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How do I make an in-text citation?

In-text citations have two parts: the first element from the Works Cited page (usually the author's last name) AND a page number. Note that there are special cases that have different requirements.

You use an in-text citation anytime that you quote, paraphrase, or summarize someone else's work. Oftentimes when you reference someone else's work or ideas, you indicate that with a signal phrase. Using the author's name in your writing is the most common type of signal phrase. You can see many examples of signal phrases in examples below. 

Typical in-text citation

Below are three examples of direct quote citations. Paraphrasing or summarizing someone else's work follows the same format. Notice that the punctuation goes after the parenthetical citation:


1) Gillespie argued that Obama providing "clemency for nearly 2,000 nonviolent drug offenders, is insufficient to address larger structural issues" (94). 

2) Though he provided "clemency for nearly 2,000 nonviolent drug offenders," Obama's work did not always "address larger structural issues" (Gillespie 94).

3) Even though some "may take issue with how the administration approached an issue or with the outcome of an inquiry" (Gillespie 94), Obama actively sought justice for black Americans. 

Two or More Authors

When there are two authors use both names in the signal phrase or parenthesis. 

1) Vanga and Raghavan found that "nutritionally soy milk is the best alternative for replacing cow's milk in human diet" (19). 

2) Though soy milk is nutritionally the best replacement for cow milk, many object to it's flavor (Vanga and Raghavan 19). 


When there are three or more authors use only the first author's last name, replacing the others with et al. 

1) In a study conducted by Liu et al. mindfulness-based stress reduction combined with music therapy had positive outcomes for patients with osteosarcoma (544). 

2) Reduced pain, lowered anxiety, and better sleep are possible for osteosarcoma patients practicing mindfulness-based stress reduction and music therapy (Liu et al. 544). 

No Author

When there isn't a known author, use the shortened title in place of the author. 

1) Students seeking mental health services should know that by using a parent's insurance, the parent may receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) that outlines the services you've received ("Protecting Your Privacy").

Long Quote

If a quote runs more than 4 lines, indent the lines without quotations

Gillespie points to the complexities of the Obama Administrations with regards to racial inequality and topics of interest: 

Yes, President Obama does sometimes appear to have been more active in addressing racial constituencies-- including blacks--then his predecessors. Sometimes, this attentiveness was symbolic. Many times, it was substantive. Occasionally, like in the case of voting rights or police department investigations, some may take issue with how the administration approached an issue or with the outcome of an inquiry. In other instances, the action, like providing clemency for nearly 2,000 nonviolent drug offenders, is insufficient to address larger structural issues. Here, it is important to recognize the strengths and shortcomings of Obama's approach to be cognizant of the institutional constraints he faced (like the improbability of a Republican-controlled Congress passing more liberal drug sentencing laws). (94)

Note: Long quotes should have a colon unless the grammar requires a different punctuation or none at all. If you did not point to the work in your signal phrase include the authors last name and page number. The parenthesis go after the punctuation of a long quote. 

Timed Source

When citing a timed source (video, podcast, etc.), include the time stamp with hours, minutes, and seconds. 

1) Nile crocodiles have a low chance of survival with only two percent reaching adulthood ("The Nile" 00:20:49-00:20:55).  

Works Cited

Gillespie, Andra. Race and the Obama Administration: Substance, Symbols, and Hope. Manchester University Press, 2019.

Liu, Haizhi, et al. “Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Combined with Music Therapy on Pain, Anxiety, and Sleep Quality in Patients with Osteosarcoma.” Revista Brasileira de Psiquiatria, vol. 41, no. 6, Nov. 2019, pp. 540–545. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1590/1516-4446-2018-0346.

“The Nile.” Films Media Group, 2019. Films on Demand, fod.infobase.com/PortalPlaylists.aspx?wID=103350&xtid=188592.

"Protecting Your Privacy: Understanding Confidentiality." American Psychological Association, October 2019, https://www.apa.org/helpcenter/confidentiality. 

Vanga, Sai Kranthi, and Vijaya Raghavan. “How Well Do Plant Based Alternatives Fare Nutritionally Compared to Cow’s Milk?” Journal of Food Science and Technology, vol. 55, no. 1, Jan. 2018, pp. 10–20. PubMed, doi:10.1007/s13197-017-2915-y.