To quote an article, put the borrowed words in quotation marks, introduce them with a signal phrase, and follow with an in-text citation that points to the source. In both MLA and APA, the in-text citation names the author and a locator; the difference is what goes inside it. This covers the exact format for each style, plus how to quote an article you found online without page numbers.
How do you quote an article in MLA?
In MLA, the in-text citation gives the author’s last name and the page number, with no comma between them. The quotation marks enclose the borrowed words, and the citation sits just before the closing punctuation.
As one researcher notes, “the effect held across every age group tested” (Lin 14).
If you name the author in your sentence, you do not repeat the name in the parentheses, only the page number.
Lin reports that “the effect held across every age group tested” (14).
The full source then appears on your Works Cited page. For the complete in-text rules, see how to quote in MLA.
How do you quote an article in APA?
In APA, the in-text citation gives the author’s last name, the year, and the page number with “p.” before it, separated by commas.
As one researcher notes, “the effect held across every age group tested” (Lin, 2024, p. 14).
If you name the author in the sentence, the year follows the name and the page number follows the quote.
Lin (2024) reports that “the effect held across every age group tested” (p. 14).
For the full direct-quote rules in APA, see APA quote citation.
How do you quote an online article with no page numbers?
Most web articles have no page numbers, so you replace the page locator. The approach differs by style.
In MLA, if there is no page number, you simply omit it. You can cite by the author’s name alone, and if the source has numbered paragraphs you may cite the paragraph number with “par.”
The report calls the trend “impossible to ignore” (Okafor).
In APA, when there is no page number for a direct quote, you give another locator: a paragraph number with “para.”, or a section heading. This keeps the citation pointing to the exact spot.
The report calls the trend “impossible to ignore” (Okafor, 2025, para. 6).
How do you introduce a quote from an article?
Lead into the quote with a signal phrase so it does not appear without context. A signal phrase names the source or its author and uses a verb like notes, argues, reports, or explains.
According to Okafor, “the trend is impossible to ignore” (2025, para. 6).
Dropping a quote in with no introduction, sometimes called a dropped quote, makes the writing choppy and hides who is speaking. For the full set of lead-in patterns, see how to introduce a quote.
When should you quote versus paraphrase an article?
Quote directly only when the exact wording matters, such as a precise definition, a memorable phrase, or language you intend to analyze. For most borrowed information, paraphrasing in your own words reads better and shows you understood the source.
Either way, you cite. Paraphrasing changes the wording but still borrows the idea, so it needs the same in-text citation as a quote, minus the quotation marks. For how to reword correctly, see how to paraphrase a quote.
FAQ
Do you italicize the title of an article when you quote it?
No. Article titles go in quotation marks, not italics. Italics are for the larger work that contains the article, such as the journal, magazine, or website name.
How do you cite a quote from an article with two authors?
In MLA, name both: (Lin and Okafor 14). In APA, join them with an ampersand: (Lin & Okafor, 2024, p. 14). If you name them in your sentence, use “and” in both styles.
What if the article has no author?
Cite by the title instead, shortened if it is long. In MLA use the title in quotation marks; in APA use the title and year.
Do short quotes need quotation marks if I cite the source?
Yes. Any borrowed wording needs quotation marks, even with a citation. The citation credits the source; the quotation marks show the words are not yours. Omitting them is a form of plagiarism.
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