How to Do a Parenthetical Citation for a Website with No Author

In academic writing, it is essential to provide proper citations for the sources you use. When citing a website with no author, you may encounter some specific guidelines. This article aims to provide you with a clear understanding of how to create a parenthetical citation for a website with no author, following the guidelines of the Modern Language Association (MLA) format.

Title Formatting

When starting your parenthetical citation for a website with no author, begin with the title of the webpage. If the title is short, enclose it in quotation marks. For example, “The Importance of Healthy Eating.” If the title is long, italicize it. For instance, The Benefits of Regular Physical Exercise for Overall Well-being.

Including Page Numbers

In MLA format, if the webpage you are citing includes page numbers, include them in the citation. However, if the webpage does not have page numbers, you can omit this part from your citation.

Placement of the Citation

Place the citation within parentheses at the end of the sentence or paragraph where you used information from the website. This helps readers locate the exact source of the information you have referenced.

Example Citation

Here is an example of a parenthetical citation for a website with no author: “The sky is blue” (Example Website).

By following these guidelines, you can create accurate and proper parenthetical citations for websites with no authors. Remember to consult the MLA style guide for more specific cases or if you encounter any exceptions.


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FAQs

How to Do a Parenthetical Citation for a Website with No Author

In academic writing, it is essential to provide proper citations for the sources you use. When citing a website with no author, you may encounter some specific guidelines. This article aims to provide you with a clear understanding of how to create a parenthetical citation for a website with no author, following the guidelines of the Modern Language Association (MLA) format.

What information should be included in a parenthetical citation for a website with no author?

A parenthetical citation for a website with no author should include the title of the webpage and, if applicable, the page numbers.

How should the title of the webpage be formatted in the parenthetical citation?

If the title is short, it should be enclosed in quotation marks. If the title is long, it should be italicized.

Should page numbers be included in the parenthetical citation for a website with no author?



If the webpage includes page numbers, they should be included in the citation. However, if there are no page numbers, this part can be omitted.

Where should the parenthetical citation be placed in the text?

The parenthetical citation should be placed at the end of the sentence or paragraph where you used information from the website.

Are there any specific punctuation or formatting rules for parenthetical citations of websites with no author?

In general, follow the punctuation and formatting guidelines of the MLA style for parenthetical citations. Use parentheses to enclose the citation and separate elements with commas.

What should I do if the webpage has a group or organization as the author?

If the webpage is authored by a group or organization, you can use the group or organization’s name as the author in the citation.

Can I use a shortened version of the title in the parenthetical citation?



It is generally recommended to use the full title of the webpage in the parenthetical citation. However, if the title is lengthy, you can use a shortened version that still accurately represents the content.

Are there any exceptions or special cases when citing websites with no author?

While the guidelines provided here cover most cases, there may be exceptions or specific situations that require additional considerations. Consult the MLA style guide or your instructor for guidance in such cases.