How to Cite Multiple Sentences from the Same Source in MLA: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you struggling with citing multiple sentences from the same source in your research papers? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this blog post, we will walk you through the ins and outs of citing multiple sentences from the same source in MLA format.

Whether you’re wondering how to make a block quote in Pages or how to punctuate a list of quotes, we’ll provide you with all the information you need. We’ll also tackle common questions like which citation number to use for the same source if it is repeated and how to cite lines from a poem.

By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to properly cite multiple sentences from the same source in MLA, saving you time and ensuring your research is accurately documented. So let’s dive in and become citation experts!

Keywords: MLA citation, multiple sentences, same source, block quote, poem lines, citation number, punctuating quotes

How to Expertly Cite Multiple Sentences from the Same Source in MLA

So, you’ve found that perfect quote, the one that perfectly encapsulates your brilliant idea and will make your paper shine brighter than a disco ball. But wait, how do you cite multiple sentences from the same source in MLA? Fear not, fellow writer, for I am here to guide you through this oft-confusing labyrinth of proper citation. Let’s dive in, shall we?

MLA: Multiple Sentences, One Source

1. Integrating the Snippet: Your first step is to seamlessly integrate the snippet into your brilliant prose. Remember, you’re not just dropping it like a hot potato; you need to set it up and introduce it with finesse. Think of it as a delicate dance between your words and the quote.

2. In-Text Citation: Now, let’s give credit where credit is due. After you’ve skillfully integrated the snippet, you need to provide an in-text citation. According to the mighty MLA gods, this citation should include the author’s last name and the page number. For example: (Shakespeare 42).

3. Multiple Sentences: Ah, the crux of the matter. When citing multiple sentences from the same source, you only need to provide the page number at the end of the last sentence. No need to repeat the author’s name, unless of course you want to give them a little extra shoutout. For instance: (Dickens 57).

But What If the Snippet Spans Multiple Pages

Ah, the plot thickens! Sometimes, a juicy quote just can’t be contained on a single page. In this case, you have two options:

1. Page Range: If the quote spans consecutive pages, you can simply use a hyphen to indicate the range. For example: (Hemingway 73-75). Easy peasy, lemon squeezy.

2. Ellipsis Magic: Now, if your quote starts on one page and continues on another, you’ll need to sprinkle some ellipsis magic. The trick is to include the page numbers where the quote begins and ends, separated by a comma, and surround it all with parentheses. For instance: (Fitzgerald 26, 28).

The Bottom Line

Citing multiple sentences from the same source in MLA doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By integrating your quotes smoothly, providing in-text citations, and handling page ranges or uneven spans with finesse, you’ll be on your way to academic citation glory.

Remember, citation is not just a necessary evil; it’s an opportunity to showcase your scholarly prowess and give credit where credit is due. So go forth, fearless writer, and dazzle your readers with your masterful citations!

FAQs About Citing Multiple Sentences from the Same Source in MLA Style

How to Create a Block Quote in Pages

When you want to emphasize a lengthy quote and make it stand out, a block quote is the way to go. In Pages, follow these steps to create a block quote:

1. Select the text you want to turn into a block quote.
2. Look for the “Format” menu and click on it.
3. Find the “Text” option in the menu and click on it.
4. In the dropdown menu, click on “Quote”.

Voila! Your text will now be beautifully formatted as a block quote. Just be sure not to overdo it with the block quotes, or your readers might think they stumbled upon a construction site instead of your blog post.

How to Cite Lines from a Poem

Ah, the wonderful world of poetry! When you want to cite specific lines from a poem in MLA style, use a few simple guidelines:

1. Enclose the lines you want to cite in quotation marks.
2. Include the author’s last name and the line numbers within parentheses.
3. Place the parenthetical citation after the closing quotation marks but before the final punctuation.

For example, let’s imagine you want to cite lines 7-12 from Shakespeare’s Sonnet 18:

“The shallowness of fame can’t truly last” (Shakespeare 7-12).

Remember, when it comes to poetry, it’s all about capturing the essence in a few carefully chosen words. So, don’t be afraid to let those poetic lines shine!

Which Citation Number Should Be Used for the Same Source if Repeated

Ah, the eternal dilemma of repetition! If you need to cite the same source multiple times in a row, you might be wondering which citation number to use. Fear not, for the MLA style guides us through this labyrinth!

For repeated citations of the same source, use the abbreviation “Ibid.” (short for ibidem, meaning “in the same place”). This nifty little word allows you to save space and avoid cluttering your text.

However, if you’ve been called to action and ventured into the realm of footnotes instead of parenthetical citations, you can use the author’s last name followed by the page number for repeated citations. It’s like being a detective and leaving breadcrumb trails for your readers to follow.

Remember, when using “Ibid.” or footnotes, always make sure you cite the same source. You wouldn’t want your readers to find themselves lost in a citation maze, would you?

How to Punctuate a List of Quotes

Creating a list of quotes is an art, my friend. And like any art form, it requires a touch of finesse and impeccable punctuation. Here’s how you can master the punctuation game:

1. Use a colon (:) to introduce the list.
2. Treat each quote as a separate sentence and punctuate accordingly. This means starting with a capital letter and ending with punctuation (e.g., a period, question mark, or exclamation mark) as appropriate.
3. If a quote is a complete sentence, you can start it with a capital letter and end it with punctuation. If it’s a fragment, you can begin it with a lowercase letter and omit the final punctuation.

Remember, punctuating a list of quotes is like conducting a symphony of words. So, let your punctuation marks dance with elegance and precision!

How to Cite Multiple Sentences from the Same Source in MLA Style

Ah, the challenge of citing multiple sentences from the same source! Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In MLA style, follow these steps to do it right:

1. Include the author’s last name and the page number in parentheses at the end of the last sentence you want to cite.
2. Place the parenthetical citation after the closing punctuation.

For example, let’s say you want to cite multiple sentences from a book written by Jane Doe:

“This is the first sentence. This is the second sentence” (Doe 42).

See? It’s as simple as eating a slice of pie! Just remember to gather all the sentences you want to cite and give credit where credit is due.

Now that you’ve mastered the art of citing multiple sentences from the same source in MLA style, go forth and conquer the world of academic writing! But always remember to have fun along the way, because who said citing can’t be an adventure?