which citation is correctly punctuated in mla style

2 min read 01-03-2025

which citation is correctly punctuated in mla style

MLA style is a widely used formatting guide for academic writing, especially in the humanities. Correctly citing sources is crucial for avoiding plagiarism and giving credit where it's due. One common point of confusion is punctuation within MLA citations. This article will clarify correct punctuation in MLA citations, focusing on common mistakes and providing clear examples.

Understanding MLA Citation Punctuation

MLA style uses a specific system of punctuation to clearly identify sources within your text and in your Works Cited page. Proper punctuation ensures that your citations are accurate and easily understood. Key aspects include:

Periods: Periods always go inside closing quotation marks, regardless of whether the quotation is part of a larger sentence.
Commas: Commas typically separate elements within a citation (e.g., author's name, title, etc.). However, a comma isn't used between the title and the publisher in some cases.
Parentheses: Parenthetical citations usually encompass the author's last name and page number(s). These are always placed after the closing punctuation of the quoted material.
Italics: Titles of books, journals, and websites are typically italicized. Article titles (in journals or websites) are usually placed in quotation marks.

Common Punctuation Errors in MLA Citations

Many common errors stem from misunderstanding these basic rules. Let's look at some examples:

Incorrect Punctuation Examples:

Example 1 (Incorrect): "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog," Smith argues (pg. 12).

Example 2 (Incorrect): Smith argues, "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" (pg 12).

Example 3 (Incorrect): Smith argues "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog," (pg. 12).

Why these are incorrect:

Example 1: The period after "dog" should be inside the quotation mark. The page number abbreviation "pg." is also generally avoided; use "p." or "pp." for page or pages.
Example 2: The comma after "argues" is unnecessary. The parenthetical citation should immediately follow the quotation's closing punctuation.
Example 3: The comma after "dog" is misplaced. The closing quotation mark should precede the parenthetical citation.

Correct Punctuation Examples:

Example 1 (Correct): Smith argues, "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog." (p. 12).

Example 2 (Correct): According to Smith, "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" (p. 12).

Example 3 (Correct): The quick brown fox "jumps over the lazy dog," a phrase Smith uses to illustrate his point (p. 12).

How to Avoid Punctuation Mistakes

Consult the MLA Handbook: The official MLA Handbook provides definitive guidance on punctuation and citation.
Use a Citation Management Tool: Tools like Zotero or Mendeley can automatically format citations, reducing the risk of errors.
Practice: The best way to master MLA citation is through practice. Review numerous examples and try citing sources yourself.
Review Your Work: Always proofread your work carefully before submission. Look specifically for potential citation errors.

Works Cited Punctuation

The punctuation on your Works Cited page is equally important. Pay close attention to:

Hanging Indents: The first line of each entry is flush with the left margin. Subsequent lines are indented.
Alphabetical Order: Entries are always listed alphabetically by the first word of each citation.
Consistent Spacing: Use consistent spacing throughout the Works Cited page (usually double-spaced).

By understanding and following these guidelines, you can ensure your MLA citations are correctly punctuated, contributing to the overall quality and credibility of your academic work. Remember to always double-check your work and consult the official MLA Handbook for the most accurate and up-to-date information.