How to Cite AI in MLA 9: A Step-by-Step Guide
Citing AI in MLA Style
To cite AI in MLA 9, start with the prompt used in quotation marks, followed by the AI tool name in italics. Include the version number, the publisher (the company that created the tool), the date of generation, and the URL. This guide covers identifying prompt titles, formatting containers, and creating in-text citations.
Step 1: Use the Prompt as the Title
Start your Works Cited entry with the specific prompt you gave the AI tool. Place the prompt in quotation marks and use title case capitalization. If the prompt is excessively long, provide a concise description of what was generated instead. Because AI tools do not have a human author, the title (the prompt) moves to the first position of the citation. This allows readers to understand the exact input that resulted in the quoted or paraphrased output in your essay.
Step 2: Name the AI Tool and Version
Identify the AI tool used as the 'Container' and italicize it. It is critical to include the version of the model to ensure transparency, as AI outputs change significantly between updates. For example, specify ChatGPT 4.0 rather than just ChatGPT. Follow the tool name with a comma and then the version information. This helps researchers replicate your results or understand the technical limitations of the tool at the time of your writing.
Step 3: List the Publisher and Date
Provide the name of the company that developed the AI tool as the publisher. For ChatGPT, the publisher is OpenAI; for Claude, it is Anthropic. Follow the publisher with the date you generated the content. Use the standard MLA date format: Day Month Year. Finally, include the URL for the tool. Use the general login page URL or, if the tool provides a unique shareable link to your specific conversation, use that direct link instead.
Step 4: Create the In-Text Citation
For in-text citations, use a shortened version of the prompt in parentheses. Since AI tools do not provide page numbers, only the title is required. If your prompt was "Explain the impact of the French Revolution on modern democracy," your in-text citation would be ("Explain the impact"). If you mention the AI tool and prompt directly in your sentence (a signal phrase), no parenthetical citation is necessary. Always ensure the first word of your in-text citation matches the first word of the entry on your Works Cited page.
Example: Works Cited and In-Text Citation
### Works Cited Entry
`"Summarize the themes of Gatsby" prompt. ChatGPT, 4.0, OpenAI, 14 May 2024, chat.openai.com.`
### In-Text Citation
`The AI suggested that the green light represents an unattainable future ("Summarize the themes").`Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Listing AI as the author: Never list "ChatGPT" or "OpenAI" in the author slot. AI is a tool, not a creator.
- Omitting the version number: AI models are updated frequently. Citing the version is required for academic integrity.
- Failing to check instructor policy: Many universities have strict rules about using AI. Citing it correctly does not automatically make its use permissible.
- Using the wrong URL: Do not use the URL of the specific chat unless it is a public, shareable link. Use the tool's main landing page instead.
Generate citations automatically
MLA, APA, and Chicago citations from any URL or DOI.