100+ MLA Citation Examples: How to Quote an Article Like a Pro
Quoting an article in MLA format is a crucial skill for students, researchers, and writers aiming to maintain academic integrity and credibility. This comprehensive guide breaks down the process into ten distinct quote types, each tailored to common citation scenarios such as direct quotes, paraphrasing, and integrating sources with varying authors or missing information. Each section provides 12 ready-to-use, properly formatted examples that follow the latest MLA guidelines (9th edition), including correct punctuation, in-text citations, and signal phrases. From short quotations to block quotes and online sources, this resource equips you with practical tools to cite confidently and accurately across disciplines.
Short Direct Quotes (Fewer than 4 Lines)
According to Smith, "effective communication builds stronger teams" (45).
“Digital literacy is now essential” in modern education (Johnson 12).
As Lee argues, “sustainability must be prioritized” in urban planning (78).
“AI is transforming healthcare” at an unprecedented rate (Martinez 33).
“Students learn better through collaboration,” notes Thompson (56).
“Climate change affects all ecosystems,” states Reed (102).
“Innovation drives economic growth,” explains Kim (89).
“Social media reshapes public discourse” today (Wong 67).
“Leadership requires empathy,” believes Carter (23).
“Data privacy is a growing concern” worldwide (Patel 41).
“Early intervention improves outcomes,” according to Greene (30).
“Renewable energy is the future,” asserts Bennett (55).
Long Quotations (4 or More Lines)
Smith elaborates on team dynamics:
Effective communication is not just about speaking clearly;
it involves active listening, feedback, and mutual respect.
When these elements are present, collaboration thrives
and productivity increases significantly (45).
Johnson describes digital transformation:
The shift toward digital platforms has redefined
how institutions deliver knowledge. Classrooms,
libraries, and even exams have moved online,
requiring new skills from both educators and learners (14).
Lee emphasizes sustainability:
Urban centers must adopt green infrastructure,
from rooftop gardens to solar-powered transit.
Without systemic change, cities will face
increased pollution and declining quality of life (80).
Martinez analyzes AI's role:
Artificial intelligence enables early disease detection,
personalizes treatment plans, and reduces human error.
However, ethical concerns around data usage remain unresolved (34).
Thompson discusses collaborative learning:
When students work in groups, they develop critical
thinking and social skills simultaneously. Peer feedback
encourages reflection, and shared goals promote accountability (57).
Reed outlines climate impacts:
Rising temperatures disrupt migration patterns,
melt polar ice, and intensify extreme weather.
These changes threaten biodiversity and food security globally (103).
Kim explores innovation:
Entrepreneurial ecosystems foster creativity,
attract investment, and generate high-value jobs.
Countries that support R&D see long-term economic gains (90).
Wong examines social media:
Platforms like Twitter and TikTok amplify voices,
but also spread misinformation rapidly.
Users must critically evaluate content before sharing (68).
Carter defines leadership:
True leaders listen more than they speak.
They create inclusive environments where every member
feels valued and empowered to contribute ideas (24).
Patel warns about data privacy:
Personal information is collected continuously
through apps, websites, and smart devices.
Without regulation, this data can be exploited (42).
Greene supports early intervention:
Identifying learning difficulties in childhood
allows educators to implement tailored strategies.
This proactive approach leads to better academic outcomes (31).
Bennett advocates for renewables:
Solar, wind, and hydroelectric power offer sustainable
alternatives to fossil fuels. Transitioning now
can mitigate future environmental crises (56).
Quotes with No Author
“Online learning demands self-discipline” (“Digital Education Trends” 7).
“Cybersecurity threats are increasing annually” (“Global Risk Report” 15).
“Mental health services are underfunded” (“Wellness Gap Study” 22).
“Remote work improves job satisfaction” (“Future of Work” 9).
“Electric vehicles reduce emissions” (“Clean Transport Initiative” 33).
“Plastic waste harms marine life” (“Ocean Pollution Review” 41).
“Universal broadband access is essential” (“Connectivity Task Force” 18).
“Nutrition affects cognitive performance” (“Brain Health Report” 29).
“Gender diversity boosts innovation” (“Workplace Equity Study” 12).
“Affordable housing is a crisis” (“Urban Living Index” 5).
“Vaccination prevents disease outbreaks” (“Public Health Bulletin” 8).
“AI ethics needs global standards” (“Tech Governance Paper” 26).
Quotes with Multiple Authors
Brown and Davis claim that “team cohesion enhances performance” (112).
Taylor, Evans, and Perez argue that “inclusive policies improve retention” (77).
Nguyen et al. state that “microplastics are pervasive in water systems” (203).
Harris and Kim note that “algorithmic bias affects hiring” (88).
Clark, Reed, and Foster emphasize that “early reading builds literacy” (44).
Wilson and Patel assert that “telemedicine increases access” (61).
Adams, Bell, and Cox write that “cultural competence strengthens care” (95).
Young et al. find that “exercise improves mental health” (130).
Moore and Stevens explain that “feedback loops drive learning” (52).
Rivera, Kim, and Lopez suggest that “mentorship aids career growth” (73).
Peterson and Nguyen conclude that “diverse teams innovate faster” (108).
Scott, Adams, and Wright argue that “sustainable farming protects soil” (155).
Paraphrased Quotes
Effective teamwork relies on clear communication and trust (Smith 45).
Digital skills are now fundamental for academic success (Johnson 12).
Urban development should integrate eco-friendly designs (Lee 78).
Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing medical diagnostics (Martinez 33).
Collaborative classrooms enhance student engagement (Thompson 56).
Climate change negatively impacts natural habitats (Reed 102).
Innovation plays a key role in economic advancement (Kim 89).
Social networks influence how people consume news (Wong 67).
Empathetic leadership fosters workplace loyalty (Carter 23).
Data protection laws are needed to prevent misuse (Patel 41).
Early educational support leads to better results (Greene 30).
Renewable energy sources are vital for sustainability (Bennett 55).
Quotes Within a Quote (Nested Citations)
As Smith notes, Johnson observed that “students retain more when engaged” (qtd. in Smith 47).
Lee cites Martinez: “AI diagnostics are more accurate than humans” (qtd. in Lee 81).
Thompson references Carter: “empathy is the foundation of leadership” (qtd. in Thompson 58).
Wong quotes Patel: “data brokers operate in legal gray zones” (qtd. in Wong 69).
Kim refers to Evans: “startups drive regional economies” (qtd. in Kim 91).
Reed mentions Nguyen: “microplastics have entered the food chain” (qtd. in Reed 104).
Brown cites Davis: “conflict resolution training reduces turnover” (qtd. in Brown 113).
Adams quotes Foster: “cultural humility improves patient outcomes” (qtd. in Adams 96).
Perez references Taylor: “inclusive workplaces attract top talent” (qtd. in Perez 79).
Wilson cites Patel: “telehealth bridges rural healthcare gaps” (qtd. in Wilson 62).
Moore quotes Stevens: “formative feedback accelerates mastery” (qtd. in Moore 53).
Rivera refers to Lopez: “mentors provide career clarity” (qtd. in Rivera 74).
Quotes from Online Articles (with URLs)
“Online education increased by 300% post-pandemic” (Smith, www.edujournal.org/online-trends 4).
“AI chatbots now handle 70% of customer service queries” (Lee, www.techinsight.net/ai-stats 15).
“Renewable energy jobs grew by 50% last year” (Bennett, www.greenfuture.org/energy-report 8).
“Cyberattacks on schools doubled in 2023” (Patel, www.securitywatch.org/edu-hacks 11).
“Mental health apps show mixed effectiveness” (Greene, www.mindwell.org/app-review 6).
“Remote work reduces carbon emissions” (Wong, www.worktrends.net/sustainability 9).
“Digital divide affects 2 billion people” (Johnson, www.digitalgap.org/global-access 3).
“Blockchain could transform academic credentials” (Kim, www.futurist.edu/blockchain-edu 12).
“Gig economy workers lack benefits” (Carter, www.labornews.org/gig-workers 7).
“Smart cities improve traffic flow” (Martinez, www.urbaninnovate.com/smart-traffic 14).
“Student loan debt impacts homeownership” (Thompson, www.financialedu.org/debt-study 20).
“Plant-based diets reduce environmental impact” (Reed, www.ecofood.org/sustainability 5).
Quotes with Missing Page Numbers
Smith states that “collaboration improves problem-solving” (n. pag.).
“Digital fluency is a 21st-century necessity” (Johnson n. pag.).
Lee argues that “green architecture saves energy” (n. pag.).
“AI will redefine customer service” (Martinez n. pag.).
Thompson believes “group work builds confidence” (n. pag.).
“Climate action cannot wait” (Reed n. pag.).
Kim explains that “R&D fuels progress” (n. pag.).
“Social media shapes political opinions” (Wong n. pag.).
Carter claims “listening is leadership” (n. pag.).
“Privacy regulations are lagging” (Patel n. pag.).
Greene emphasizes “early support matters” (n. pag.).
“Solar power is becoming affordable” (Bennett n. pag.).
Quotes Integrated with Signal Phrases
Smith observes, “clear communication prevents misunderstandings” (45).
As Johnson explains, “digital tools expand learning opportunities” (12).
Lee contends that “cities must adapt to climate change” (78).
Martinez points out, “AI enhances diagnostic accuracy” (33).
According to Thompson, “peer interaction deepens understanding” (56).
Reed warns, “ecosystems are reaching tipping points” (102).
Kim emphasizes, “innovation requires investment” (89).
Wong notes, “social media algorithms favor controversy” (67).
Carter argues, “leaders must model inclusivity” (23).
Patel highlights, “data collection often occurs without consent” (41).
Greene suggests, “intervention should begin in preschool” (30).
Bennett asserts, “the energy transition is inevitable” (55).
Quotes from Articles with Corporate Authors
The World Health Organization states, “vaccines save millions annually” (WHO 4).
NASA reports that “climate change is accelerating polar melt” (NASA 12).
UNESCO emphasizes, “education is a human right” (UNESCO 8).
The CDC finds that “handwashing reduces infections” (CDC 15).
The EPA warns, “air pollution causes respiratory illness” (EPA 22).
The World Bank notes, “poverty reduction requires education” (World Bank 30).
Amnesty International claims, “human rights violations persist” (Amnesty 18).
Greenpeace argues, “corporate greed harms the planet” (Greenpeace 7).
The Red Cross states, “disaster preparedness saves lives” (Red Cross 11).
The OECD reports, “inequality undermines growth” (OECD 25).
The IMF advises, “fiscal responsibility ensures stability” (IMF 19).
The FDA confirms, “vaccines undergo rigorous testing” (FDA 6).
Schlussworte
Mastering MLA citation is essential for producing credible, ethical, and professional academic work. By understanding how to properly quote articles across various contexts—whether short or long, attributed or anonymous, printed or digital—you demonstrate respect for intellectual property and strengthen your own arguments. The examples provided in this guide cover the most common citation scenarios, empowering you to integrate sources seamlessly and avoid plagiarism. Remember to always verify the latest MLA guidelines, as formatting rules may evolve. With practice and attention to detail, quoting in MLA becomes second nature, allowing you to focus on developing insightful, well-supported writing that stands out in any academic setting.








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