Introduction
Quoting sources is an essential part of academic and professional writing. The Modern Language Association (MLA) is a popular citation style used in various fields, including literature, language, and humanities. In this article, we’ll discuss how to use quotation in MLA format and provide some tips to help you improve your writing skills.
What is MLA Format?
MLA format is a citation style developed by the Modern Language Association. It is commonly used in the humanities, especially in literature and language courses. MLA format provides guidelines for writers to create accurate citations, headers, and works cited pages.
Why is MLA Format Important?
MLA format is important because it helps writers avoid plagiarism, which is a serious academic offense. By using MLA format, writers are giving credit to the original source of information, ideas, and quotes. Additionally, MLA format helps readers locate the sources used in a paper or article.
Quoting in MLA Format
When quoting in MLA format, writers must use quotation marks and provide the author’s name and page number in parentheses. For example:
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page” (Saint Augustine 27).
The quotation marks indicate the exact words of the author, while the parentheses indicate the source of the quote. It’s important to note that the period comes after the parentheses, not before.
Question: Can I Use Ellipses in MLA Quotes?
Yes, you can use ellipses in MLA quotes to indicate that you’ve omitted words from the original quote. For example:
“To be or not to be, that is the question…Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune…” (Shakespeare 3.1.64-68).
The ellipses indicate that some words have been removed from the original quote, but the meaning remains intact.
Using Block Quotes in MLA Format
Block quotes are used for quotations that are longer than four lines. In MLA format, block quotes should be indented one inch from the left margin and double-spaced. For example:
“If music be the food of love, play on; Give me excess of it, that, surfeiting, The appetite may sicken, and so die” (Shakespeare 1.1.1-3).
Note that block quotes do not require quotation marks, but the author’s name and page number should still be provided in parentheses at the end of the quote.
Question: Do I Need to Include the Entire Quote in a Block Quote?
No, you don’t need to include the entire quote in a block quote. However, you should make sure that the meaning of the original quote is not changed by the omission. Use ellipses to indicate that words have been removed from the original quote.
Conclusion
Quoting in MLA format is an important skill for writers to master. By following the guidelines provided in this article, you can create accurate and effective quotations in your writing. Remember to always give credit to the original source and be consistent with your citation style.
Question: Where Can I Find More Information About MLA Format?
You can find more information about MLA format on the Modern Language Association’s website or in the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers.
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