How to Cite in MLA, APA, and Chicago Style: OWL
What is a parenthetical citation?
A parenthetical citation, or an in-text or embedded citation, is when you quote a source within or in between your own words. There are certain rules we have to follow when quoting or paraphrasing in text.
EXAMPLE:
- Start your sentence with your own words, and when it seems appropriate, you can slowly start to embed the source’s words into your own sentence! When the quote is over, close your quotation marks and then quote the author’s last name only in parentheses, followed by the page number (if there is one). Punctuation always comes after the parentheses. If there are multiple authors, order their last names alphabetically, and separate them with a comma.
- If you can’t find the author’s name, it’s alright to quote the website (just make sure it’s a credible source).
EXAMPLE: