How to Cite a Journal Article in Modern Language Association (MLA 9th)

How to cite a journal article in MLA step by step

1. Add the author(s). Enter the author or authors. Use the order shown and keep the spelling exactly as published.
2. Add the article title. Enter the title exactly as it appears on the source.
3. Add the journal name. Add the name of the larger work, the journal, website or platform the source sits in.
4. Add the year. Add the year, and the full date where the style needs it.
5. Add the volume. Add the volume.
6. Add the issue. Add the issue.
7. Add the pages. Give the page range you used.
8. Add the doi. Add the DOI if the source has one. It is the most stable link to the work.

Common journal article citation variations

How do I cite a journal article with no author in MLA?

When there is no author, start the MLA reference with the title, then the date. The in-text citation uses a short form of the title in place of the author name.

How do I cite a journal article with no date in MLA?

If no date is given, MLA uses an indication that the date is unknown in place of the year. Add the date you accessed the source where the style asks for it.

How do I cite a journal article with multiple authors in MLA?

List the authors in the order they appear on the source. MLA sets a point at which extra authors are shortened, so the generator applies that rule for you once you enter every name.