MLA or APA: Which Citation Style Do I Use?
A citation style is a set of rules for giving credit to your sources. It covers how you mention a source in your paper and how you list it at the end.
Web links open in a new tab.
Your instructor decides.
Always follow the citation style named in your syllabus or assignment, even if it isn't the one usually used in that subject. If the assignment doesn't name a style, ask your instructor before you start. It is easier than reformatting a finished paper.
Why subjects prefer one or the other.
Each style reflects what matters most in the fields that use it.
MLA
MLA is common in English, literature, languages, and the humanities. In these subjects, you often work closely with a text: quoting a poem, analyzing a character, comparing two authors. Readers need to find the exact words you're discussing, so MLA puts the author's name and page number in your sentence: (Morrison 42). When the source was written matters less than what it says.
APA
APA is common in psychology, education, nursing and health sciences, business, and the social sciences. These subjects build on research, and research goes out of date. A 2005 study on patient care may have been replaced by newer findings. Readers need to know how current your evidence is, so APA puts the year in your sentence: (Morrison, 2019). You'll also summarize and paraphrase research more often than you quote it word for word.
You may use both. Many students write in MLA for an English class and APA for a nursing or psychology class in the same semester. That's normal. The style follows the course, not you.
MLA and APA at a glance
| Feature | MLA | APA |
|---|---|---|
| Common in | English, humanities | Health, education, social sciences |
| In-text citation | Author and page | Author and year |
| Source list title | Works Cited | References |
| Current edition | 9th | 7th |
The rule that matters most in both styles: every source you mention in your paper must appear in your list at the end, and every source in that list must appear somewhere in your paper.
Get help at OCTC.
Teaching and Learning Center (TLC)
Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) offers free one-on-one writing help, including help with citations. Writing sessions are by appointment: email octc-tlc@kctcs.edu or call 270-852-8964 to schedule. Visit the TLC page for hours and location:
Teaching and Learning Center: hours and location (opens in a new tab)
OCTC Library
OCTC Library can help you find sources and check your citations.
- Ask a Librarian (opens in a new tab) (email, phone, or live chat)
- How to Do Research (opens in a new tab) (tutorials on research, citing, and judging websites)
- Library Guides (opens in a new tab) (subject guides for your courses)
- Email octc.library@kctcs.edu or call (270) 686-4590
Where to look up the details
Purdue OWL, a free writing guide from Purdue University:
MLA details
APA details
- APA General Format (opens in a new tab)
- APA In-Text Citations: The Basics (opens in a new tab)
- APA Reference List: Basic Rules (opens in a new tab)
Using a citation generator? Read Using Citation Generators Responsibly (opens in a new tab) first. Generators often make mistakes, so always check the result.
Suggest an addition or correction: email Stephanie Self.
LAST UPDATED: