Citation Styles

The MLA Style Blog entitled "How do I cite Generative AI in MLA Style", published on 13 August 2025, has some recommendations on how to cite AI tools such as ChatGPT. Do note that MLA recommends that the specific model name or number be included in the Version element.

Using the MLA Template:

Author
MLA does not recommend treating the AI tool as an author.

Title of Source
Describe what was generated by the AI tool. This may involve including information about the prompt in the Title of Source element if you have not done so in the text. 

Title of Container
Use the Title of Container element to name the AI tool (e.g., ChatGPT4.0).

Version
Name the version of the AI tool as specifically as possible. For example, ChatGPT 3.5, which assigns a specific date to the version, so the Version element shows this version date.

Publisher
Name the company that made the tool.

Date
Give the date the content was generated.

Location
Provide the stable, shareable URL that leads to the generated content, if available. (This is also an NTU requirement.)

Examples:

Works-Cited-List Entry:

“Describe the theme of nature in Jane Austen’s Mansfield Park” prompt. ChatGPT, model GPT-4o, OpenAI, 23 Sept. 2024, chatgpt.com/share/66f1b0a0-d704-8000-be9a-85f53c850607.

In-Text Citation:

(“Describe the theme”)

The following shows how the in-text citation is included within the paragraph:

In Mansfield Park, physical locations like Mansfield Park and Sotherton reflect the morality and choices of the people who live in them (“Describe the theme”).

Other things to note:

MLA also recommended acknowledging the AI tool whenever you used the tool.  It can be in the form of a note or within your text.  You also need to verify any sources or citations that the tool provides.

Check assignment instructions and clarify if and to what extent are AI tools permitted. Any permitted use of AI in assessment / assignment must be acknowledged appropriately.