How to Cite a Newspaper Article in MLA 9th Edition
Learn the exact format with examples, in-text citations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Citation Format
Basic Template
Author. "Article Title." Newspaper Name, Day Month Year, pp. page numbers.
Citation Components
Author
Last, First. If no author, begin with article title.
Article Title
In quotation marks. Capitalize major words (title case).
Newspaper Name
Italicized. Use official name (The New York Times, etc.)
Publication Date
Day Month Year format (e.g., 15 Dec. 2023).
Page Numbers
For print: pp. X-X. For online: omit pages and include URL.
Real-World Example
Example Source
Kumar, Ravi
Scientists announce breakthrough in fusion energy research
The New York Times
20 Dec. 2023
A1-A8
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/20/science/fusion-energy
Formatted Citation
Kumar, Ravi. "Scientists Announce Breakthrough in Fusion Energy Research." The New York Times, 20 Dec. 2023, pp. A1–A8.
In-Text Citation
(Kumar)
(Author)
Common Mistakes
Wrong:
Kumar, Ravi. 'Scientists Announce Breakthrough.' New York Times, December 20, 2023.
Right:
Kumar, Ravi. "Scientists Announce Breakthrough in Fusion Energy Research." The New York Times, 20 Dec. 2023, pp. A1–A8.
Why: Use quotation marks (not single quotes) around article titles. Use official newspaper name with 'The'. Use Day Month Year format.
Wrong:
The New York Times (2023, Dec. 20). Scientists Announce Breakthrough. News Article.
Right:
Kumar, Ravi. "Scientists Announce Breakthrough in Fusion Energy Research." The New York Times, 20 Dec. 2023, pp. A1–A8.
Why: Cite the author, not the publication. Include full article title. Cite pages for print articles.
Wrong:
Kumar, R. 'Fusion Energy Article.' The New York Times. 2023.
Right:
Kumar, Ravi. "Scientists Announce Breakthrough in Fusion Energy Research." The New York Times, 20 Dec. 2023, pp. A1–A8.
Why: Use full first name, quotation marks (not single), full article title, and complete date with day and month.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cite a newspaper article from an online source? ▼
Same format, but add URL at the end instead of page numbers: Kumar, Ravi. "Scientists Announce..." The New York Times, 20 Dec. 2023, www.nytimes.com/2023/12/20/science/fusion-energy.
What if the newspaper article has no author? ▼
Start with the article title: "Scientists Announce Breakthrough..." The New York Times, 20 Dec. 2023.
Should I include the section of the newspaper? ▼
For print articles, section is often indicated by page number (A1, B5, etc.). For online, it's not necessary unless helpful for clarity.
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