How to Cite a Paraphrase | APA & MLA Examples
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When you are writing in MLA style, you will frequently need to paraphrase other author’s ideas. Paraphrasing allows you to seamlessly integrate previous work into your own, adding credibility to your writing.
Every time you paraphrase, you should include an MLA format in-text citation as well as a corresponding Works Cited entry.
MLA paraphrase example
Original Text | Paraphrase |
|---|---|
Through layered symbols, Eliot not only critiques the state of contemporary civilization but also suggests the possibility of regeneration, albeit one that is fraught with uncertainty and complexity. | By combining multiple types of symbols, Eliot criticizes modern society while leaving open the possibility of rejuvenation, even if the path to this renewal is complicated and unclear (Jimenez 104). |
How to cite a paraphrase in MLA
When you cite a paraphrase in MLA style, you must include an in-text citation with the author’s last name and the page number of the original material. The in-text citation can be in one of two formats:
In a narrative citation, the author’s name is given in the sentence itself, and the page number is placed in parentheses after the paraphrased material.
In a parenthetical citation, the author’s last name and the page number are placed in parentheses after the paraphrased material.
Because a page number is always included in MLA format, citations of paraphrases are the same as citations of quotations. The only difference is the presence or absence of quotation marks.
MLA citation of a paraphrase examples
Narrative citation | Parenthetical citation |
|---|---|
Bernard Gupta claims that the poet’s use of enjambment contributes to the sense of urgency of the poem (53). (In the first narrative citation, the author’s full name is used. After that, only the last name is used.) | The use of enjambment contributes to the sense of urgency of the poem (Gupta 53). |
Any source that is cited in the text should also be included in a Works Cited list at the end of the paper.
How to cite a paraphrase in MLA from a website
To cite a paraphrase from a website, you typically only need the author’s last name (or the name of the organization that is acting as author). If there is no author, you can use the title in place of the author.
The only time you need page numbers for an online source is if you are citing a PDF with numbered pages.
MLA website citation examples
Type | Example citation |
|---|---|
Author | (Perez) |
Organization author, numbered PDF | (US Department of Education 20) |
No author | (“Parents’ Ultimate Guide to TikTok”) |
How to quote a paraphrase in MLA
Anytime you paraphrase a source, you must give credit to the original source. In MLA style, you do this through an in-text citation and a Works Cited list entry. Providing this documentation helps you avoid accidental paraphrasing plagiarism.
Unlike quotations, paraphrases should not include quotation marks because you are not using the author’s exact words.
How to paraphrase a quote in MLA
When you’re looking at other sources, you may find a quotation that helps your argument but is either too long or not phrased particularly well. In this case, paraphrasing is a great option.
To paraphrase a quote in MLA:
Read the quotation, and make sure you understand it in context.
Write the quote in your own words without looking at the original source.
Look at your paraphrase next to the original source. Make sure you have substantially changed both the vocabulary and sentence structure while maintaining the original meaning.
Don’t forget to include a citation.
A paraphrasing tool can make paraphrasing a quote much easier. Just input the quote, and then review the tool’s output to make sure it reflects your tone and style.
How to paraphrase an article in MLA format
To paraphrase a journal article in MLA format, rephrase the sentence or paragraph you want to use in your own words, and include an in-text citation with the author’s last name and page number(s).
MLA journal article paraphrase example
Original Text | Paraphrase |
|---|---|
At its core, The Waste Land conveys a sense of spiritual emptiness, as individuals struggle to find meaning in a world stripped of traditional values and beliefs. | O’Brien argues that the central theme of The Waste Land is one of the spiritual isolation that results when traditional principles have deteriorated (117). |
How to paraphrase a website in MLA format
To paraphrase a website in MLA format, use different words and sentence structure to express your idea. Then, include an in-text citation with the author’s last name. (Since websites do not generally include page numbers, you only need the author’s last name.)
If there is no named author, you can use the page title in quotation marks instead.
MLA website paraphrase example
Original Text | Paraphrase |
|---|---|
Despite their relatively small size compared to other big cats, ocelots are skilled predators, capable of taking down prey larger than themselves. | Although they are relatively small, ocelots are capable hunters, even of larger prey (“Ocelots”). |
How to paraphrase a video in MLA format
To paraphrase a video (e.g., from YouTube) in MLA format, watch or listen to the segment you want to paraphrase several times before putting it into your own words. If there is a transcript of the video available, this can be helpful.
For the citation, you should include the creator’s name and a timestamp in the format hh:mm:ss. If there is no named creator, you can include the video’s title (or a shortened title) in quotation marks instead.
MLA video paraphrase example
Original Quotation | Paraphrase |
|---|---|
Start by reading the source carefully, taking note of the main thesis or research question, the methodology, if applicable, and the key evidence or arguments presented. Focus on identifying the source's primary objective—whether it aims to inform, argue, or present new research—and the conclusions it draws. | To summarize a source, first read it carefully and take notes on the main objective, the methodology, and the primary arguments. Determine whether the purpose of the source is to inform or persuade, and identify the writer’s conclusion (“How to Summarize” 00:02:06–25). |
How to paraphrase a movie in MLA format
To paraphrase a movie in MLA format (no matter how you’ve accessed it), follow the same process as for a video. Then, for the in-text citation, include the title of the movie and a timestamp.
If you are repeatedly citing one movie, you can include the title in the first citation and then omit it in subsequent citations, including only the timestamp.
MLA movie paraphrase example
Original Quotation | Paraphrase |
|---|---|
The dramatic story of the Templars' wealth, influence, and sudden destruction has since become the subject of myths and legends, fueling conspiracy theories about hidden treasures and secret knowledge that persist to this day. | The level of power the Knights Templar had, combined with the immediacy of their downfall, has led to conspiracies about their supposed illicit knowledge or secret treasure (“Secrets of the Knights Templar” 01:48:24–36). |
In this article
How to Paraphrase in MLA
How to cite a paraphrase in MLA
How to cite a paraphrase in MLA from a website
How to quote a paraphrase in MLA
How to paraphrase a quote in MLA
How to paraphrase an article in MLA format
How to paraphrase a website in MLA format
How to paraphrase a video in MLA format
How to paraphrase a movie in MLA format
FAQs
Frequently asked questions about how to paraphrase in MLA
How do you cite a paragraph you’ve paraphrased?
When you paraphrase a paragraph, you should include an in-text citation at the end of the paragraph. For MLA format, that citation should include the author’s last name and page number or page range of the original text in parentheses. For example: (Smith 227–28)
It is also often a good idea to include a signal phrase at the beginning of the paragraph (e.g., “Smith argues …”). In that case, you only need to include the page number in parentheses at the end of the paragraph.
How do you cite a long paraphrase in MLA style?
When you paraphrase a long section of text, you only need to include one in-text citation, at the end of the paraphrased material.
In MLA style, that in-text citation includes the author’s last name and the page number or page range of the original material. For example: (Patel 115–16)
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