Writing poetry is an art form that has been around for centuries. When it comes to in text citing poetry, it is important to accurately cite the author and the date of publication (if applicable). There are a few different methods that you can use depending on the format of the poem and the style guide that you are using. Here is a comprehensive look at how to in-text cite poetry in various formats.
APA Format for In-Text Citation
In APA format, the general structure for citing poetry is: Author’s last name, year of publication, and verse or line numbers. For example, a poem with two authors written in 2018 would look like this: (Smith & Johnson, 2018, p. 5, lines 23-24). If the poem does not have line numbers or page numbers, you can use the capital letter of the stanza, like this: (Smith & Johnson, 2018, stanza 4).
When citing a poem with more than three authors, the general format is: First author’s last name, et al., year of publication, page number(s)/verse/stanza. For example, a poem with four authors written in 2019 would look like this: (Smith, et al., 2019, p. 6, lines 7-9).
MLA Format for In-Text Citation
In MLA format, the general structure for citing poetry is: Author’s last name and line numbers, or author’s last name and page number. For example, a poem with two authors written in 2018 would look like this: (Smith 2-3). If the poem does not have line numbers, you can use the capital letter of the stanza, like this: (Smith stanza 4).
When citing a poem with more than three authors, the general format is: First author’s last name and page number. For example, a poem with four authors written in 2019 would look like this: (Smith 6).
Chicago/Turabian Format for In-Text Citation
In Chicago/Turabian format, the general structure for citing poetry is: Author’s full name, collection name, and page number(s). For example, a poem from a book written by two authors in 2018 would look like this: (Smith and Johnson, Poems 2018, 27). If the poem does not have page numbers, you can use the capital letter of the stanza, like this: (Smith and Johnson, Poems 2018, stanza 4).
When citing a poem with more than three authors, the general format is: First author’s full name and page number(s). For example, a poem with four authors written in 2019 would look like this: (Smith and Johnson et al., Poems 2019, 30).
Accurate Citation is Important
It is essential to correctly cite the author and date of publication of any poem that you reference. This ensures that you have given the original author the credit they deserve. Additionally, it allows readers to easily access the original poem in order to check or verify the reference. Lastly, it prevents plagiarism by ensuring that the readers can trace the quotes or ideas back to the original source.
When citing poetry, it is important to remember that line numbers may vary depending on the edition of the poem, so it is advisable to double-check the poem for any discrepancies or typos. Additionally, always make sure to follow the formatting guidelines of the referencing style guide that you are using.
Common Mistakes When Citing Poetry
One of the most common mistakes when citing poetry is to forget to include the year of publication. This can lead to confusion and readers may not be able to find the original poem. Additionally, make sure to use the correct referencing style guide and follow the specific formatting guidelines if possible. Finally, always double-check the line numbers and page numbers to make sure that they are accurate.
When to Cite a Poem
It is important to always cite a poem whenever you quote the words of the poem or use ideas from the poem in your work. Citing a poem also allows readers to trace back to the original source and double-check the reference. This prevents plagiarism and ensures that you have given the original author the credit they deserve.
Examples for In-Text Citation of Poetry
As a general rule, when citing poetry, it is important to include the author’s last name, year of publication (if applicable), and the line numbers or page numbers. Here are a few examples to illustrate how to cite poetry in various formats:
APA format: (Smith & Johnson, 2018, p. 5, lines 23-24)
MLA format: (Smith 2-3)
Chicago/Turabian format: (Smith and Johnson, Poems 2018, stanza 4)
Conclusion
Citing poetry is an essential part of the writing process and helps to give the original author credit for their work. It is important to always include the author’s last name, year of publication (if applicable), and the line numbers or page numbers. Additionally, always make sure to follow the formatting guidelines of the referencing style guide that you are using. With the above information, you should now be able to in-text cite poetry with ease.
