100+ MLA Quote Citation Examples: Perfect Copywriting & Formatting Guide
In academic writing, correctly citing quotes using the Modern Language Association (MLA) format is essential for credibility, clarity, and intellectual honesty. This guide explores ten distinct types of quotations—ranging from direct prose and poetry excerpts to dialogue, online sources, and indirect citations—providing twelve accurate MLA-style examples for each. Each section includes a concise summary explaining best practices, formatting rules, and contextual considerations. Whether you're quoting a novel, a tweet, or a translated work, understanding how to integrate and cite sources properly ensures your writing remains professional and plagiarism-free. Mastering these techniques empowers writers to build strong, well-supported arguments.
Direct Quotations from Prose
When quoting directly from prose such as novels, essays, or articles, enclose the text in quotation marks and include the author’s last name and page number in parentheses. For short quotes (fewer than four lines), integrate them into your sentence. Always maintain original spelling and punctuation. If omitting words, use an ellipsis; for added clarification, use brackets. These quotes strengthen arguments by providing verifiable evidence. The key is seamless integration—your voice should frame the quote, not be overshadowed by it. Accuracy and context are paramount.
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" (Dickens 5).
"All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way" (Tolstoy 1).
"Call me Ishmael" (Melville 3).
"It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife" (Austen 1).
"In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice" (Fitzgerald 4).
"The world is flat, and the sky is falling" (Smith 22).
"She stood at the window, watching the rain fall without purpose" (Lee 78).
"Time moves in one direction only" (Johnson 103).
"Freedom is never given; it is demanded" (King 45).
"The silence between words often speaks louder" (Nguyen 67).
"He knew then that nothing would ever be the same" (Brown 91).
"Books were the mirrors of the soul" (Orwell 112).
Quoting Poetry Lines
When citing poetry in MLA format, preserve line breaks and use a forward slash (/) to indicate line separation within a sentence. For longer excerpts (more than three lines), use a block quote with indentation. Include the poet’s name and line numbers (not page numbers) in parentheses. Punctuation goes before the citation. Capitalize the first letter of each line when quoting, even mid-sentence. Accurate citation honors the rhythm and structure of poetry, ensuring readers can appreciate both meaning and form. Always verify line numbers against the edition used.
"Two roads diverged in a yellow wood / And sorry I could not travel both" (Frost lines 1–2).
"Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? / Thou art more lovely and more temperate" (Shakespeare lines 1–2).
"Because I could not stop for Death / He kindly stopped for me" (Dickinson lines 1–2).
"I wandered lonely as a cloud / That floats on high o'er vales and hills" (Wordsworth lines 1–2).
"Tyger Tyger, burning bright / In the forests of the night" (Blake lines 1–2).
"Do not go gentle into that good night / Rage, rage against the dying of the light" (Thomas lines 1, 3).
"My love is like a red, red rose / That’s newly sprung in June" (Burns lines 1–2).
"Water, water, every where, / Nor any drop to drink" (Coleridge lines 1–2).
"I celebrate myself, and sing myself / And what I assume you shall assume" (Whitman lines 1–2).
"God’s grandeur will flame out, like shining from shook foil" (Hopkins line 1).
"They flee from me that sometime did me seek" (Wyatt line 1).
"The apparition of these faces in the crowd: / Petals on a wet, black bough" (Pound lines 1–2).
Dialogue from Plays
When quoting dialogue from plays, use standard quotation marks and separate lines of speech with slashes if quoted inline. For multiple lines or exchanges, use a block quote. Include act, scene, and line numbers (e.g., 1.2.34–36). Identify speakers if necessary. Maintain original stage directions in brackets if relevant. Citing drama accurately preserves performance nuances and character voices. Always specify the edition used, as lineation varies across versions. Proper citation supports literary analysis by grounding interpretations in textual evidence.
"To be, or not to be, that is the question" (Shakespeare, Hamlet 3.1.58).
"Is this a dagger which I see before me? / It is the bloody business which informs thus" (Shakespeare, Macbeth 2.1.33, 48).
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose / By any other name would smell as sweet" (Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet 2.2.43–44).
"I am no orator, as Brutus is" (Shakespeare, Julius Caesar 3.2.74).
"Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio" (Shakespeare, Hamlet 5.1.188).
"Out, damned spot! Out, I say!" (Shakespeare, Macbeth 5.1.35).
"Neither a borrower nor a lender be" (Shakespeare, Hamlet 1.3.75).
"If music be the food of love, play on" (Shakespeare, Twelfth Night 1.1.1).
"All the world’s a stage, / And all the men and women merely players" (Shakespeare, As You Like It 2.7.139–40).
"Something is rotten in the state of Denmark" (Shakespeare, Hamlet 1.4.90).
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks" (Shakespeare, Hamlet 3.2.205).
"Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more" (Shakespeare, Henry V 3.1.1).
Indirect (Paraphrased) Quotes
Indirect quotes involve rephrasing someone else’s idea in your own words while still crediting the source. Even though you’re not using quotation marks, you must include the author’s last name and page number. Paraphrasing demonstrates comprehension and allows smoother integration into your narrative. Avoid changing key terms or distorting meaning. Effective paraphrasing maintains accuracy while enhancing readability. Always double-check that your version reflects the original intent. This method is ideal when the idea matters more than the exact wording.
Smith argues that digital literacy is now as fundamental as reading and writing (27).
According to Johnson, urban design influences mental health more than previously thought (44).
Lee suggests that childhood trauma shapes adult relationships in profound ways (89).
Brown explains that motivation stems more from purpose than reward (102).
Nguyen notes that cultural identity is fluid, not fixed (33).
Orwell believed that language can control thought if left unchecked (15).
King emphasized that justice delayed is justice denied (67).
Davis states that community engagement improves educational outcomes (110).
Taylor found that sleep quality affects decision-making more than quantity (76).
Wang observed that bilingual children process information more flexibly (29).
Harris concludes that peer influence peaks during adolescence (52).
Clark believes sustainable development requires systemic change, not just policy tweaks (88).
Quotes from Online Articles
When citing quotes from online articles, include the author, title in quotation marks, website name in italics, publication date, and URL (without https://). Since web pages lack page numbers, omit them unless the source uses paragraph numbers (e.g., para. 4). Use the most recent access date if required. Ensure links are functional and credible. Digital sources require extra scrutiny—verify authorship and publisher reliability. MLA prioritizes accessibility and traceability, so always provide enough detail for readers to locate the original content.
“Remote work increases productivity by 13%” (Johnson, “Work From Home Trends,” TechToday, 12 May 2023, www.techtoday.com/work-trends).
“Climate anxiety is rising among teens” (Lee, “Youth and the Environment,” GreenNews, 3 Apr. 2023, www.greennews.org/climate-anxiety).
“AI will transform healthcare by 2030” (Smith, “Future of Medicine,” HealthEdge, 20 Jan. 2023, www.healthedge.com/ai-health).
“Social media reduces attention spans” (Nguyen, “Digital Distraction,” MindFocus, 5 Feb. 2023, www.mindfocus.org/social-media).
“Urban green spaces improve mental well-being” (Brown, “City Parks Matter,” EcoLife, 18 Mar. 2023, www.ecolife.org/green-spaces).
“Renewable energy costs have dropped 60% since 2010” (Davis, “Clean Energy Now,” PowerShift, 10 Jan. 2023, www.powershift.org/renewables).
“Students learn better with hands-on projects” (Taylor, “Active Learning,” EdPost, 22 Feb. 2023, www.edpost.com/hands-on).
“Cybersecurity threats are evolving faster than defenses” (Wang, “Digital Risks,” SafeNet, 14 Apr. 2023, www.safenet.org/cyber-threats).
“Plant-based diets reduce carbon footprint significantly” (Harris, “Eating Green,” EarthChoice, 7 Mar. 2023, www.earthchoice.org/plant-diet).
“Sleep tracking apps help identify patterns” (Clark, “Rest Revolution,” SleepWell, 1 Mar. 2023, www.sleepwell.org/sleep-tracking).
“Gamification boosts student engagement” (Roberts, “Learning Through Play,” EduTech, 28 Jan. 2023, www.edutech.org/gamification).
“Digital minimalism leads to greater focus” (Moore, “Unplugged Living,” FocusMag, 10 Feb. 2023, www.focusmag.org/digital-minimalism).
Long Block Quotes (Prose)
For prose quotations longer than four typed lines, use a block quote: indent the entire passage one inch from the left margin, omit quotation marks, and place the parenthetical citation after the period. Maintain double-spacing. Introduce the quote with a colon if it follows a complete sentence. Block quotes should be used sparingly—only when the full passage is critical to your argument. They visually signal importance and allow detailed analysis. Always ensure relevance and follow up with interpretation to connect the quote to your thesis.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep (Frost 13–16).
It was the possibility of darkness that made the day seem so bright. Once you’ve seen the face of fear, every sunrise feels like a gift. We don’t cherish light because it’s constant, but because it’s fleeting (Smith 88–91).
Language is not just a tool for communication; it is a system of power. Who controls language controls perception. To name something is to define it, and to define it is to shape reality (Orwell 204–206).
She walked through the city like a ghost, unnoticed and unbothered. The noise faded into background hum, and time slowed to a crawl. In that moment, she felt both invisible and infinite (Lee 155–157).
History does not repeat itself, but it often rhymes. Those who ignore the past are doomed to misunderstand the present. Patterns emerge across centuries, disguised by new costumes (Johnson 301–303).
Courage is not the absence of fear, but the judgment that something else is more important. Love, duty, justice—these outweigh the instinct to retreat (King 77–79).
The internet promised connection but delivered fragmentation. We speak more than ever, yet listen less. Our feeds are loud, but our conversations are shallow (Nguyen 122–124).
Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire. Curiosity cannot be forced, only ignited. The best teachers are not those who know the most, but those who inspire the most (Brown 45–47).
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. Human impatience disrupts natural rhythms. Sustainability begins with patience (Wang 66–68).
Democracy dies in darkness. Transparency is not optional—it is essential. An informed public is the foundation of freedom (Davis 101–103).
Art does not reproduce what is visible; it makes visible what cannot be seen. Emotions, truths, dreams—these live beyond the lens (Taylor 200–202).
We shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us. Architecture reflects values, priorities, and fears. A society’s structures reveal its soul (Churchill qtd. in Harris 14).
Quotes from Interviews
To cite a quote from an interview, include the interviewee’s name, the interviewer’s name, the title (if any), the publication or medium, and date. For personal interviews, use “Personal interview” instead of a title. MLA does not require recording URLs for private communications. Interviews offer firsthand perspectives, making them valuable for research. Always obtain permission if publishing sensitive content. Treat spoken words with the same citation rigor as written texts to maintain academic integrity.
“Creativity thrives under constraints” (Garcia, interviewed by Lee, ArtForum, 12 Mar. 2022).
“Leadership is about listening, not speaking” (Kim, interviewed by Smith, LeaderTalk, 5 Apr. 2022).
“The future of cities lies in green transit” (Patel, interviewed by Brown, Urban Futures, 18 May 2022).
“Mental health care should be universal” (Dr. Evans, interviewed by Taylor, HealthNow, 22 Jan. 2022).
“Data without ethics is dangerous” (Nguyen, interviewed by Clark, TechEthics, 10 Feb. 2022).
“Children learn empathy through storytelling” (Dr. Moore, interviewed by Roberts, EarlyEd, 7 Mar. 2022).
“Renewables will dominate by 2040” (Dr. Foster, interviewed by Davis, EnergyWatch, 3 Apr. 2022).
“Authenticity sells better than polish” (Martinez, interviewed by Wilson, BrandVoice, 15 Jan. 2022).
“Community libraries bridge inequality gaps” (Dr. Reed, interviewed by Hill, LitAccess, 28 Feb. 2022).
“AI creativity lacks intention” (Prof. Young, interviewed by Green, AIFuture, 9 May 2022).
“Good design solves problems invisibly” (Chen, interviewed by White, DesignLab, 21 Mar. 2022).
“Vaccination equity saves lives” (Dr. Bell, interviewed by Adams, GlobalHealth, 1 Apr. 2022).
Citing Translated Works
When quoting a translated work, include the original author’s name, the quote, and the translator’s name in the citation. Format: (Author 45; trans. Translator). If the translation is well-known (e.g., Homer’s Odyssey), mention the translator in your signal phrase. Always use a reputable translation. Translations vary in tone and accuracy, so consistency is key. Cite the edition you used. Acknowledging the translator respects their interpretive labor and ensures proper attribution across languages.
“The road to wisdom? Well, it’s plain / And simple to express: / Err and err and err again” (Brecht 12; trans. Hays).
“Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself” (Sartre 23; trans. Barnes).
“All that is solid melts into air” (Marx and Engels 34; trans. Bottomore).
“Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way” (Tolstoy 1; trans. Pevear and Volokhonsky).
“I came, I saw, I conquered” (Caesar 45; trans. Hammond).
“The unexamined life is not worth living” (Plato 38; trans. Grube).
“God is dead” (Nietzsche 102; trans. Kaufmann).
“War is the father of all things” (Heraclitus 15; trans. Wheelwright).
“Everything flows, nothing stays” (Heraclitus 12; trans. Lee).
“The heart has its reasons, which reason knows nothing of” (Pascal 78; trans. Krailsheimer).
“Poetry is finer and more philosophical than history” (Aristotle 56; trans. Lucas).
“The only thing I know is that I know nothing” (Socrates 30; trans. Hamilton).
Quotes with Omissions or Additions
Use ellipses (...) to indicate omitted words within a quote and brackets [] to insert clarifying words. Ellipses must not distort the original meaning. Brackets are useful for changing pronouns or tense to fit your sentence. Never misrepresent the source. These tools enhance readability while preserving accuracy. Always double-check that the modified quote still reflects the author’s intent. Transparency builds trust with your audience and upholds scholarly standards.
“The universe... is not only stranger than we suppose, but stranger than we can suppose” (Haldane 17).
“She [the scientist] discovered that light behaves as both particle and wave” (Curie 88).
“After years of research... the breakthrough occurred” (Watson 105).
“The data suggest [a significant] correlation between sleep and memory” (Adams 33).
“Although controversial... the theory gained acceptance” (Bohr 77).
“He [President Lincoln] believed democracy must endure” (Douglas 120).
“Despite opposition... the bill passed” (Wilson 45).
“The results were [nearly] identical across trials” (Fleming 67).
“We [researchers] conclude that climate action is urgent” (Gates 91).
“Over time... adaptation becomes inevitable” (Darwin 54).
“The artist [Van Gogh] expressed emotion through color” (Thompson 30).
“With effort... success followed” (Edison 22).
Multiple Authors and Source Types
For sources with two authors, list both names: (Smith and Lee 45). For three or more, use “et al.”: (Johnson et al. 67). Adapt citation style based on source type—book, journal, video, etc. Consistency across citations strengthens professionalism. Use a Works Cited page to detail full references. Knowing how to handle various author configurations prevents errors. Always check the latest MLA guidelines, as updates occur. Mastery of diverse citation scenarios reflects thorough scholarship.
“Collaboration drives innovation” (Smith and Lee 45).
“Urban density reduces emissions” (Brown, Davis, and Moore 89).
“Early intervention improves outcomes” (Taylor et al. 102).
“Mindfulness enhances focus” (Nguyen and Clark 33).
“Policy shapes behavior” (Wang, Harris, and Kim 76).
“Technology amplifies access” (Roberts et al. 55).
“Diversity strengthens teams” (Adams and Patel 110).
“Exercise boosts cognition” (Young et al. 29).
“Narratives shape identity” (Green and White 67).
“Design influences emotion” (Chen, Moore, and Bell 44).
“Trust enables cooperation” (Foster et al. 88).
“Curriculum impacts equity” (Reed and Young 101).
Schlussworte
Mastering MLA citation for quotes is a vital skill for any serious writer or student. From prose and poetry to interviews and online sources, each type demands specific formatting rules to ensure clarity and academic integrity. By understanding how to integrate direct quotes, paraphrase ideas, and adapt citations for translations or multiple authors, you elevate the credibility of your work. Proper citation not only avoids plagiarism but also situates your writing within a broader scholarly conversation. With practice, these techniques become second nature, allowing you to focus on crafting compelling, well-supported arguments grounded in reliable evidence and ethical scholarship.
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