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Citations - MLA: Works Quoted in Another Source (Secondary Source)

Works Quoted in Another Source

Sometimes an author of a book, article or website will mention another person’s work by using a quotation or paraphrased idea from that source. (This may be called a secondary source.) 

For example, the Kirkey article you are reading includes a quotation by Smith that you would like to include in your essay.

  • The basic rule: in your Works Cited and in-text citation you will still cite Kirkey NOT Smith.
  • Add the words “qtd. in” to your in-text citation.  

Examples of in-text citations:

When the original page number is not available:

According to a study by Smith (qtd. in Kirkey) 42% of doctors would refuse to perform legal euthanasia.

When the original page number is available:

Smith (qtd. in Kirkey) states that “even if euthanasia was legal, 42% of doctors would be against this method of assisted dying” (A.10).

Example of Works Cited list citation:

Kirkey, Susan. "Euthanasia." The Montreal Gazette, 9 Feb. 2013, p. A.10. Canadian Newsstand Major Dailies.

Adapted From

This guide is used/adapted with the permission of Seneca College Libraries.