Mastering MLA paraphrasing citations is essential for academic integrity and scholarly credibility. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about properly citing paraphrased material in MLA format, from basic principles to nuanced situations.
Understanding the Fundamentals of MLA Paraphrasing Citations
When you paraphrase in MLA style, you restate someone else’s ideas in your own words while giving proper credit. This requires:
- In-text citation with author’s last name and page number (when available)
- Complete source entry in the Works Cited page
- No quotation marks (since you’re using your own words)
- Clear indication of where paraphrased content begins and ends
Basic MLA In-Text Citation Format for Paraphrased Content
The standard format for in-text citations when paraphrasing is straightforward:
(Author's Last Name Page Number)
Example:
Recent research suggests that daily meditation can significantly reduce stress hormones in the bloodstream (Johnson 42).
Signal Phrases: Integrating Author Names in Your Text
You can incorporate the author’s name directly into your sentence, which creates a smoother reading experience:
Example with signal phrase:
According to Johnson, daily meditation practices can significantly reduce stress hormones in the bloodstream (42).
Note that when the author’s name appears in the signal phrase, only the page number appears in parentheses.
Citation Variations for Different Source Types
Multiple Authors
For sources with two authors, include both last names:
Example:
Climate modeling indicates more frequent extreme weather events in the coming decades (Rivera and Thompson 87).
For sources with three or more authors, use the first author followed by “et al.”:
Example:
New teaching methodologies have shown promising results in diverse classroom settings (Martinez et al. 112).
No Page Numbers
For electronic sources without page numbers, use the author’s name only:
Example:
Digital literacy has become increasingly important for career advancement in technical fields (Ramirez).
If the source includes paragraph numbers or section headings, you may use these instead:
Example:
The study reveals significant disparities in healthcare access among rural populations (García, para. 15).
No Author
For sources without an author, use a shortened version of the title:
Example:
Recent economic analyses predict continued market volatility through the next fiscal quarter (“Global Markets” 4).
Multiple Works by the Same Author
When citing multiple works by the same author, include a shortened title to distinguish between sources:
Example:
Urban green spaces provide significant mental health benefits beyond their environmental value (Taylor, “City Parks” 45), while also potentially increasing property values in surrounding neighborhoods (Taylor, “Urban Economics” 128).
Paraphrasing Multiple Consecutive Sentences from the Same Source
When paraphrasing several consecutive sentences from the same source, MLA guidelines recommend indicating this relationship clearly:
Example:
Johnson’s research on meditation reveals multiple physiological benefits. Practitioners experience reduced cortisol levels, lower blood pressure, and improved immune response. These changes appear to be cumulative, with long-term practitioners showing more pronounced effects (45-46).
Notice that the citation appears only at the end of the paraphrased section, but it’s clear that all three sentences draw from Johnson’s work on pages 45-46.
Integrating Paraphrases with Direct Quotes
Effective academic writing often combines paraphrasing with selective quotation:
Example:
Williams argues that sustainable agriculture practices can significantly reduce environmental impact while maintaining crop yields. She emphasizes that “the transition to sustainable methods requires initial investment but produces long-term economic benefits” that often offset implementation costs within three growing seasons (78).
Common MLA Paraphrasing Citation Mistakes to Avoid
1. Incomplete Attribution
Incorrect: Studies show meditation reduces stress hormones (42).
Correct: Studies show meditation reduces stress hormones (Johnson 42).
2. Inconsistent Author Naming
Incorrect: Dr. Robert Johnson suggests meditation reduces stress (42). Johnson also found improvements in sleep quality (43).
Correct: Johnson suggests meditation reduces stress (42). He also found improvements in sleep quality (43).
3. Unclear Paraphrase Boundaries
Unclear: Sustainable agriculture practices reduce environmental impact. They also maintain crop yields while providing economic benefits. Farmers often see returns within three seasons (Williams 78).
Clear: According to Williams, sustainable agriculture practices reduce environmental impact while maintaining crop yields and providing economic benefits. Farmers often see returns within three seasons (78).
4. Missing Works Cited Entry
Every source cited in-text must have a corresponding complete entry in your Works Cited page.
Advanced MLA Paraphrasing Citation Techniques
Indirect Sources (Quotation within a Source)
When paraphrasing an idea that your source attributes to another author:
Example:
According to Einstein’s theory, as cited by Hawking, space and time form a unified four-dimensional structure influenced by gravity (Hawking 45).
Institutional or Group Authors
When paraphrasing sources from organizations:
Example:
Recent statistics indicate increased vaccination rates in southern states (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 12).
For organizations with lengthy names that you cite frequently, you may use abbreviations after the first citation:
First citation:
Recent data shows improving water quality in rehabilitated wetlands (Environmental Protection Agency 34).
Subsequent citation:
However, several contamination hotspots remain problematic (EPA 36).
MLA Paraphrasing Citation Checklist
Use this checklist to ensure your paraphrasing citations follow MLA guidelines:
- Have you retained the original meaning while using your own words and sentence structure?
- Does each paraphrase include the author’s last name and page number (when available)?
- Have you made it clear where the paraphrased material begins and ends?
- Are signal phrases used effectively to introduce sources?
- Does every in-text citation have a corresponding Works Cited entry?
- Have you avoided quotation marks around paraphrased content?
- Are citations for different types of sources formatted correctly?
Conclusion
Mastering MLA paraphrasing citations is an essential academic skill that demonstrates your scholarly integrity and attention to detail. By following the guidelines in this comprehensive guide, you’ll ensure your paraphrased content is properly attributed while seamlessly integrating others’ ideas into your own writing. Remember that effective paraphrasing goes beyond merely changing words—it involves thoroughly understanding the original material and restating it in your unique voice while giving appropriate credit to your sources.
