MLA Citation Guide (8th Edition): MLA "Direct Quote"

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MLA Direct Quoting

Direct quotes are enclosed in quotation marks.

For quotations less than 4 lines,  the author can either be placed at the beginning or the end of the sentence. Regardless of choice, the page number is always placed at the end of the phrase. See examples below to compare. 

• Some experts say, "First-year college students struggle with lack of sleep, good eating habits, and APA style" (Roberts 23).
• According to Roberts,  "First- year college students struggle with the lack of sleep, good eating habits, and APA style" (23).