liminfoMLA Style Reference
Free reference guide: MLA Style Reference
About MLA Style Reference
This MLA Style Reference provides a complete, searchable guide to MLA 9th edition citation rules, covering in-text citations for single and multiple authors, narrative and parenthetical formats, Works Cited entries for books, journal articles, websites, and electronic sources.
The reference also includes MLA paper formatting specifications such as margins, font, line spacing, header placement, and title capitalization rules, along with standard abbreviations for months, publishers, and page numbers.
Designed for college students writing research papers, English composition instructors, and academic researchers, this tool lets you quickly look up any MLA rule by category or keyword without needing to flip through a handbook.
Key Features
- In-text citation formats for 1 author, 2 authors, 3+ authors, and no-author sources
- Works Cited templates for books, journal articles, newspapers, dissertations, and translated works
- Electronic source citation rules for websites, online videos, social media posts, and emails
- Paper formatting specifications including margins, font, line spacing, and header placement
- Title capitalization and section heading rules per MLA 9th edition guidelines
- Number, date, percentage, and time formatting conventions
- Standard abbreviation tables for months, publishers, and page references
- Searchable and filterable entries organized across 8 categories for instant lookup
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cite a source with three or more authors in MLA?
For three or more authors, list only the first author followed by "et al." both in the in-text citation and the Works Cited entry. For example, an in-text citation would look like (Smith et al. 15), and the Works Cited entry begins with Smith, John, et al.
What is the difference between parenthetical and narrative citations in MLA?
In a parenthetical citation, both the author name and page number appear inside parentheses at the end of the sentence, such as (Smith 15). In a narrative citation, the author name is part of the sentence and only the page number goes in parentheses, such as: Smith argues that "..." (15).
How do I format the Works Cited page in MLA style?
The Works Cited page starts on a new page with "Works Cited" centered at the top. Entries are double-spaced and listed alphabetically by author last name. Each entry uses a hanging indent: the first line is flush left, and subsequent lines are indented 0.5 inches.
What font and margins does MLA require?
MLA requires a readable 12-point font such as Times New Roman, 1-inch margins on all sides, double spacing throughout the entire document including the Works Cited page, and a header with your last name and page number in the top right corner.
How do I cite a website with no author in MLA?
When a website has no author, begin the citation with the article title in quotation marks, followed by the site name in italics, the publication date, and the URL. For example: "Article Title." Website Name, 15 Jan. 2020, www.example.com/article.
What is the MLA container concept?
In MLA 9th edition, a "container" is the larger source that holds the work you are citing. For instance, a journal article has the journal as its first container. If you accessed it through a database, the database is a second container. Each container requires its own set of publication details.
How are numbers and dates formatted in MLA?
In MLA, spell out numbers that can be written in one or two words (e.g., twenty-one, three hundred) and use numerals for others (e.g., 101). Dates follow the Day Month Year format (15 Jan. 2020). Months with four or more letters are abbreviated.
Does this reference cover MLA 9th edition rules?
Yes, this reference is based on MLA 9th edition standards, including the container model for citations, optional elements, section heading rules, and updated guidance for electronic sources like social media and online video citations.