MLA Citation Generator
Generate MLA 9th Edition citations for websites, books, journal articles, and news sources.
How to Use the MLA Citation Generator
Select your source type (website, book, journal article, or news), fill in the required information, and click "Generate Citation." The tool will instantly create both an in-text citation and a Works Cited entry in proper MLA 9th Edition format. Copy either citation directly to your paper or bibliography.
MLA 9th Edition Format Rules
MLA 9th Edition emphasizes a "core elements" approach, simplifying citation format across different source types:
- Author format: Last, First. (one author); Last, First, and First Last. (two authors); Last, First, et al. (three or more authors)
- Titles: Article and webpage titles in quotation marks; book and journal titles in italics
- URLs: Include without the https:// or http:// prefix
- Punctuation: Period at the end of every entry
- In-text citations: (Author page#) or (Author) if no page numbers
- Container info: Journal volumes and issue numbers are included; publisher and year required
What is an In-Text Citation?
An in-text citation is a brief reference placed directly in your paper where you quote, paraphrase, or reference a source. It directs readers to the full citation in your Works Cited list. Example: (Smith 45) refers to page 45 of a work by Smith. For web sources without page numbers, just include the author name: (Smith).
What is a Works Cited Entry?
A Works Cited entry is the complete citation information listed alphabetically at the end of your paper. It includes the author, title, publication information, and other core elements. This is where readers find the full details needed to locate your source. All sources you reference in-text must appear in your Works Cited list.
Common MLA Citation Mistakes
- Forgetting author names: Always start with the author's last name, first name format (unless the author is unknown).
- Incorrect title formatting: Remember that article titles use quotation marks, while book and journal titles are italicized.
- Missing container elements: For articles, always include the journal or website name along with volume/issue and publication year.
- Wrong author order: Only the first author is inverted (Last, First); subsequent authors are First Last.
- Including https:// in URLs: MLA 9th edition removes the protocol prefix from URLs.
- No page numbers for online sources: If a webpage doesn't display page numbers, don't invent them. Just use the author name in citations.
MLA 9th Edition Changes
MLA 9th Edition (2021) introduced the "core elements" approach, making citations more flexible and easier to understand:
- Removal of the "place of publication" in most cases
- URLs are now optional but recommended; if included, don't use https://
- Emphasis on container information (journal, website, anthology) alongside source information
- More flexible spacing and punctuation for cleaner, modern formatting
- Consistency across different source types using the same core elements
Frequently Asked Questions
What is MLA 9th Edition?
MLA (Modern Language Association) 9th Edition is the latest citation standard used in humanities, literature, and language studies. It emphasizes core elements and container information.
What's the difference between in-text and Works Cited?
In-text citations (Author page#) appear where you reference the source. Works Cited entries are the full citations listed at the end of your paper, alphabetically organized.
How do I cite multiple authors in MLA?
For 2 authors: Last, First, and First Last. For 3+ authors: Last, First, et al. Both formats appear the same way in in-text citations and Works Cited entries.
Do I need a URL for every MLA citation?
Only if the source is online. For print books and journals, URLs are not required. For online sources, include the URL without the https:// prefix.
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