How to Cite Something with No Author in Text
Citing sources without an author can be a bit tricky, but it’s important to follow the proper format to ensure your work is credited correctly. Whether you’re writing an academic paper, a blog post, or any other type of document, it’s crucial to give credit where it’s due. In this article, we’ll discuss the different ways to cite something with no author in text, as well as the various citation styles you might encounter.
Using APA Style
When citing a source without an author in APA style, you should include the title of the source in parentheses after the quote or paraphrase. The format looks like this:
(Title of Source, Year)
For example, if you were to quote a source titled “The Impact of Climate Change” published in 2020, you would write:
(“The Impact of Climate Change,” 2020)
If you’re paraphrasing the source, you can still use the same format:
According to a report on climate change, the consequences of rising temperatures are becoming increasingly severe (The Impact of Climate Change, 2020).
Using MLA Style
In MLA style, when citing a source without an author, you should include the title of the source in quotation marks after the quote or paraphrase. The format looks like this:
“Title of Source” (Year)
For example, if you were to quote a source titled “The Future of Renewable Energy” published in 2019, you would write:
“The Future of Renewable Energy” (2019)
When paraphrasing, you can still use the same format:
The future of renewable energy is looking promising, as advancements in technology continue to make it more accessible and cost-effective (“The Future of Renewable Energy,” 2019).
Using Chicago Style
In Chicago style, when citing a source without an author, you should include the title of the source in quotation marks after the quote or paraphrase. The format looks like this:
“Title of Source” (Year)
For example, if you were to quote a source titled “The Evolution of Social Media” published in 2018, you would write:
““The Evolution of Social Media”” (2018)
When paraphrasing, you can still use the same format:
The evolution of social media has had a significant impact on how we communicate and share information (“The Evolution of Social Media,” 2018).
Remembering the Basics
When citing a source without an author, it’s important to remember the following:
1. Always include the title of the source in parentheses or quotation marks after the quote or paraphrase.
2. Include the year of publication in parentheses or brackets.
3. Follow the specific citation style guidelines for your document.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your work is properly credited and that you avoid any potential issues with plagiarism. Remember, giving credit where it’s due is essential for maintaining academic integrity and respecting the work of others.