How to Cite a Preprint in MLA (9th edition)
Learn how to cite arXiv, bioRxiv, and other preprint server papers in MLA format (9th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.
MLA Works Cited Format
Here is the standard MLA format for citing a preprint in your Works Cited page:
Author Last Name, First Name. "Title of Preprint." Repository Name, Day Month Year, https://doi.org/xxxxx. Preprint.
MLA Example for a Preprint
A complete MLA reference for a preprint, formatted by the official MLA CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:
Petrov, Ivan, and Akua Osei. “Reference Accuracy in Large Language Model Output.” arXiv, Preprint 2403.01234, 2 Mar. 2024, https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2403.01234.
Matching in-text citation: (Petrov and Osei)
MLA In-Text Citation
Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:
Parenthetical
(Author)
Narrative
According to Author, the preprint shows...
Key MLA Formatting Rules
- Put the preprint title in quotation marks.
- List the preprint repository as the container (italicized).
- Include the date you accessed or the date the preprint was posted.
- Add the optional descriptive label "Preprint" at the end of the entry.
- Format a DOI as a full https://doi.org/ link; for a plain URL location, omit the https://.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your preprint.
- Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the MLA (9th edition) template shown above.
- Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
- Add to your Works Cited: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
- Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match MLA requirements.
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