you want to stand out for doing things your own way. Writing for any academic purpose carries with it certain expectations and formatting consistencies, and a failure to properly understand how or why you cite your sources in a specific way can have negative effects on your written projects and communications.

The Big Three: APA, MLA, and CMS

There are three main "Schools of Style" used to properly format an academic paper, referred to as APA, MLA, or CMS.

• APA style : These are the official guidelines put forth by the American Psychological Association, now in its sixth edition. This is the preference of the social sciences, so if you are studying sociology, psychology, medicine, or social work you are going to know APA style.
• MLA style : The Modern Language Association provides guidelines you will be familiar with if you are focused on the Humanities: so artists, English majors, and theatre students will know MLA as they have used this style now for more than half a century.
• CMS style : These are the style guidelines put forth in the Chicago Manual of Style , now in its 16th edition.  CMS style is predominantly seen in the humanities, particularly with literature students and those who study advanced segments of history and/or the arts.

While these formatting methods will share many characteristics such as margins and spacing, how they attribute references to source materials is the main differentiator.  For example, APA lists "references" while MLA calls the same thing "works cited" - a small but important distinction that might actually affect your grade.

Typically, you are going to use one style for most of your classes and communications, but there is certainly the possibility that you'll need to know how to use any one of these three common styles. The good news is it is not hard to get up-to-speed on any one of them and use them properly.

Get the Latest Updates Regardless of which style you are using, it is imperative to get the most recent version of the guidelines to ensure your paper is as accurate as it can be. Each of the sources have updated their guidelines multiple times over the years, so working with the current standards is goal one.

• APA style guidelines: http://www.apastyle.org
• MLA style guidelines: http://www.mla.org/style
• CMS style guidelines: http://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/

APA and MLA are the most common styles to use, but CMS is not unheard of - just not as common for undergrads. CMS is commonly used in traditional book publishing and academic publishing situations, so if you are doing post-graduate writing, it is good to know.

The main thing that seems to be changing in the rules for all of them is about the proper attribution of web-related sources, so you are going to want to re-check that you are working from the most recent versions of whichever style guide you need.

Beware the Pitfalls

The common mistakes being made in properly styling citations and references might be as simple as not downloading the most recent updates; however, it may also be a case where students are simply not understanding how to infuse referencing properly.

He continues: "While some common APA formatting errors may be issues due to changes in updated guidelines (APA 5 vs. APA 6), there are other, perhaps more common instances where a student fails to properly reference the source materials within writing assignments. This is particularly true when citing content from the Internet. Understanding how to properly reference and cite source materials adds power to any student paper, because the papers can be used to show a proper understanding and blending of source ideas - a critical concept in higher learning."

"Some of the changes to the guidelines seem very dubious and meticulous," he continues, "but standards are there so an evaluator can assess the weight of the material without bias. Many of my students might complain about it, but the ones that succeed are the ones who are actively trying to use citing resources to their own argument's advantage."

Common MLA Mistakes APA students are not the only ones who have common mistakes in formatting - as evidenced by the following insight offered from Dr. Margaret Walters of Kennesaw State University , where she and her students have used primarily MLA guidelines in their writing, editing and literature classes. Dr. Walters has taught a variety of undergraduate and graduate level writing courses at Kennesaw State University for over 15 years.

Dr. Walters said, "The most common problems I see with MLA style occur in the writing, meaning the text itself, not the bibliography or Works Cited...though there are often some problems to address there, too. In the text, the most common problems are:

• putting a period before and sometimes after the parenthetical citation, as in: ".... and this point is made early on." (Smith 127).
• placing the closing quotation mark after the citation in parenthesis instead of after the quote: " .... and this point is made early on (Smith 127)".
• placing quotation marks inside commas and periods instead of after them:  Smith tells us that among the most important rules are the ones regarding use of commas", yet he does not explain how this happens". (127) [those writing British English use the opposite rule--quotation marks inside end punctuation]."

Dr. Walters continued: "In the Works Cited, the most common MLA-related problems are:

• not alphabetizing (even though this is the easiest rule to follow)
• mixing up MLA and APA style; e.g. using initials for first names when MLA says use full first names and middle initials
• leaving off the place of publication - it should be New York: Penguin, 2009 but will instead say Penguin, 2009
• not knowing rules for using quotations marks or when to underline / italicize

"Students get it right most of the time," Dr. Walters states. "I think the underlying problem is an unwillingness to use the style sheets, handouts, or even the MLA handbook.  If they use the resources offered, most students are not going to struggle to meet the guidelines."

Get More Help

Both Dr. Walters and Professor Long advise students to use strong and verifiable resources to make your formatting job easier. Both instructors advise checking out the OWL (Online Writing Lab) Resources offered by Purdue in addition to the links to the sites listed above.

The writing center at your own university may hold lots of great information and people to help you understand what to do in each situation you face. Not every situation calls for the same style guide, so checking with the experts on your campus is always a smart idea.

For a quick reference, you can also use the handy visual aids created by Capital Community College on MLA and APA styled papers: ( http://www.ccc.commnet.edu/library/citing.htm ) or look at the MLA vs. APA comparison chart created by the University Writing Center at Appalachian State University .

The Bottom Line

The reality is, depending on your discipline, there may be only one type of style that you need to use, ever. However, this is not saying the rules for how to properly cite resources and references is not going to continue to change and evolve over time. You will be held responsible for being current.

As a student or in post-college academic writing, you want your work to shine and to always show your best efforts. This means checking on the rules to properly style and format your papers. Use the links and information above to help ensure you are forever properly dotting your I's and crossing your T's according to the latest and greatest rules.

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Citation Guides: APA: Citation & Formatting

• APA: Citation & Formatting
• MLA: Citation & Formatting
• Chicago: Citation & Formatting

eBook -The concise APA handbook

APA Sample Paper from Purdue Owl

• APA Sample Paper (Purdue OWL)

APA Style Resources

• APA Tip Sheet - 7th edition Created specifically for students at Kent State, this tip sheet provides information on how to format in-text citations and references according to the 7th edition of APA (released October 2019).
• APA LibGuide- 7th edition Created for students at Kent State, this LibGuide provides information on how to create citations in APA format using the 7th edition. Explanations are provided along with examples
• APA Style Blog This resource, directly from APA, provides information on APA Style.
• APA Paraphrasing Activity This is an activity from APA to help students learn how to paraphrase.
• APA Instructional Materials This page contains instructional materials (handouts and links to webinars) on APA 7th edition.
• Purdue OWL - APA This page is created and maintained by the Online Writing Lab at Purdue University.

APA Video Tutorials

• APA 1: Introduction to APA Citation Style This tutorial provides a brief introduction to the 7th edition of APA.
• APA 2: Formatting Basics This tutorial provides information on the basic formatting rules of APA 7th edition.
• APA 3: Citing Books This tutorial provides information on how to cite books using APA 7th edition.
• APA 4: Citing Articles This tutorial provides information on how to cite articles using APA 7th edition.
• APA 5: Citing Media Sources This tutorial provides information on how to cite media sources using APA 7th edition.
• APA 6: Citing Internet Sources This tutorial provides information on how to cite internet sources using APA 7th edition.
• APA 7: In-Text Citations This tutorial provides information on how to write in-text citations using APA 7th edition.
• APA 8: Reference List Basics This tutorial provides information on how to create a reference list using APA 7th edition.
• Next: MLA: Citation & Formatting >>
• Last Updated: Aug 7, 2024 3:17 PM
• URL: https://libguides.library.kent.edu/c.php?g=1415813

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MLA In-Text Citations: The Basics

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Guidelines for referring to the works of others in your text using MLA style are covered throughout the  MLA Handbook  and in chapter 7 of the  MLA Style Manual . Both books provide extensive examples, so it's a good idea to consult them if you want to become even more familiar with MLA guidelines or if you have a particular reference question.

Basic in-text citation rules

In MLA Style, referring to the works of others in your text is done using parenthetical citations . This method involves providing relevant source information in parentheses whenever a sentence uses a quotation or paraphrase. Usually, the simplest way to do this is to put all of the source information in parentheses at the end of the sentence (i.e., just before the period). However, as the examples below will illustrate, there are situations where it makes sense to put the parenthetical elsewhere in the sentence, or even to leave information out.

General Guidelines

• The source information required in a parenthetical citation depends (1) upon the source medium (e.g. print, web, DVD) and (2) upon the source’s entry on the Works Cited page.
• Any source information that you provide in-text must correspond to the source information on the Works Cited page. More specifically, whatever signal word or phrase you provide to your readers in the text must be the first thing that appears on the left-hand margin of the corresponding entry on the Works Cited page.

In-text citations: Author-page style

MLA format follows the author-page method of in-text citation. This means that the author's last name and the page number(s) from which the quotation or paraphrase is taken must appear in the text, and a complete reference should appear on your Works Cited page. The author's name may appear either in the sentence itself or in parentheses following the quotation or paraphrase, but the page number(s) should always appear in the parentheses, not in the text of your sentence. For example:

Both citations in the examples above, (263) and (Wordsworth 263), tell readers that the information in the sentence can be located on page 263 of a work by an author named Wordsworth. If readers want more information about this source, they can turn to the Works Cited page, where, under the name of Wordsworth, they would find the following information:

Wordsworth, William. Lyrical Ballads . Oxford UP, 1967.

In-text citations for print sources with known author

For print sources like books, magazines, scholarly journal articles, and newspapers, provide a signal word or phrase (usually the author’s last name) and a page number. If you provide the signal word/phrase in the sentence, you do not need to include it in the parenthetical citation.

These examples must correspond to an entry that begins with Burke, which will be the first thing that appears on the left-hand margin of an entry on the Works Cited page:

Burke, Kenneth. Language as Symbolic Action: Essays on Life, Literature, and Method . University of California Press, 1966.

In-text citations for print sources by a corporate author

When a source has a corporate author, it is acceptable to use the name of the corporation followed by the page number for the in-text citation. You should also use abbreviations (e.g., nat'l for national) where appropriate, so as to avoid interrupting the flow of reading with overly long parenthetical citations.

In-text citations for sources with non-standard labeling systems

If a source uses a labeling or numbering system other than page numbers, such as a script or poetry, precede the citation with said label. When citing a poem, for instance, the parenthetical would begin with the word “line”, and then the line number or range. For example, the examination of William Blake’s poem “The Tyger” would be cited as such:

The speaker makes an ardent call for the exploration of the connection between the violence of nature and the divinity of creation. “In what distant deeps or skies. / Burnt the fire of thine eyes," they ask in reference to the tiger as they attempt to reconcile their intimidation with their relationship to creationism (lines 5-6).

Longer labels, such as chapters (ch.) and scenes (sc.), should be abbreviated.

In-text citations for print sources with no known author

When a source has no known author, use a shortened title of the work instead of an author name, following these guidelines.

Place the title in quotation marks if it's a short work (such as an article) or italicize it if it's a longer work (e.g. plays, books, television shows, entire Web sites) and provide a page number if it is available.

Titles longer than a standard noun phrase should be shortened into a noun phrase by excluding articles. For example, To the Lighthouse would be shortened to Lighthouse .

If the title cannot be easily shortened into a noun phrase, the title should be cut after the first clause, phrase, or punctuation:

In this example, since the reader does not know the author of the article, an abbreviated title appears in the parenthetical citation, and the full title of the article appears first at the left-hand margin of its respective entry on the Works Cited page. Thus, the writer includes the title in quotation marks as the signal phrase in the parenthetical citation in order to lead the reader directly to the source on the Works Cited page. The Works Cited entry appears as follows:

"The Impact of Global Warming in North America." Global Warming: Early Signs . 1999. www.climatehotmap.org/. Accessed 23 Mar. 2009.

If the title of the work begins with a quotation mark, such as a title that refers to another work, that quote or quoted title can be used as the shortened title. The single quotation marks must be included in the parenthetical, rather than the double quotation.

Parenthetical citations and Works Cited pages, used in conjunction, allow readers to know which sources you consulted in writing your essay, so that they can either verify your interpretation of the sources or use them in their own scholarly work.

Author-page citation for classic and literary works with multiple editions

Page numbers are always required, but additional citation information can help literary scholars, who may have a different edition of a classic work, like Marx and Engels's  The Communist Manifesto . In such cases, give the page number of your edition (making sure the edition is listed in your Works Cited page, of course) followed by a semicolon, and then the appropriate abbreviations for volume (vol.), book (bk.), part (pt.), chapter (ch.), section (sec.), or paragraph (par.). For example:

Author-page citation for works in an anthology, periodical, or collection

When you cite a work that appears inside a larger source (for instance, an article in a periodical or an essay in a collection), cite the author of the  internal source (i.e., the article or essay). For example, to cite Albert Einstein's article "A Brief Outline of the Theory of Relativity," which was published in  Nature  in 1921, you might write something like this:

See also our page on documenting periodicals in the Works Cited .

Citing authors with same last names

Sometimes more information is necessary to identify the source from which a quotation is taken. For instance, if two or more authors have the same last name, provide both authors' first initials (or even the authors' full name if different authors share initials) in your citation. For example:

Citing a work by multiple authors

For a source with two authors, list the authors’ last names in the text or in the parenthetical citation:

Corresponding Works Cited entry:

Best, David, and Sharon Marcus. “Surface Reading: An Introduction.” Representations , vol. 108, no. 1, Fall 2009, pp. 1-21. JSTOR, doi:10.1525/rep.2009.108.1.1

For a source with three or more authors, list only the first author’s last name, and replace the additional names with et al.

Franck, Caroline, et al. “Agricultural Subsidies and the American Obesity Epidemic.” American Journal of Preventative Medicine , vol. 45, no. 3, Sept. 2013, pp. 327-333.

Citing multiple works by the same author

If you cite more than one work by an author, include a shortened title for the particular work from which you are quoting to distinguish it from the others. Put short titles of books in italics and short titles of articles in quotation marks.

Citing two articles by the same author :

Citing two books by the same author :

Additionally, if the author's name is not mentioned in the sentence, format your citation with the author's name followed by a comma, followed by a shortened title of the work, and, when appropriate, the page number(s):

Citing multivolume works

If you cite from different volumes of a multivolume work, always include the volume number followed by a colon. Put a space after the colon, then provide the page number(s). (If you only cite from one volume, provide only the page number in parentheses.)

Citing the Bible

In your first parenthetical citation, you want to make clear which Bible you're using (and underline or italicize the title), as each version varies in its translation, followed by book (do not italicize or underline), chapter, and verse. For example:

If future references employ the same edition of the Bible you’re using, list only the book, chapter, and verse in the parenthetical citation:

John of Patmos echoes this passage when describing his vision (Rev. 4.6-8).

Citing indirect sources

Sometimes you may have to use an indirect source. An indirect source is a source cited within another source. For such indirect quotations, use "qtd. in" to indicate the source you actually consulted. For example:

Note that, in most cases, a responsible researcher will attempt to find the original source, rather than citing an indirect source.

Citing transcripts, plays, or screenplays

Sources that take the form of a dialogue involving two or more participants have special guidelines for their quotation and citation. Each line of dialogue should begin with the speaker's name written in all capitals and indented half an inch. A period follows the name (e.g., JAMES.) . After the period, write the dialogue. Each successive line after the first should receive an additional indentation. When another person begins speaking, start a new line with that person's name indented only half an inch. Repeat this pattern each time the speaker changes. You can include stage directions in the quote if they appear in the original source.

Conclude with a parenthetical that explains where to find the excerpt in the source. Usually, the author and title of the source can be given in a signal phrase before quoting the excerpt, so the concluding parenthetical will often just contain location information like page numbers or act/scene indicators.

Here is an example from O'Neill's  The Iceman Cometh.

WILLIE. (Pleadingly) Give me a drink, Rocky. Harry said it was all right. God, I need a drink.

ROCKY. Den grab it. It's right under your nose.

WILLIE. (Avidly) Thanks. (He takes the bottle with both twitching hands and tilts it to his lips and gulps down the whiskey in big swallows.) (1.1)

Citing non-print or sources from the Internet

With more and more scholarly work published on the Internet, you may have to cite sources you found in digital environments. While many sources on the Internet should not be used for scholarly work (reference the OWL's  Evaluating Sources of Information  resource), some Web sources are perfectly acceptable for research. When creating in-text citations for electronic, film, or Internet sources, remember that your citation must reference the source on your Works Cited page.

Sometimes writers are confused with how to craft parenthetical citations for electronic sources because of the absence of page numbers. However, these sorts of entries often do not require a page number in the parenthetical citation. For electronic and Internet sources, follow the following guidelines:

• Include in the text the first item that appears in the Work Cited entry that corresponds to the citation (e.g. author name, article name, website name, film name).
• Do not provide paragraph numbers or page numbers based on your Web browser’s print preview function.
• Unless you must list the Web site name in the signal phrase in order to get the reader to the appropriate entry, do not include URLs in-text. Only provide partial URLs such as when the name of the site includes, for example, a domain name, like  CNN.com  or  Forbes.com,  as opposed to writing out http://www.cnn.com or http://www.forbes.com.

Miscellaneous non-print sources

Two types of non-print sources you may encounter are films and lectures/presentations:

In the two examples above “Herzog” (a film’s director) and “Yates” (a presentor) lead the reader to the first item in each citation’s respective entry on the Works Cited page:

Herzog, Werner, dir. Fitzcarraldo . Perf. Klaus Kinski. Filmverlag der Autoren, 1982.

Yates, Jane. "Invention in Rhetoric and Composition." Gaps Addressed: Future Work in Rhetoric and Composition, CCCC, Palmer House Hilton, 2002. Address.

Electronic sources

Electronic sources may include web pages and online news or magazine articles:

In the first example (an online magazine article), the writer has chosen not to include the author name in-text; however, two entries from the same author appear in the Works Cited. Thus, the writer includes both the author’s last name and the article title in the parenthetical citation in order to lead the reader to the appropriate entry on the Works Cited page (see below).

In the second example (a web page), a parenthetical citation is not necessary because the page does not list an author, and the title of the article, “MLA Formatting and Style Guide,” is used as a signal phrase within the sentence. If the title of the article was not named in the sentence, an abbreviated version would appear in a parenthetical citation at the end of the sentence. Both corresponding Works Cited entries are as follows:

Taylor, Rumsey. "Fitzcarraldo." Slant , 13 Jun. 2003, www.slantmagazine.com/film/review/fitzcarraldo/. Accessed 29 Sep. 2009. 

"MLA Formatting and Style Guide." The Purdue OWL , 2 Aug. 2016, owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/. Accessed 2 April 2018.

Multiple citations

To cite multiple sources in the same parenthetical reference, separate the citations by a semi-colon:

Time-based media sources

When creating in-text citations for media that has a runtime, such as a movie or podcast, include the range of hours, minutes and seconds you plan to reference. For example: (00:02:15-00:02:35).

When a citation is not needed

Common sense and ethics should determine your need for documenting sources. You do not need to give sources for familiar proverbs, well-known quotations, or common knowledge (For example, it is expected that U.S. citizens know that George Washington was the first President.). Remember that citing sources is a rhetorical task, and, as such, can vary based on your audience. If you’re writing for an expert audience of a scholarly journal, for example, you may need to deal with expectations of what constitutes “common knowledge” that differ from common norms.

Other Sources

The MLA Handbook describes how to cite many different kinds of authors and content creators. However, you may occasionally encounter a source or author category that the handbook does not describe, making the best way to proceed can be unclear.

In these cases, it's typically acceptable to apply the general principles of MLA citation to the new kind of source in a way that's consistent and sensible. A good way to do this is to simply use the standard MLA directions for a type of source that resembles the source you want to cite.

You may also want to investigate whether a third-party organization has provided directions for how to cite this kind of source. For example, Norquest College provides guidelines for citing Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers⁠ —an author category that does not appear in the MLA Handbook . In cases like this, however, it's a good idea to ask your instructor or supervisor whether using third-party citation guidelines might present problems.

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Cite Sources Accurately in 10,000+ Styles with Paperpal’s New Citation Generator

Table of Contents

Accurate citations are crucial for ensuring academic integrity, but it’s not easy to get it right. Students and researchers often struggle with managing their references, formatting citations, and ensuring consistency between in-text citations and reference lists. Missing or incorrect citations raise the risk of plagiarism, resulting in academic penalties, retraction of published papers, loss of reputation, and even potential career setbacks.​ But what if there was a way to accurately cite sources without breaking your writing flow? Paperpal’s new online citation generator simplifies and enhances the citation process by allowing you to search, style, and cite sources as you write.  

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Research progresses with previously published literature as the foundation, which makes it important to accurately cite and acknowledge the original authors and sources. This allows readers to easily locate referenced works for further reading or verification, enhancing transparency and trust in your findings. Authors are also expected to adhere to specific stylistic guidelines for formatting citations (in-line citations and reference lists) depending on the university or journal. Sounds easy enough, but if you consider that a research paper can have anywhere from 20 to 100+ references, cited multiple times in a paper, while review articles can have over 200 references, ensuring correct citations can be a Herculean task.  

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• MLA (Modern Language Association) – 9 th Edition: The MLA handbook follows an author-page number citation style. Known for its flexibility and simplicity, it is widely used when writing papers in the liberal arts and humanities. 
• Chicago (Chicago Manual of Style) – 17 th Edition: The updated Chicago style manual provides detailed formatting and citation guidelines. It offers two main systems: the Notes and Bibliography system (common in humanities field) and the Author-Date system (common in the sciences). 
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