In academic writing, properly citing sources is crucial for maintaining credibility and avoiding plagiarism. However, sometimes you may come across sources without an identifiable author. When this happens, it is essential to know how to correctly reference these sources using MLA (Modern Language Association) style. In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with formal and informal ways to cite a “no author” source in MLA, offering various tips and examples to help you navigate this citation challenge.
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Formal Ways to Cite “No Author” in MLA
When you encounter a source without an author, you can follow these formal guidelines to cite the work in your MLA formatted paper:
1. Use the Title in Place of the Author
Start the citation by using the title of the source in place of the author’s name. Enclose the title in quotation marks and include it within the standard MLA citation format.
Example: (“Title of the Article” 34)
2. Use a Shortened Version of the Title
If the source title is long enough, you may choose to use a shortened version of the title instead of enclosing the entire title within quotation marks.
Example: (Shortened Title 34)
3. Use the First Few Words of the Title
As an alternative to using either the full title or a shortened version, you can incorporate the first few words of the title followed by an ellipsis (three dots) to indicate the omission.
Example: (“First Few Words…” 34)
4. Use a Descriptive Phrase
If the title isn’t suitable for inclusion in the citation, you can opt for a descriptive phrase to replace the author’s name.
Example: (Article on Global Warming 34)
Informal Ways to Cite “No Author” in MLA
Informal writing styles, such as those used on personal blogs or social media platforms, may not strictly follow MLA guidelines. In such cases, you can adapt the citation by mentioning the title or using clarifying phrases:
1. Parenthetical Citation with the Title
Simply include the title within parentheses after the statement you are citing.
Example: (According to “Title of the Article”)
2. Clarify the Source within the Text
Instead of using parentheses, you can clarify the source within the text itself by including additional information to identify the article or resource.
Example: In an article titled “Title of the Article,” the author discusses…
Regional Variations in Citing “No Author” in MLA
While MLA style is primarily standardized, some regional variations exist in how authors handle “no author” citations. However, these variations are usually minimal, and it is recommended to adhere to the general MLA guidelines mentioned earlier. Nonetheless, here are a couple of regional considerations:
1. Adding “Anon” (Australia, United Kingdom)
In Australia and the United Kingdom, “Anon” is sometimes used as an abbreviation for anonymous when citing sources without an author.
Example: (“Anon” 34)
2. Using “No Author” or “Unknown Author” (United States, Canada)
In the United States and Canada, it is common to include the phrase “No Author” or “Unknown Author” in place of an author’s name when referencing sources without an identified author.
Example: (“No Author” 34)
Example: (“Unknown Author” 34)
Tips for Citing “No Author” Sources in MLA
Here are a few additional tips to remember when citing sources without a clearly identified author in your MLA paper:
- If the source is an organization, use the organization’s name as the author.
- Always provide a page or paragraph number in your in-text citation when available.
- Italicize the titles of longer works (e.g., books, journals, websites) and enclose shorter works (e.g., articles, essays, poems) within quotation marks.
- Ensure that the title formatting in your citation matches the formatting used in your Works Cited page.
Examples of “No Author” Citations in MLA
Now let’s explore some examples of how to cite “no author” sources using MLA style:
- Article Title: “Effects of Climate Change on Marine Life”
Citation: (“Effects of Climate Change” 34) - Book Title: The Art of Fiction: A Guide to Writing Novels
Citation: (The Art of Fiction 34) - Webpage Title: “Best Tips for Healthy Eating”
Citation: (“Best Tips” 34) - Magazine Article Title: “The Impact of Social Media on Teenagers”
Citation: (“The Impact” 34) - Newspaper Article Title: “Education Reform Proposal Causes Controversy”
Citation: (“Education Reform” 34)
Remember to consult the official MLA handbook or specific guidelines from your institution for any additional requirements or variations.
By following the formal and informal methods outlined in this guide, and keeping in mind the regional considerations and helpful tips, you can confidently navigate the process of citing “no author” sources in MLA style. Proper citation ensures your work is well-referenced and demonstrates your commitment to academic integrity.
