The Modern Language Association (MLA) referencing style is widely used in literature, media studies, the arts, and other humanities subjects. MLA uses an author–page number citation system. In-text citations include the author’s surname and the page where the information appears, while the full source details go in a section titled Works Cited at the end of your document.
MLA In-text Citation Examples
In MLA style, the basic in-text citation includes the author’s surname and the page number, with no comma between them. Imagine you are referencing a study by Emily Roberts that appears on pages 45–46, discussing how students rely on digital learning platforms.
Here are common ways to cite sources within your writing:
Citation at the end of a sentence
A recent study found that students increasingly depend on digital learning tools for their assignments (Roberts 45–46).Citation integrated into the sentence
Roberts reports that students rely heavily on digital learning tools (45–46).
Some online sources do not have fixed pages—simply cite the author’s surname.
Example
Santos argues that flexible digital classrooms improve student independence.
Citing Multiple Authors in MLA Style
When your source has more than one author, MLA provides straightforward rules for formatting the in-text citation. The structure changes slightly based on how many authors are listed.
|
Single author |
Regular physical activity significantly improves mental health (Brown 4-5). |
|
Two authors |
Regular physical activity significantly improves mental health (Brown and Patel 4-5). |
|
Three or more authors |
Regular physical activity significantly improves mental health (Brown et al. 4-5). |
Citing Multiple Sources at the Same Point
When more than one source supports a statement, separate citations with a semicolon.
Multiple sources separated by a semicolon
Example
Digital media has significantly changed how students engage with academic content (Brown 18; Lee 72; Chen et al. 44).
Multiple Sources from the Same Author
If you cite multiple works by the same author, include a short title in each citation to tell them apart.
For example, two works by Roberts can be distinguished using titles like “Virtual Spaces” and “Teaching Online”
Example
Students’ online learning habits vary widely across disciplines (Roberts, Virtual Spaces 56; Roberts, Teaching Online 34).
Multiple Authors with the Same Surname
If different authors share the same surname, add their initial to tell them apart. If they also share the same initial, include the full first name to avoid confusion.
If two authors share the same surname, add their initials:
Different initials
Research indicates rising interest in blended learning (A. Harris 12; M. Harris 41).Same initials → use the full first name
The popularity of media-based learning continues to grow (John Harris 22; Julia Harris 39).
Secondary Referencing in MLA Style
Sometimes you may want to cite information that you found quoted or discussed in another author’s work, but you cannot access the original source. In MLA style, you should mention the original author in your sentence but cite the source you actually read in the in-text citation and Works Cited list.
Secondary referencing should only be used when the original material is unavailable.
“qtd. in” means quoted in, indicating you did not consult Rivera’s original study. Only Patel should be included in your Works Cited list—not Rivera.
In-text citation
Rivera’s 2010 study on digital learning is discussed in Patel’s work (qtd. in Patel 42).Works Cited entry
Patel, Maya. Trends in Online Learning Engagement. Oxford University Press, 2022.
Direct Quotes in MLA Style
Direct quotations must appear within double quotation marks and end with an author–page citation.
Direct quotes must be in quotation marks with the page number at the end
Single-page quote
As Lee notes, “Digital platforms have reshaped students’ expectations of classroom learning” (62).Multi-page quote
As Lee notes, “Digital platforms have reshaped students’ expectations of classroom learning” (62–63).
Citing AI Tools like ChatGPT in MLA Style
MLA treats generative AI tools like ChatGPT differently from traditional sources because AI-generated text cannot be retrieved or verified by readers. For this reason, MLA recommends citing AI-generated content as a personal communication within your text and providing a full description of the prompt and tool in the Works Cited list.
Citing ChatGPT as personal communication (Use this when you include text generated by ChatGPT)
In-text citation
ChatGPT suggested several strategies for improving online course design (ChatGPT).Works Cited entry
ChatGPT. Response to a prompt about improving online course design. OpenAI, 18 Mar. 2025, https://chat.openai.com/.
When you are referring to ChatGPT as a tool or platform—rather than citing generated text—MLA treats it like software or a digital application. In this case, you cite the creator (OpenAI), the name of the tool, the version or date of access, and the URL.
Citing ChatGPT as Software (when discussing the tool itself)
In-text citation
AI tools like ChatGPT are increasingly used in writing and research (OpenAI).Reference list entry
OpenAI. ChatGPT. OpenAI, 2025, https://chat.openai.com/.
⚠️ Important Note on Citing AI Tools
Guidelines for citing AI tools like ChatGPT vary widely between universities, and many institutions are still updating their policies. Always check your department’s or university’s official referencing guide to ensure you follow the correct requirements.
Works Cited (MLA Reference List)
MLA requires a Works Cited page at the end of your document.
Key rules:
- Alphabetise by the author’s surname
- Use hanging indents
- Double-space the entire list
For a clearer understanding of how different sources should be formatted, here are sample MLA references for common source types. For further information, read this blog.
References Formatted in MLA Style
Journal article
Roberts, Emily. “Student Engagement in Digital Learning Environments.” Journal of Media Education, vol. 12, no. 3, 2021, pp. 40–60.Book
Miller, Dana. Teaching in the Age of Online Learning. Oxford UP, 2020.Website
EdTech Review. “How AI Supports Student Learning.” EdTech Review, 2023, www.edtechreview.com/ai-support.Conference paper
Lee, Antonio. “Collaborative Learning in Virtual Classrooms.” Proceedings of the Digital Education Summit, 2022, pp. 55–62.Thesis / Dissertation
Rahman, Sarah. “Adaptive Learning Algorithms for Digital Tutoring Systems.” PhD dissertation, University of Manchester, 2023.Report
International Health Board. Global Telehealth Outlook 2023. IHB Publications, 2023.YouTube Video
MedTech Channel. “How Digital Tools Support Patient Care.” YouTube, 10 Feb. 2024,
www.youtube.com/watch?v=example123.Dataset
HealthData Lab. Patient Activity Records, 2019–2023. HealthData Repository, 2023, www.healthdata.org/patient-activity.Legislation
United Kingdom. Digital Health Act 2021, legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2021/15.
Summary
MLA referencing uses a simple author–page number system that keeps citations short and easy to read. By applying the rules consistently—especially for multiple authors, repeated surnames, and multiple works by the same writer—you can format your work correctly and clearly. The Works Cited list then provides full details of every source you used.
If you still have questions about MLA style, feel free to check our upcoming FAQs section or explore our other blogs on plagiarism, paraphrasing, and ai detection.
