How to Fix MLA 9 Citation Errors: Common Mistakes Guide

Introduction

If you have ever stared at a Works Cited entry and thought, “I did this last time, why is it still wrong,” you are not alone. MLA citation errors have a way of repeating themselves, even when you are careful. One small slip, like flipping the wrong author name or using initials without noticing, can lead to grade deductions, frustrating comments in the margins, and a lingering feeling that the rules are changing when you are not looking. This guide is here to help you fix MLA mistakes without turning citation work into a guessing game.

Although this is an APA style citation guide in format and organization, its purpose is practical, it shows you how to identify and correct common MLA errors quickly and consistently. You will learn a repeatable method for catching errors before you submit, so MLA error prevention becomes part of your drafting process instead of a last minute scramble.

You will start with the issues that cause the most confusion, author formatting. In MLA 9, you should use full first names, not initials, and you should invert only the first author’s name, for example, Last, First Middle. If your source has two authors, MLA uses the word “and,” not an ampersand, and the second author stays in normal order. If your source has three or more authors, you list the first author and then add “et al.” only, without inserting extra names before it. If there is no author, you do not add placeholders like “Anonymous” or “n.d.” Instead, you begin with the title, and you still format that title correctly based on whether it is a short work or a complete work.

As you move through the guide, you will see side by side “wrong versus fixed” examples, quick checklists for spotting repeated errors, and practical tips for avoiding the most common MLA errors when you are tired, rushed, or working from messy notes. The goal is not to make you memorize rules, it is to give you a clear workflow that helps you correct MLA citation errors with confidence and keep your focus on your writing.

Understanding MLA 9th Edition

Core philosophy of fixing MLA 9 citation errors

MLA 9 citations are built on a simple idea, cite what you used in a way that helps a reader find it quickly. When you fix MLA citation errors, you are usually correcting one of two problems.

1. Identity problems, the citation does not clearly show who created the work, what the work is called, and what it belongs to.
2. Navigation problems, the citation does not clearly show where the work appears, who published it, when it was published, and how to locate it.

MLA 9 is designed to be consistent across many source types, books, articles, web pages, videos, podcasts, and more. Instead of memorizing a different rigid template for every source, MLA uses a flexible system that prioritizes the most useful details. That is why the same core logic applies when you fix errors. You confirm the author, confirm the title, then confirm the container information.

Why the rules matter

Errors in MLA citations are not just “formatting mistakes.” They can create real confusion.

• Using initials instead of full first names can make an author hard to identify, especially when multiple writers share a last name and first initial. MLA 9 emphasizes full first names for clarity and respect for the author’s identity. This aligns with Rule MLA9-R1.1.
• Failing to invert the first author’s name can break alphabetizing in the Works Cited list, which makes sources harder to scan. This aligns with Rule MLA9-R1.2.
• Misformatting multiple authors can misrepresent authorship. MLA’s two-author and three-or-more author rules are designed to keep citations readable and consistent. This aligns with Rules MLA9-R1.3 and MLA9-R1.4.
• Using placeholders like “Anonymous” or “n.d.” introduces information that is not actually part of the source and can mislead readers. MLA 9 prefers starting with the title if there is no author. This aligns with Rule MLA9-R1.5.

When you fix a citation, you are not only meeting style requirements. You are improving accuracy, fairness to creators, and the reader’s ability to verify your research.

The MLA container system, the backbone of many fixes

The container system is the most important concept for understanding MLA citations. A container is the larger whole that holds the work you are citing.

• A poem can be inside an anthology.
• An article can be inside a journal.
• A video can be inside a YouTube channel page.
• A news story can be inside a newspaper’s website.

MLA often uses two containers because many works sit inside more than one larger structure.

• An article (work) is inside a journal (container 1), which is inside a database (container 2).
• A TV episode (work) is inside a series (container 1), which is inside a streaming platform (container 2).

How the container idea helps you fix errors

When a citation looks wrong, ask two questions.

1. What is the work I am citing? This is often the title in quotation marks for a short work, like an article, chapter, or episode.
2. Where does it live? That is the container, often italicized, like a journal title, book title, website name, or platform name.

Many MLA errors happen because writers mix up the work and the container. For example, they italicize the article title instead of the journal title, or they treat a website name as the title of the page.

A practical way to fix container mistakes is to rewrite the citation in parts.

• Start with the author element.
• Add the title of the work.
• Add the title of the container in italics.
• Add publication details and location details, like publisher, date, page range, URL, or DOI.

Author rules that commonly drive citation fixes

The rules you provided focus on authorship, which is often the first place MLA errors appear.

Full first names, not initials (MLA9-R1.1)

MLA 9 requires full first names when they are available in the source. Initials like “T.” or “T. E.” are common in other styles, but MLA emphasizes clarity.

• Correct: Morrison, Toni.
• Incorrect: Morrison, T.

Invert only the first author (MLA9-R1.2 and MLA9-R1.3)

In Works Cited entries, invert the first author so the list can be alphabetized by last name.

• One author: Last, First.
• Two authors: First author inverted, second author normal order, joined by and.

Three or more authors, use et al. (MLA9-R1.4)

To keep citations readable, list only the first author, then add et al. Do not list extra names before et al.

• Correct: Nickels, William, et al.
• Incorrect: Nickels, William, Smith, John, et al.

No author, start with the title (MLA9-R1.5)

If there is no author, do not invent one. Start with the title of the work. Also avoid “n.d.” and “Anonymous.”

Examples of fixing MLA citation errors using the container system

Example 1, fixing initials and first author inversion

Incorrect (common error):
Morrison, T. “Recitatif.” The Norton Anthology of American Literature, edited by Robert S. Levine, W. W. Norton, 2017, pp. 1234-1250.

What is wrong and why it matters
- “T.” uses an initial, which violates MLA9-R1.1. A reader may not easily confirm which Morrison is meant.
- The rest of the entry shows a clear container, the anthology, which is good.

Correct (MLA 9 formatting):
Morrison, Toni. “Recitatif.” The Norton Anthology of American Literature, edited by Robert S. Levine, W. W. Norton, 2017, pp. 1234-1250.

How the container system helped
- The work is the short story, “Recitatif,” so it stays in quotation marks.
- The container is the anthology, so it is italicized.
- Once the container is correctly identified, the main fix is the author element, using the full first name.

Example 2, fixing two authors, ampersand, and second author inversion

Incorrect (common error):
Garcia, Maria, & Patel, Sanjay. “Urban Heat Islands and Public Health.” Environmental Research Letters, 2022, pp. 44-61.

What is wrong and why it matters
- MLA uses and, not “&” (MLA9-R1.3).
- The second author should not be inverted in a two-author entry (MLA9-R1.3). Inverting both names makes the authorship pattern inconsistent and harder to scan quickly.

Correct (MLA 9 formatting):
Garcia, Maria, and Sanjay Patel. “Urban Heat Islands and Public Health.” Environmental Research Letters, 2022, pp. 44-61.

How the container system helped
- The work is the article title, so it is in quotation marks.
- The container is the journal, so it is italicized.
- Once the work and container are correct, the author formatting is the key fix.

Example 3, fixing no author and removing placeholders

Incorrect (common error):
Anonymous. “Climate Change Effects.” Nature Today, 5 May 2024, www.naturetoday.org/climate-change-effects.

What is wrong and why it matters
- “Anonymous” is a placeholder and violates MLA9-R1.5. It suggests authorship that the source does not claim.
- In MLA, if there is no author, the title becomes the first element. This keeps the Works Cited honest and searchable.

Correct (MLA 9 formatting):
“Climate Change Effects.” Nature Today, 5 May 2024, www.naturetoday.org/climate-change-effects.

How the container system helped
- The work is the web page, so the page title is in quotation marks.
- The container is the website name, Nature Today, so it is italicized.
- With no author, you begin with the title and proceed normally.

Practical tips and common pitfalls when fixing citations

Practical tips

• Copy the author name from the source itself, then expand initials to full first names if the full name is available elsewhere on the same source, like an author bio page.
• Identify the work versus the container before formatting. If it is a short part of something larger, the short part is usually in quotation marks.
• Check the number of authors first. The author rule changes at two authors and again at three or more.
• Use “et al.” only after the first author when there are three or more authors. Keep the comma before et al.

Common pitfalls

• Inverting every author name. Only the first author is inverted in MLA Works Cited entries.
• Using “&” instead of “and.” MLA requires the word “and.”
• Adding “n.d.” or “Anonymous.” If there is no author, start with the title.
• Confusing the page title with the website name. This is one of the most frequent container errors in web citations.

Summary, how to think like an MLA 9 citation editor

To fix MLA 9 citation errors efficiently, work in a consistent order. Confirm the author formatting rules first, especially full first names and correct handling of multiple authors. Then apply the container system to ensure the work and its larger source are clearly separated and correctly styled. This approach prevents most citation problems and produces Works Cited entries that are accurate, readable, and easy for a reader to follow.

Author Formatting Rules

Overview, why author formatting matters in MLA 9

In MLA 9, the author element does more than name a person. It helps readers quickly identify who created the work, it supports ethical credit, and it allows your Works Cited list to be alphabetized consistently. MLA relies on a predictable pattern so that a reader can scan citations and find the author quickly, especially in long reference lists.

Author formatting rules also affect in-text citations. If the Works Cited entry begins with a particular author form, your in-text citation usually points back to that same author name. When names are inconsistent, it becomes harder for a reader to match your in-text citations to the correct Works Cited entry.

The core MLA 9 author rules you asked about are these:

• Use full first names, not initials.
• Invert the first author’s name, Last, First Middle.
• For two authors, use “and” between names, and do not invert the second author.
• For three or more authors, list the first author only, then add “et al.”

Use full first names, not initials

What to do

In MLA 9, use the author’s full first name when you have it. This means you should write “Morrison, Toni” rather than “Morrison, T.” If a middle name is available, you may include it, but do not reduce it to an initial if you are following the full-name approach described in your rules.

Why it matters

Full first names reduce confusion. Initials can blur identities, especially when multiple authors share a last name and first initial. Using full names also improves clarity for readers who want to locate the author’s other works.

Practical tips

• Look at the title page of a book, the byline of an article, or the author information on a website. Use the name as presented there, but apply MLA punctuation and order.
• If a source lists a name with initials only and you cannot find the full name reliably, do not guess. Use what the source provides, but when your guide requires full names, prioritize trustworthy places to confirm it, such as the publisher page or the author’s official site.

Common pitfalls

• Using initials out of habit, especially for academic articles.
• Abbreviating a middle name when your guide expects full names.

Invert the first author’s name, “Last, First Middle”

What to do

For the first author listed in a Works Cited entry, invert the name so it begins with the last name, followed by a comma, then the full first name, and then the middle name if used.

Pattern: Last name, First name Middle name

This inversion is standard in MLA because it makes alphabetizing straightforward. Your Works Cited list is organized by the first element of each entry, often the author’s last name.

Why it matters

Inversion is not just a style choice. It is a sorting tool. If everyone follows the same pattern, a reader can find “Smith” under S without needing to know the author’s first name.

Common pitfalls

• Writing the name in normal order, First Last, for the first author.
• Inverting every author in a multi-author entry, which MLA does not do for two-author works.

Two authors, use “and,” second author not inverted

What to do

When a work has two authors, list the first author in inverted order, then add a comma, then the word “and,” then the second author in normal order.

Pattern: Last, First, and First Last

Use the word and, not an ampersand.

Why it matters

This format balances two needs. It keeps the entry alphabetized by the first author’s last name, and it keeps the second author’s name readable in its natural order. Using “and” also signals clearly that there are exactly two authors.

Common pitfalls

• Using “&” instead of “and.”
• Inverting the second author’s name, which is incorrect in MLA.
• Omitting “and,” which can make the author list confusing.

Three or more authors, use “et al.” after the first author

What to do

When a source has three or more authors, list only the first author, inverted, then add a comma and et al. Do not list the second and third authors before “et al.”

Pattern: Last, First, et al.

“Et al.” is short for a Latin phrase meaning “and others.” In MLA, it is a practical way to avoid long author lists while still giving clear credit.

Why it matters

Many academic sources have long author lists. MLA’s “et al.” rule keeps citations readable and consistent. It also keeps the Works Cited list from becoming cluttered, which helps your reader focus on the key identifying information.

Common pitfalls

• Listing additional authors and then adding “et al.” anyway.
• Using initials for the first author, which weakens clarity.
• Forgetting the comma before “et al.”

Examples with explanations (correct formatting)

Example 1, one author, full first name and inversion

Correct author element:
Morrison, Toni

Why it is correct:
- The first author is inverted, Morrison comes first.
- The first name is written in full, Toni, not an initial.
- The format supports alphabetizing under M.

Common incorrect versions and what is wrong:
- Morrison, T.
Problem: uses an initial instead of a full first name.
- Toni Morrison
Problem: not inverted, so it does not fit MLA Works Cited sorting.

Example 2, two authors, “and,” second author in normal order

Correct author element:
Garcia, Maria, and Sanjay Patel

Why it is correct:
- The first author is inverted, Garcia, Maria.
- The word “and” connects the two names.
- The second author is not inverted, Sanjay Patel appears in normal order.
- This keeps the entry alphabetized by Garcia while still presenting Patel clearly.

Common incorrect versions and what is wrong:
- Garcia, Maria, & Sanjay Patel
Problem: uses an ampersand instead of “and.”
- Garcia, Maria and Patel, Sanjay
Problem: second author incorrectly inverted.
- Garcia, Maria, Patel, Sanjay
Problem: missing “and,” which makes the relationship unclear.

Example 3, three or more authors, first author plus “et al.”

Correct author element:
Nickels, William, et al.

Why it is correct:
- The first author is inverted, Nickels, William.
- The comma appears before “et al.”
- No additional authors are listed before “et al.,” which matches MLA’s simplification rule.
- The first name is not reduced to an initial, which supports clarity.

Common incorrect versions and what is wrong:
- Nickels, William, Smith, John, et al.
Problem: lists extra authors before “et al.”
- Nickels, W., et al.
Problem: uses an initial instead of the full first name.

Practical tips for getting author names right

• Copy carefully from an authoritative location. For books, use the title page rather than the cover. For articles, use the byline and the journal record if available.
• Be consistent across your Works Cited list. If you use full first names for one entry, do the same for all entries where information is available.
• Watch punctuation. The comma after the last name in the first author is essential. The comma before “et al.” is also essential.
• Do not “improve” a name. If an author publishes under a particular form of their name, use that form, then apply MLA order and punctuation.

Quick checklist

• One author: Last, First Middle (full first name, no initials).
• Two authors: Last, First, and First Last (use “and,” no ampersand, second name not inverted).
• Three or more authors: Last, First, et al. (first author only, then “et al.”).

If you want, share one or two of your sources’ author lines as they appear on the page, and I can show the exact MLA 9 author formatting you should use for each.

Title and Source Formatting

MLA 9 Title Formatting, What to Capitalize, What to Italicize, What to Put in Quotation Marks

In MLA 9, titles do more than identify a source. They also signal what kind of source it is and how it fits into a larger work. MLA uses two main tools for titles, Title Case capitalization and formatting that shows a title’s “size” or role. You use italics for complete, stand alone works, and quotation marks for shorter works that appear inside a larger container. Using the correct style helps readers quickly understand what you cited and where to find it.

MLA 9 title rules apply across source types, books, articles, web pages, films, and more. Consistency matters because MLA citations are designed to be scanned quickly. When titles follow the same rules every time, your Works Cited list becomes easier to read, and your citation looks credible and professional.

Title Case Capitalization in MLA 9 (Rule MLA9-R2.1)

MLA 9 requires Title Case for all titles. This includes titles of books, articles, web pages, journals, films, and websites. Title Case means you capitalize the first word, the last word, and all major words in between.

What counts as a “major word”

Capitalize:
- Nouns (History, Climate, Students)
- Pronouns (They, Our, Who)
- Verbs (Is, Run, Writing)
- Adjectives (Modern, Reluctant, Global)
- Adverbs (Quickly, Strongly, Often)
- Subordinating conjunctions in many cases (Because, Although, While), treat them as major words in MLA Title Case practice

Lowercase unless they are the first or last word:
- Articles: a, an, the
- Coordinating conjunctions: and, but, or, nor, for, so, yet
- Prepositions: in, on, of, to, at, by, for, with, over, under, between, etc.

Small but important detail

Even if the last word is a preposition, capitalize it because it is the last word. For example, “The Place We Came From” capitalizes “From.”

Why Title Case matters

Title Case is not decoration. It is a standard that signals MLA formatting. Using sentence case, like “The impact of climate change,” can make a citation look incorrect even if every other element is right. It also makes your Works Cited list less consistent, which makes it harder for a reader to skim.

Italics for Complete Works (Rule MLA9-R2.3)

Use italics for complete, stand alone works. These are works that exist independently and often function as containers for smaller pieces.

Common items in italics:
- Books
- Journal titles (the name of the journal, not the article)
- Website names (the name of the overall site)
- Films
- TV series (the series title)

Italics tell the reader, “This is the whole thing.” In MLA’s container system, the italicized title is often the container that holds a shorter work.

Why italics matter

Italics help distinguish between the part and the whole. If you italicize an article title by mistake, you imply that the article is a complete work rather than a piece inside a journal or website. That can confuse readers and weaken the clarity of your citation.

Quotation Marks for Shorter Works (Rule MLA9-R2.2)

Use quotation marks for shorter works that are part of a larger whole. These items do not stand alone in the same way a book or film does. They usually appear inside a container such as a journal, book, website, or TV series.

Common items in quotation marks:
- Journal articles
- Chapters in a book
- Web pages on a website
- Poems (when published as part of a collection or on a site)
- Short stories
- TV episodes

Quotation marks tell the reader, “This is a piece within something bigger.”

Why quotation marks matter

Quotation marks make the structure of the source clear. Readers can tell that they should look for the shorter title inside a larger title. This becomes especially important with online sources, where a web page title and a website name can look similar unless formatted correctly.

Never Use Both Italics and Quotation Marks for the Same Title (Rule MLA9-R2.4)

In MLA 9, you do not combine italics and quotation marks on the same title. Doing both is redundant and incorrect.

Incorrect examples:
- "Book Title"
- "Article Title"

Correct approach:
- Choose italics for a complete work.
- Choose quotation marks for a shorter work inside a container.

Why this rule matters

Double formatting often happens when writers try to add emphasis. MLA formatting is not about emphasis, it is about meaning. The formatting tells the reader what kind of source it is.

Examples With Detailed Explanations (Correct Formatting)

Example 1, Journal article inside a journal (short work inside a container)

Correct formatting in a Works Cited entry (showing title formatting only):
- “Modern Storytelling.” Journal of Modern Arts.

Explanation:
- “Modern Storytelling” is the article title, so it is in quotation marks and Title Case.
- Journal of Modern Arts is the journal name, a complete work and container, so it is italicized and in Title Case.
- This combination helps the reader understand the article is found within the journal.

Common pitfall:
- Writing Modern Storytelling as if it were a stand alone publication. That incorrectly signals it is a complete work.

Example 2, Chapter in a book (short work inside a container)

Correct formatting (title formatting only):
- “Talk to Me: Engaging Reluctant Writers.” Teaching Writing in High School.

Explanation:
- The chapter title is in quotation marks because it is part of a larger book.
- The book title is italicized because the book is a complete work.
- The colon stays, and both sides follow Title Case. “Talk,” “Me,” “Engaging,” “Reluctant,” and “Writers” are capitalized because they are major words.

Common pitfall:
- Capitalizing small words incorrectly, for example writing “Talk To Me,” where “to” should be lowercase because it is a preposition and not the first or last word.

Example 3, Web page on a website (short work inside a container)

Correct formatting (title formatting only):
- “The Impact of Climate Change.” National Geographic.

Explanation:
- The web page title is in quotation marks because it is one page within a larger website.
- The website name is italicized because it is the complete site, which functions as the container.
- Both titles use Title Case. “of” is lowercase because it is a preposition and not the first or last word.

Common pitfall:
- Treating the web page like a complete work and italicizing it, or forgetting quotation marks entirely.

Practical Tips for Getting MLA 9 Titles Right

Tip 1, Ask “Is it stand alone?”

A quick test:
- If it can exist by itself as the whole publication or production, use italics.
- If it is a part within a larger work, use quotation marks.

Tip 2, Identify the container

Many MLA citations have at least one container. Often:
- The shorter work is in quotation marks.
- The container is italicized.

This is especially helpful for articles, chapters, and web pages.

Tip 3, Check the first and last word for capitalization

Even if the first or last word is a small word like “the,” “and,” or “of,” capitalize it when it appears at the beginning or end of the title.

Tip 4, Do not add formatting for emphasis

MLA formatting is functional. Avoid mixing italics and quotation marks to “make it stand out.” Use the correct format only.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Using sentence case instead of Title Case, for example “The impact of climate change.”
• Italicizing an article or web page title instead of putting it in quotation marks.
• Putting a book title in quotation marks instead of italics.
• Using both italics and quotation marks on the same title.
• Capitalizing every word, including articles and prepositions, which is not MLA Title Case.

Why These Rules Matter in an MLA 9 Citation Guide

MLA title formatting improves accuracy and readability. It also supports MLA’s goal, helping readers locate sources efficiently. When your titles use Title Case and the correct italics or quotation marks, your citations communicate structure at a glance. That structure shows whether a source is a whole work or a part of something larger, and it reduces confusion for anyone checking your research.

If you want, I can provide a quick checklist you can paste into your citation guide, or I can format a few full Works Cited entries using your specific sources.

Dates, Publishers, and Locations

MLA 9 date formatting, what it is and why it matters

In MLA 9, dates are not decoration. They help readers identify the exact version of a source, especially when content changes over time or when multiple editions exist. MLA also uses a consistent order for citation elements. If you place the date in the wrong spot, your Works Cited entry can become confusing or misleading, even if the information is technically present.

MLA date rules often feel strict because they support two goals.

• Clarity, readers can quickly see when something was published.
• Consistency, citations follow the same sequence across many source types.

The key MLA 9 ideas you asked about are these: the Day Month Year format for specific dates, the placement of the date after the publisher, how to format URLs without http:// or https://, and how to format DOIs.

1) Date placement in MLA 9, after the publisher

The rule

In MLA 9, the date belongs in the publication sequence after the publisher and before page numbers or a URL. This applies broadly across source types.

This matches MLA 9 guidance that the date follows the publisher in the standard entry order. A common mistake is to treat MLA like APA and put the year right after the author. MLA does not do that.

Correct order (simplified)

Author. Title. Container, Publisher, Date, Location.

• “Location” might be page numbers for print sources, or a URL or DOI for online sources.

Common pitfalls

• Putting the date after the author, often in parentheses.
• Putting the date after page numbers or after the URL.
• Using parentheses around the date.

Mini example of correct placement

Publisher, 2024, pp. 45-58.

This shows the date immediately after the publisher, then the page range.

2) Day Month Year format for specific dates

When to use Day Month Year

Use Day Month Year when the source gives a specific publication date, which is common for:

• Websites and web pages
• Newspaper articles
• Magazine articles
• Journal articles that list a full date (some only list a year)

The format

MLA 9 uses:

Day Month Year, with the month abbreviated, and no comma.

Examples of correct dates:
- 5 Feb. 2024
- 28 Dec. 2025

Examples of incorrect dates:
- Feb. 5, 2024, this is U.S. style and includes a comma.
- 2024-02-05, this is ISO style, not MLA.

Month abbreviations to use

MLA’s standard abbreviations are:

Jan., Feb., Mar., Apr., May, June, July, Aug., Sept., Oct., Nov., Dec.

Practical tip: May, June, and July are not abbreviated in MLA.

3) Year only format, when a full date is not provided

Many sources only provide a year. Books and films commonly fall into this category. In MLA 9, you write the year as a simple number, followed by a period in the Works Cited entry.

Correct:
- 2024.

Incorrect:
- (2024), MLA does not use parentheses around the year in Works Cited entries.

Practical tip: If a database record shows a full date but the item itself only clearly identifies a year, use the most reliable date information tied to the source you are citing.

4) No date available, omit the date entirely

If you cannot find a publication date, MLA 9 tells you to omit the date element. Do not insert a placeholder such as “n.d.” MLA does not use that.

Correct approach:
- Author. Title. Publisher, URL.

Incorrect approach:
- Publisher, n.d., URL.

Practical tip: Before deciding there is no date, check common places where dates hide, such as the page footer, “About” pages, a PDF cover page, or a “Last updated” line.

5) Access dates, when and how to add them

When to include an access date

Access dates are optional in MLA 9, but they are recommended for online content that changes frequently, such as:

• Wikis
• Dynamic databases
• News pages that may be updated
• Pages without a clear publication date

How to format an access date

Place it at the end of the entry using:

Accessed Day Month Year.

Example:
Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.

Common pitfalls:
- Writing the access date in the wrong format, such as “Dec. 28, 2025.”
- Forgetting the word “Accessed.”
- Placing the access date before the URL.

6) URLs in MLA 9, remove http:// and https://

The rule

In MLA 9, you generally include the URL, but you remove the protocol.

Use:
- example.com/article

Not:
- https://example.com/article
- http://example.com/article

This improves readability and keeps citations consistent. MLA focuses on the stable part of the web address.

Practical tips:
- Keep the rest of the URL as given, including subdirectories and identifiers.
- If a URL is extremely long because of tracking parameters, use a cleaner stable URL when possible, especially for academic databases that provide a “permalink” or “stable URL.”

7) DOI formatting in MLA 9

A DOI is often better than a URL for academic articles because it is designed to be permanent.

How to present a DOI

In MLA 9, present a DOI as a URL beginning with doi.org/.

Example format:
doi.org/10.xxxx/xxxxx

Practical tip: If your database lists a DOI as 10.xxxx/xxxxx, convert it to the doi.org/ form for a clean MLA presentation.

Examples with detailed explanations (correct MLA 9 formatting)

Example 1, Website page with a specific date and an access date

Works Cited entry (correct):
Smith, Jordan. “How Coastal Cities Prepare for Flooding.” Climate Policy Weekly, Greenline Media, 5 Feb. 2024, climatepolicyweekly.org/coastal-cities-flooding. Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.

Why this is correct

• Date format is Day Month Year, “5 Feb. 2024,” with no comma.
• Date placement is after the publisher, “Greenline Media, 5 Feb. 2024,” which matches MLA’s publication sequence.
• URL is included without https://.
• Access date appears at the end and uses the correct wording and format, “Accessed 28 Dec. 2025.”

Common mistake to avoid

Do not write: Feb. 5, 2024, or place the access date before the URL.

Example 2, Journal article with a DOI (best practice for scholarly sources)

Works Cited entry (correct):
Patel, Rina, and Marcus Lee. “Microplastics in Freshwater Systems: A Ten Year Review.” Journal of Environmental Research, vol. 42, no. 3, Riverbend University Press, 2024, pp. 155-178. doi.org/10.1234/jer.2024.04203.

Why this is correct

• The article’s publication date is a year only, so MLA uses “2024,” not a full date.
• The date comes after the publisher, “Riverbend University Press, 2024,” then page numbers follow.
• The DOI is placed in the location slot at the end, formatted as doi.org/....

Common mistake to avoid

Do not put the year after the authors, and do not format the DOI as “DOI: 10.1234/...” if you can provide the doi.org form.

Example 3, Web source with no publication date

Works Cited entry (correct):
Nguyen, Alina. “Understanding Carbon Offsets.” Earth Economics Library, Earth Economics Institute, eartheconomics.org/library/carbon-offsets. Accessed 5 Feb. 2024.

Why this is correct

• There is no date element, because no publication date is available. MLA does not use “n.d.”
• The URL is included without http:// or https://.
• The access date is helpful here because undated web pages can change, and it tells readers when you viewed the content.

Common mistake to avoid

Do not insert “n.d.” after the publisher, and do not place the access date before the URL.

Practical tips and quick checklist

Quick checklist for MLA 9 dates and links

• Use Day Month Year for specific dates, like 5 Feb. 2024.
• Abbreviate months correctly, and do not add commas inside the date.
• Put the date after the publisher, then follow with pages or a URL or DOI.
• Use year only when that is all the source provides, and do not use parentheses.
• If there is no date, omit it. Do not use “n.d.”
• Remove http:// and https:// from URLs.
• Prefer a DOI when available, formatted as doi.org/....
• Add Accessed Day Month Year at the end when content changes or when no date is listed.

These rules matter because they make your Works Cited entries predictable and easy to scan. That consistency helps instructors and readers verify sources quickly, and it reduces ambiguity about when and where information appeared.

In-Text Citations

What MLA 9 in-text citations do

MLA 9 in-text citations tell readers two things quickly.

1. Who is responsible for the information or words you used.
2. Where to find the exact place in the source.

In-text citations work together with your Works Cited page. The in-text citation points to the first element of the matching Works Cited entry, which is usually the author’s last name. This connection matters because it lets readers verify your evidence, follow your research trail, and see what is quoted, summarized, or paraphrased.

MLA has two main ways to place in-text citations.

• Parenthetical citations, which put the citation in parentheses near the end of the sentence.
• Narrative citations, which name the author in the sentence and put only the page number in parentheses, when a page number exists.

Both methods follow the same core rule, keep the citation brief and consistent so the reader can stay focused on your writing.

Parenthetical citations in MLA 9

Basic author page format

The most common MLA 9 in-text citation uses author and page number.

• Format: (LastName PageNumber)
• Important: No comma between author and page number.
• Important: Do not use p. or pp. in MLA in-text citations.

Correct:
- (Morrison 42)

Incorrect:
- (Morrison, 42)
- (Morrison, p. 42)
- (Morrison pp. 42-44)

This rule matters because MLA aims for a clean, minimal signal that matches the Works Cited entry. Adding extra labels like p. or pp. slows the reader down and creates inconsistency.

Where the parenthetical citation goes

In most cases, place the parenthetical citation at the end of the sentence, before the period.

Example pattern:
- Your sentence ends here (Author 23).

If the citation applies to a quotation, the citation usually comes after the quotation marks and before the period.

Example pattern:
- “Quoted words go here” (Author 23).

Narrative citations in MLA 9

A narrative citation names the author in your sentence. Then you include the page number in parentheses, if a page number exists.

• Format: AuthorName says something (PageNumber).
• Key idea: If the author is already in the sentence, do not repeat it in parentheses.

This approach matters because it can make your writing smoother. It also helps you emphasize the researcher or speaker when that is important to your point.

Example pattern:
- Morrison describes the setting as both familiar and unsettling (42).

If you name the author and you are using a source with page numbers, the parentheses typically contain only the page number.

Author page format, and why MLA does not use p. or pp. in-text

MLA 9 requires a simple author page signal.

• Correct: (Nguyen 118)
• Correct: Nguyen argues that community archives shape public memory (118).
• Incorrect: (Nguyen, p. 118)
• Incorrect: (Nguyen, 118)

This rule matters for two reasons.

1. Readability: The citation stays short and does not interrupt your sentence.
2. Consistency: MLA reserves p. and pp. for the Works Cited entry, not for in-text citations. For example, a Works Cited entry for a chapter or article may include page numbers with pp., but your in-text citation will still be just (Author 55).

Sources without page numbers, what to do in MLA 9

Many online sources do not have stable page numbers. MLA 9 still expects you to help the reader locate the information, but you should not invent page numbers.

If there are no page numbers, use the author only

If the source has an author but no page numbers, use only the author’s last name.

• Format: (LastName)

Example:
- (Garcia)

If you use a narrative citation, you may not need any parentheses at all if it is clear which source you mean.

Example:
- Garcia explains why the policy changed after 2020.

If there are no page numbers but there are other location markers

Use a locator only if it is stable and helpful to a reader. Depending on the source, that might include chapter numbers, section names, or paragraph numbers, but only when they are clearly provided in the source itself. If the source has numbered paragraphs, you can cite the paragraph number. If the source has headings, you can name the heading, especially in longer web pages.

Keep the goal in mind, help the reader find the passage again.

If there is no author

If a source has no author, MLA typically uses a shortened version of the title in the in-text citation. That title should match the first element of the Works Cited entry.

• Format: (“Shortened Title”)
• Use quotation marks for a short work such as a web page or article title.
• Use italics for a longer work such as a book or website title, depending on what appears as the first element in your Works Cited entry.

If the source also has no page numbers, you usually cite only the shortened title.

Examples with correct formatting and detailed explanations

Example 1, parenthetical citation with a print book page number

Sentence:

Sethe’s memories show how trauma can reshape a person’s sense of time and place (Morrison 42).

Why this is correct:
- The citation uses author page format: Morrison 42.
- There is no comma between Morrison and 42.
- There is no p. label.
- The citation appears before the period, which keeps punctuation clear and consistent.

Practical tip:
- Use this format for most books, articles, and PDFs that display stable page numbers.

Common pitfall:
- Writing (Morrison, 42) or (Morrison p. 42). MLA 9 does not use those forms in-text.

Example 2, narrative citation that keeps the author in the sentence

Sentence:

Morrison links personal memory to historical violence, which helps explain why the novel shifts between past and present (42).

Why this is correct:
- The author’s name appears in the sentence, so the parentheses contain only the page number.
- The page number is still necessary because it tells the reader where to find the idea in the book.

Practical tip:
- Narrative citations work well when you are discussing the author’s argument across several sentences. You can name the author once, then cite page numbers as needed.

Common pitfall:
- Repeating the author in parentheses, for example, Morrison argues this point (Morrison 42). That is not wrong, but it is often unnecessary and can feel repetitive.

Example 3, source with no page numbers, author only

Sentence:

Recent reporting connects the rise in local heat initiatives to neighborhood level organizing (Garcia).

Why this is correct:
- The source has no page numbers, so MLA 9 allows an in-text citation with only the author’s last name.
- It still points clearly to the Works Cited entry that begins with Garcia.

Practical tip:
- If you use multiple sources by authors with the same last name, you may need to add a first initial in the in-text citation to avoid confusion, for example, (A. Garcia) and (M. Garcia). Make sure your Works Cited entries support that distinction.

Common pitfall:
- Adding a page number that does not exist, or using a PDF page count that does not match what readers see.

Why these rules matter, clarity, credibility, and consistency

MLA 9 in-text citation rules matter because they protect three things.

• Clarity: Readers can tell immediately what information comes from a source.
• Credibility: Accurate citations show that your claims are grounded in evidence.
• Consistency: A consistent author page system helps readers move smoothly between your writing and the Works Cited page.

Even small punctuation choices matter in MLA style. MLA keeps in-text citations minimal, and it uses p. and pp. in Works Cited entries instead. That division of labor makes the paper easier to read.

Practical tips and common pitfalls

Tips

• Decide early whether you will use more parenthetical or more narrative citations, then stay consistent.
• Check that every in-text citation matches a Works Cited entry, and that the first element matches exactly.
• When quoting, place the citation after the quotation marks and before the period in most cases.

Common pitfalls to avoid

• Using p. or pp. in parentheses. MLA 9 does not do this.
• Adding a comma between author and page number.
• Citing the wrong number, for example, a location number from an e-reader that your reader cannot replicate.
• Forgetting that sources without page numbers still need an in-text citation, usually author only, or a shortened title if there is no author.

If you share the types of sources you are using, for example, a web article, a PDF report, or an e-book, I can model the most accurate MLA 9 in-text citation format for each one.

📚 Comprehensive Examples

❌ Common Errors to Avoid

✅ Validation Checklist

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions

🔗 Related Resources

• MLA Citation Checker
• How to Cite Books in MLA
• MLA 9th Edition Guide