100+ MLA Citation Examples for Articles – Easy Guide & Templates
Properly quoting an article in MLA format is essential for academic integrity, clear communication, and giving credit to original authors. This guide explores ten distinct types of quotations—ranging from direct quotes and paraphrasing to block quotes and in-text citations—each with 12 ready-to-use examples. Understanding how to integrate sources correctly enhances credibility and avoids plagiarism. Whether you're citing a print journal, online news piece, or scholarly database article, mastering MLA quotation styles ensures your writing meets scholarly standards while maintaining readability and flow across diverse content formats.
Direct Quotes from Print Articles
According to Smith, "The findings suggest a significant shift in public opinion" (45).
"Climate change impacts are accelerating faster than predicted," notes Johnson (23).
As Lee states, "Urban planning must prioritize green spaces" (78).
"Democracy thrives on informed citizens," argues Patel (102).
"Technology reshapes how we interact daily," observes Kim (34).
"Education reform cannot wait another decade," insists Brown (56).
"Art reflects societal values more honestly than politics," claims Diaz (89).
"Economic inequality undermines social cohesion," writes Gupta (112).
"Historical memory shapes national identity," explains Rivera (67).
"Language evolves through cultural exchange," asserts Chen (41).
"Scientific progress depends on collaboration," notes Thompson (93).
"Public health policies must be evidence-based," emphasizes White (29).
Quoting directly from print articles requires precision in punctuation, attribution, and citation placement. Always include the author’s name and page number in parentheses after the quote. Use signal phrases like “argues,” “states,” or “observes” to introduce the source smoothly. Maintain the original wording exactly as it appears, including spelling and grammar. Integrate quotes naturally into your sentence structure. Avoid over-quoting; use only what supports your argument. Ensure font consistency and proper indentation if used mid-paragraph. Double-check the Works Cited entry matches the in-text citation. Accuracy builds trust with readers and strengthens academic rigor.
Paraphrased Content from Online Journals
Smith explains that public attitudes toward climate policy have changed dramatically in recent years (par. 4).
Johnson suggests that digital learning tools improve student engagement significantly (par. 7).
Lee believes city design should focus more on sustainability and less on cars (par. 12).
Patel argues that civic participation strengthens democratic institutions over time (par. 9).
Kim observes that mobile devices have altered human communication patterns permanently (par. 5).
Brown emphasizes the urgent need for updated education frameworks (par. 11).
Diaz claims that art provides deeper insights into culture than official records (par. 6).
Gupta points out that income disparities weaken community trust (par. 8).
Rivera explains how collective memory influences national narratives (par. 10).
Chen notes that language development is deeply tied to migration and trade (par. 3).
Thompson highlights international cooperation as vital for scientific breakthroughs (par. 14).
White stresses that health decisions should rely on data, not politics (par. 2).
Paraphrasing online journal content in MLA style involves rewording ideas while preserving meaning and crediting the original author. Unlike direct quotes, paraphrases don’t require quotation marks but still demand in-text citations with paragraph numbers when page numbers are absent. Begin with a signal phrase to attribute the idea, then rephrase using your own vocabulary and sentence structure. Avoid mimicking the original syntax too closely to prevent unintentional plagiarism. Always verify accuracy and completeness of the rephrased idea. Include a full citation in the Works Cited list. Effective paraphrasing demonstrates comprehension and integrates external ideas seamlessly into your narrative.
Block Quotes from Scholarly Articles
When analyzing long-form text, MLA recommends indentation: "Extended quotations of more than four lines of prose or three lines of verse should be set off from the main text" (Smith 134).
Scholars often cite lengthy passages: "The methodology employed in this study combines qualitative interviews with statistical modeling to assess behavioral trends" (Johnson 56).
For emphasis, consider: "Urban density correlates strongly with reduced carbon emissions per capita, suggesting policy implications for future development" (Lee 88).
Use block format when: "Democratic resilience depends not only on institutions but also on civic culture, media literacy, and economic equity" (Patel 105).
Highlight key arguments: "Digital communication has redefined privacy norms, requiring new legal and ethical frameworks" (Kim 41).
Introduce complex findings: "Standardized testing fails to capture critical thinking skills, creativity, and emotional intelligence—key components of learning" (Brown 67).
Present theoretical insights: "Aesthetic experience transcends entertainment; it fosters empathy and moral reflection" (Diaz 92).
Cite comprehensive statements: "Globalization has increased interdependence but also exposed vulnerabilities in supply chains and labor markets" (Gupta 118).
Emphasize historical context: "National myths often simplify complex pasts to serve present-day political agendas" (Rivera 73).
Quote extended definitions: "Linguistic diversity refers not only to the number of languages spoken but also to variations in dialect, register, and code-switching" (Chen 49).
Include methodological detail: "Longitudinal studies track changes over time, offering insights that cross-sectional data cannot provide" (Thompson 99).
Support policy recommendations: "Universal healthcare improves outcomes and reduces long-term costs, making it both ethical and economical" (White 33).
Block quotes are used in MLA format for quotations exceeding four lines of prose or three lines of poetry. They should be indented one inch from the left margin, double-spaced, and introduced with a colon. No quotation marks are needed. The citation appears after the closing punctuation. Use block quotes sparingly for impactful or complex ideas that benefit from full presentation. Always maintain original wording and ensure relevance to your argument. After the quote, provide analysis or commentary to connect it to your thesis. Proper formatting enhances readability and shows attention to academic standards. Remember to match the in-text citation with a complete entry in the Works Cited.
In-Text Citations with No Page Numbers
Smith argues that misinformation spreads faster online ("Digital Age Challenges").
Johnson notes the rise of remote work has transformed office culture ("Future of Work").
Lee emphasizes walkability in urban renewal projects ("Sustainable Cities").
Patel states civic education is crucial for democracy ("Engaged Citizenship").
Kim observes AI is changing creative industries ("Artificial Intelligence").
Brown claims standardized tests favor certain demographics ("Testing Equity").
Diaz describes street art as a form of resistance ("Urban Expression").
Gupta links poverty to poor health outcomes ("Social Determinants").
Rivera discusses how monuments shape public memory ("Commemoration").
Chen explains multilingualism benefits cognitive flexibility ("Language Learning").
Thompson highlights open-access research as a scientific equalizer ("Open Science").
White advocates for mental health integration in primary care ("Holistic Health").
When citing online sources without page numbers in MLA, include the author’s name and, if available, a section or paragraph number. If neither exists, use a shortened title of the article in quotation marks. This helps locate the referenced material. Avoid using “n.p.” unless required by your instructor. Signal phrases can incorporate the title naturally. Ensure clarity so readers can find the source in your Works Cited. Digital platforms often lack pagination, so relying on titles or headings increases traceability. Always verify URL stability and archive links when possible. Accurate citation maintains credibility even in dynamic online environments.
Quotes from Articles with Multiple Authors
As Garcia and Lee note, "Collaborative governance leads to more inclusive policies" (121).
"Renewable energy adoption varies widely by region," explain Kim and Patel (44).
Brown and White argue that "early childhood education yields lifelong benefits" (68).
"Public trust in science declines during misinformation crises," state Thompson and Diaz (89).
Chen and Gupta observe that "migration enriches cultural landscapes" (103).
Rivera and Smith write, "Historical revisionism risks erasing marginalized voices" (77).
Johnson and Brown claim, "Gamified learning boosts retention rates" (52).
"AI ethics must prioritize transparency and accountability," assert Lee and Kim (115).
Patel and White suggest, "Community health workers bridge care gaps" (36).
Diaz and Thompson emphasize, "Art funding supports economic and social vitality" (94).
Gupta and Chen highlight, "Bilingual education enhances academic performance" (48).
Smith and Rivera warn, "Memory politics can manipulate national identity" (71).
MLA format requires listing both authors’ last names in the in-text citation when quoting a jointly authored article. Use “and” between names within the sentence or in parentheses: (Garcia and Lee 121). For works with three or more authors, use the first author’s name followed by “et al.” Do not invert names in-text. Introduce co-authored quotes with phrases like “argue,” “observe,” or “state” to maintain flow. Ensure correct spelling of all names and verify their order against the original source. Consistency between in-text citations and the Works Cited entry is crucial. Proper attribution respects collaborative scholarship and strengthens your paper’s reliability.
Citing Online News Articles with URLs
"The economy grew by 2.3% last quarter," reports CNN (https://www.cnn.com/economy-update).
"Wildfires intensified due to prolonged drought," states The Guardian (https://www.theguardian.com/climate-crisis).
"Vaccination rates have plateaued nationwide," according to NPR (https://www.npr.org/health-vax).
"School districts face teacher shortages," notes Education Week (https://www.edweek.org/staffing-crisis).
"Renewable investments surged in 2023," says Bloomberg (https://www.bloomberg.com/green-energy).
"Housing prices remain unaffordable for most renters," reports CNBC (https://www.cnbc.com/housing-market).
"Cyberattacks target small businesses increasingly," warns The Washington Post (https://www.washingtonpost.com/cybersecurity).
"Streaming services dominate entertainment," observes Variety (https://www.variety.com/media-trends).
"AI regulation debates intensify globally," reports Reuters (https://www.reuters.com/ai-policy).
"Food insecurity rose in urban areas," states AP News (https://www.apnews.com/food-insecurity).
"Air travel delays reached record levels," notes USA Today (https://www.usatoday.com/travel-issues).
"Social media usage linked to teen anxiety," finds BBC News (https://www.bbc.com/youth-mental-health).
When citing online news articles in MLA, include the author (if available), article title, website name, publication date, and URL. In-text citations typically use the author’s name or the organization if no individual is listed. While URLs are no longer required in MLA 9 unless necessary for access, including them enhances transparency. Avoid hyperlinks in formal papers; present URLs cleanly. Use stable links or archived versions when possible. Summarize key facts accurately and attribute claims properly. News sources are time-sensitive, so ensure timeliness and credibility. Proper citation supports factual reporting and responsible information sharing in academic writing.
Quoting Translated Articles
"La vérité émerge du dialogue," writes Dubois, translated by Moore (202).
As Tanaka explains, "Shinri wa kōkan ni yotte umareru" [Truth arises through exchange], trans. Yamamoto (155).
"Verdad surge del debate," states Méndez, English trans. Clark (88).
"Wahrheit entsteht im Gespräch," argues Schmidt, trans. Fischer (134).
"Haqqiyat muhabat orqali paydo bo'ladi," notes Rahimov, trans. Ali (177).
"Al-haqeeqa tunshaa min al-hiwar," writes Khalid, trans. Nasser (91).
"La verità nasce dal confronto," states Rossi, trans. Bianchi (109).
"실리는 대화에서 비롯된다," claims Park, trans. Lee (201).
"Правда рождается в диалоге," argues Volkov, trans. Ivanov (144).
"Sự thật xuất phát từ đối thoại," states Nguyen, trans. Tran (163).
"Tiesa kyla susikalbėjimo," writes Petraitis, trans. Jankauskas (122).
"Sandeha mazungumzoni huja," notes Hassan, trans. Mwangi (188).
When quoting translated articles in MLA, always indicate the translator in the citation. If quoting the original language, provide the translation in brackets and credit the translator. If using an existing English translation, cite the translator after the author: (Dubois, trans. Moore 202). In the Works Cited, include both author and translator. Clarify whether the quote is your translation or someone else’s. Translations must preserve meaning without bias. When referencing non-Latin scripts, transliterate consistently. Accurate handling of multilingual sources demonstrates respect for global scholarship and ensures intellectual honesty in cross-cultural research.
Indirect Quotes (Citing a Source within a Source)
Smith cites Johnson: "Policy change requires grassroots momentum" (qtd. in Smith 45).
Lee references Kim: "Design thinking fosters innovation" (qtd. in Lee 78).
Patel quotes Brown: "Equity must precede excellence" (qtd. in Patel 102).
Johnson mentions Gupta: "Poverty is a systemic failure, not individual weakness" (qtd. in Johnson 33).
Kim cites White: "Mental wellness impacts workplace productivity" (qtd. in Kim 59).
Brown references Diaz: "Street art gives voice to the voiceless" (qtd. in Brown 81).
Diaz quotes Thompson: "Open data accelerates discovery" (qtd. in Diaz 94).
Gupta cites Chen: "Language preserves cultural heritage" (qtd. in Gupta 47).
Thompson references Rivera: "History teaches humility" (qtd. in Thompson 111).
Chen cites Patel: "Inclusion drives innovation" (qtd. in Chen 66).
Rivera quotes Smith: "Memory is selective but powerful" (qtd. in Rivera 77).
White references Johnson: "Prevention saves lives and resources" (qtd. in White 29).
MLA allows indirect citations when you quote a source mentioned in another author’s work. Use “qtd. in” (quoted in) before the author who references the original. Only the secondary source appears in the Works Cited list. This method should be used sparingly; whenever possible, consult the original. Clearly distinguish between the two authors to avoid confusion. Indirect citations are useful when the primary source is unavailable or untranslated. Transparency is key—readers should know the information is secondhand. Proper use maintains academic honesty and clarifies the chain of attribution in scholarly discourse.
Quotes from Database Articles (JSTOR, ProQuest, etc.)
"Peer review ensures academic quality," states Miller (JSTOR, p. 12).
"Algorithmic bias affects hiring practices," argues Foster (ProQuest, p. 45).
"Neuroplasticity supports lifelong learning," notes Reed (JSTOR, p. 88).
"Colonial legacies shape modern borders," explains Ward (ProQuest, p. 103).
"Gender representation in media remains skewed," observes Bell (JSTOR, p. 67).
"Cryptocurrency regulation lags behind innovation," claims Tate (ProQuest, p. 34).
"Narrative therapy empowers clients," writes Grant (JSTOR, p. 91).
"Supply chain ethics affect brand loyalty," notes Cruz (ProQuest, p. 55).
"Postmodern literature challenges linear storytelling," argues Dunn (JSTOR, p. 72).
"Remote sensing improves disaster response," states Lowe (ProQuest, p. 28).
"Philanthropy influences educational access," observes Quinn (JSTOR, p. 114).
"Digital archives preserve endangered knowledge," claims Hale (ProQuest, p. 40).
Articles retrieved from academic databases like JSTOR or ProQuest should be cited using standard MLA guidelines. Include author, title, journal, volume, issue, year, page range, and DOI or stable URL. In-text citations use the author and page number. Mentioning the database (e.g., JSTOR) is optional in MLA 9 but can add context. DOIs are preferred over URLs. Never use temporary session links. Database articles are authoritative, so accurate citation reinforces scholarly credibility. Always check if your institution requires database names in citations. These sources form the backbone of academic research, and precise referencing ensures reproducibility and integrity.
Modified Quotes with Brackets and Ellipses
"The results [of the study] confirm a strong correlation between exercise and mood" (Smith 45).
"Urban planning must...prioritize green infrastructure" (Lee 78).
"Democracy thrives when [citizens] are informed and engaged" (Patel 102).
"Technology reshapes...communication patterns" (Kim 34).
"Education reform cannot wait...for political consensus" (Brown 56).
"Art reflects societal values...more honestly than laws" (Diaz 89).
"Economic inequality undermines...social trust" (Gupta 112).
"Historical memory shapes...national self-perception" (Rivera 67).
"Language evolves through...cultural interaction" (Chen 41).
"Scientific progress depends on...global collaboration" (Thompson 93).
"Public health policies must be...data-driven" (White 29).
"Findings suggest...a shift in public opinion" (Johnson 23).
MLA permits modifying quotes for clarity and conciseness using brackets and ellipses. Use square brackets [ ] to insert clarifying words or adjust grammar. Ellipses (...) indicate omitted text, preserving the original meaning. Never distort intent. Place ellipses with spaces before, after, and between dots. Brackets should be minimal and necessary. Modified quotes still require accurate citations. Over-editing weakens authenticity. Always verify that the altered quote reflects the source’s message. Skillful modification integrates external ideas smoothly while maintaining academic integrity. These tools help tailor quotes to your argument without misrepresentation.
Schlussworte
Mastery of MLA quotation techniques empowers writers to engage ethically and effectively with scholarly sources. From direct quotes to paraphrased insights, each method serves a unique purpose in building credible, well-supported arguments. Understanding how to cite print and digital articles, handle translations, and format block quotes ensures compliance with academic standards. Proper attribution not only prevents plagiarism but also elevates the quality of your work. By applying these 120 examples across ten categories, you gain practical tools for seamless source integration. Ultimately, precise MLA quoting strengthens your voice by anchoring it in reliable evidence and respectful scholarship.
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