This guide contains examples of common citation formats in MLA (Modern Language Association) Style, based on the 9th edition (2021) of the MLA Handbook. MLA style is widely used in the humanities, especially in writing on language and literature.

For information on the 8th edition of the MLA Handbook, see the MLA Quick Guide 8th edition.

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The 9th edition of the MLA Handbook recommends using the following core elements in every citation. If elements are missing from the source, they should be omitted from the citation.

Author.
Title of source.
Title of container,
Other contributors,
Version,
Number,
Publisher,
Publication date
Location.

Note: MLA recommends using hanging indentation for the second and subsequent lines of each entry.

For more information and examples, see the following resources