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Nathan D.
Nathan D.

In-Text Citation Examples Made Easy: A Practical Guide

9 min read

Published on: Jun 17, 2024

Last updated on: Jul 18, 2024

In-Text Citation Examples

Imagine writing a paper, and suddenly, you're stuck on how to add in-text citations. It's like a secret code that's tough to crack, and the fear of doing it wrong can be stressful. 

We get it – it's a real challenge.

But don't worry! This blog is here to make in-text citations simple. 

We'll provide you with a number of examples for different citation formats. By the end, you won't just understand in-text citations; you’ll have a basic understanding of creating in-text citations without any assistance.

So, don’t waste time! Let’s get started!

What is an In-Text Citation? 

In academic writing, an in-text citation is a method used to acknowledge and reference the source of information within the body of your text. 

It serves to provide brief yet essential information about the source, allowing readers to locate the complete details in the bibliography or works cited page.

Examples of Different Types of In-Text Citation

Here are examples for different types of in-text citations. These in-text citation examples are according to the common styles such as MLA and APA. 

However, the specific format might vary depending on the citation style you are required to follow (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago). 

Let's explore each one:

  1. Author-Date (Parenthetical Citation)
  • In-Text Citation: (Smith 2020)
  • Example: According to recent studies (Smith 2020),...
  1. Author-Page
  • In-Text Citation: (Jones 45)
  • Example: As discussed by Jones (45),...
  1. Narrative Citation
  • In-Text Citation Example: Johnson (2018) argues that...

APA In-Text Citation Examples

In APA style, in-text citations follow the author-date format. This means that the author's last name and the publication year are included in the citation. 

Here are examples illustrating various scenarios for in-text citation - APA 7th edition:

  1. Quoting Directly:
  • In-Text Citation: (Smith, 2019, p. 35).
  1. Multiple Authors:
  • In-Text Citation: (Johnson & Williams, 2020).
  1. Three or More Authors:
  • In-Text Citation: (Smith et al., 2018).
  1. No Page Number:
  • In-Text Citation: (Jones, 2021, para. 10).
  1. No Author (Use the Title):
  • In-Text Citation: (Title, 2017).

MLA In-Text Citation Examples

 In MLA (Modern Language Association) style, in-text citations typically include the author's last name and the page number. 

Here are various scenarios for MLA 9th edition in-text citation examples: 

  1. Quoting Directly:
  • In-Text Citation: (Smith 45).
  1. Multiple Authors:
  • In-Text Citation: (Johnson and Williams 78).
  1. Three or More Authors:
  • In-Text Citation: (Smith et al. 56).
  1. No Page Number:
  • In-Text Citation: (Jones).
  1. No Author (Use the Title):
  • In-Text Citation: (Title 34).

Chicago Style In-Text Citation Examples

In Chicago style, there are two main citation systems: the notes and bibliography system (commonly used in humanities) and the author-date system (commonly used in the sciences and social sciences). 

Here are examples for both systems:

Notes and Bibliography System

  1. Book with a Single Author:
  • In-Text Citation: "According to John Smith, the author of The Art of Writing, effective writing requires careful consideration of language choices and structure1."
  • Footnote/Endnote Entry: Smith, John. The Art of Writing (New York: Random House, 2019), 45.
  1. Book with Multiple Authors:
  • In-Text Citation: In their work Crafting Prose, Johnson and Williams highlight the art of effective writing 1.
  • Footnote/Endnote Entry: Alice Johnson and Brian Williams, Crafting Prose (Chicago: Academic Press, 2020), 78.
  1. Book with No Author:
  • In-Text Citation: The profound insights presented in The Journey of Ideas contribute to the ongoing discourse on intellectual exploration 2.
  • Footnote/Endnote Entry: The Journey of Ideas (Boston: Beacon Press, 2021), 56.

Author-Date System 

  1. Book with a Single Author:
  • In-Text Citation: (Smith 2019, 45).
  1. Book with Multiple Authors:
  • In-Text Citation: (Johnson and Williams 2020, 78).
  1. Book with No Author:
  • In-Text Citation: (The Journey of Ideas 2021, 56).

Harvard In-Text Citation Examples

In the Harvard referencing system, also known as the author-date system, in-text citations include the author's last name and the year of publication. 

Here are various in-text citation examples - harvard style:

  1. Book with a Single Author:
  • In-Text Citation: (Smith 2019).
  1. Book with Two Authors:
  • In-Text Citation: (Johnson & Williams 2020).
  1. Book with Three or More Authors:
  • In-Text Citation: (Smith et al. 2018).
  1. Book with No Date (Use "n.d."):
  • In-Text Citation: (Jones n.d.).
  1. Book with an Editor:
  • In-Text Citation: (Brown 2021).
  1. Multiple Works by the Same Author:
  • In-Text Citations:

(Smith 2017).

(Smith 2018).

AMA In-Text Citation Examples

The American Medical Association (AMA) citation style is commonly used in the medical and scientific fields. In AMA style, in-text citations are usually numerical and correspond to a numbered reference list at the end of the document. 

Here are examples of various scenarios:

  1. Book with a Single Author:
  • In-Text Citation: According to Smith, the importance of medicine cannot be overstated (1).
  1. Book with No Date (Use "n.d."):
  • In-Text Citation: The importance of dietary guidelines has been discussed extensively by Jones (4).
  1. Online Source:
  • In-Text Citation: The World Health Organization provides a comprehensive Global Health Report with valuable insights (6).

Expert Tip

Check out our blog on citation examples to get various other examples of citations according to different citation styles. 

Cite Your Sources Confidently with PerfectEssayWriter.ai

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Seamlessly generate accurate citations in various styles – APA, MLA, Chicago, and more. Enhance your writing and save time with our user-friendly tool.

Nathan D.

WRITTEN BY

Nathan D. (Literary analysis)

Introducing Nathan D., PhD, an esteemed author on PerfectEssayWriter.ai. With a profound background in Literary Analysis and expertise in Educational Theories, Nathan brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to his writings. His passion for dissecting literature and exploring educational concepts shines through in his meticulously crafted essays and analyses. As a seasoned academic, Nathan's contributions enrich our platform, offering valuable perspectives and engaging content for our readers.

Introducing Nathan D., PhD, an esteemed author on PerfectEssayWriter.ai. With a profound background in Literary Analysis and expertise in Educational Theories, Nathan brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to his writings. His passion for dissecting literature and exploring educational concepts shines through in his meticulously crafted essays and analyses. As a seasoned academic, Nathan's contributions enrich our platform, offering valuable perspectives and engaging content for our readers.

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