How to Correctly Cite an Online Article in MLA

Proper citation of online articles is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and ensuring that your work is well-researched and credible. While the basic format for MLA citations remains consistent, some modifications are necessary when dealing with online texts. In this guide, we will explore the step-by-step process of citing an online article in MLA, including the inclusion of URLs and the use of citation generators.

Understanding the Basics of MLA Citation

MLA (Modern Language Association) style is widely used in academic writing, particularly in the humanities. When citing an online article, the key elements you need to include are the author(s), the title of the article, the title of the website, and the URL. The process is similar to that of citing a print article, but with the addition of the online source details.

Citing a Regular Online Text

If you are citing a text from an online article from a magazine or a generic website, you would follow a format similar to a web page citation. It is essential to know the exact type of online source you are working with. Here is an example of how you might cite an article from a website:

Example:
Brown, Jane E., and Richard Samuel West. "A Victorian Cartoonist in London and New York." American Periodicals 17.2, n.d.,

In this citation, the authors, article title, the name of the journal in italics, and the URL are all included. The MLA citation generator can help streamline this process and ensure accuracy.

In Text Citations

In-Text citations follow a similar format to that of print citations: the author's last name and the page number (if applicable). For online articles, you can use a section number or the URL if it is the sole part of the text. Here is an example of an in-text citation:

The author of the article discusses the importance of citation in academic writing (Smith 8).

In this example, "Smith 8" refers to the page number within the article. However, if the article does not have page numbers, you can refer to it by the section number or the URL. A citation generator can easily handle such cases, reducing the risk of errors.

Citations for Specific Types of Online Content

The way you cite online content may vary depending on whether it is from a journal or an open website. For instance, if the article is from a journal available online, you will include a link instead of a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) at the end. The citation would look something like this:

Example (Journal Article):
Brown, Jane E. and Richard Samuel West. "A Victorian Cartoonist in London and New York." American Periodicals 17, 2, n.d.,

For articles published solely on a website, the citation would be structured more like a website citation, with the article title being used as the web page name:

Example (Website Article):
Brown, Jane E., and Richard Samuel West. "A Victorian Cartoonist in London and New York." The Victorian Era Online Magazine, n.d.,

Using a Citation Generator

To avoid the hassle of manually formatting citations, you can use a citation generator. These tools can automatically format your citations in MLA style with just a few inputs, such as the author's name, article title, and URL. Citation generators can save time and reduce the risk of citation errors. They are especially useful when you are dealing with multiple sources or need to maintain a consistent citation style throughout your document.

Here are a few reputable citation generators that you might consider:

Conclusion

Properly citing an online article in MLA format is essential for academic and professional integrity. By following the guidelines provided in this guide and utilizing citation generators, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and adhering to MLA standards. Remember, when in doubt, always refer to the latest MLA Handbook for detailed and up-to-date information.