MLA Citation Guide (MLA 9th Edition): Generative AI

Before making use of any generative AI tool (such as ChatGPT) for class assignments, consult your instructor and your syllabus for guidance on using, quoting, and citing generative AI.

For the most up-to-date information, visit the MLA Blog:

How do I cite generative AI in MLA style?

MLA has a very in-depth blog post with many examples. They recommend that you should:

• Cite a generative AI tool whenever you paraphrase, quote, or incorporate into your own work any content (whether text, image, data, or other) that was created by it 
  • This means that along with citing usage of text-based tools like ChatGPT or Gemini, you should also be citing usage of AI image, music, and other generators.
• MLA does NOT consider AI-generated work to have an author.  As AI becomes increasingly common, MLA policies may be subject to change. Examples of correct citations are provided on this page.
• Acknowledge all functional uses of the tool (like editing your prose or translating words) in a note, your text, or another suitable location 
  • This includes tools such as Grammarly, which has incorporated AI into their suite of tools
• Take care to vet the secondary sources it cites, as generative AI consistently creates false information, makes up sources, and removes context
• When citing images created by generative AI, use the normal caption process, as with other sources. 

Format

"Description of prompt" prompt. Name of AI tool, version of AI tool, Company, date text was generated. URL.

Example

"Identify the themes in Mcteague by Frank Norris" prompt. ChatGPT, 21 November version, OpenAI, 4 Dec. 2023. https://chat.openai.com/share/2f2be19d-eadd-4151-8ceb-0785319074b3.

 Note:

• Some AI-tools will allow you to create a link to a specific chat conversation. If this option is available, use the link to the chat conversation as the URL. If you are unable to create a link to a specific chat conversation, link the general URL of the tool used. 
• To find the version of Chatgpt, select the help button and navigate to the page titled "Release notes". The most recent entry on the page will be the most current version of Chatgpt. 

In Text Format

("Shortened Description of Prompt")

In Text Example

("Identify the themes in Mcteague")

Format

Fig. No. "Description of prompt" prompt. Name of AI tool, version of AI tool, Company, date text was generated. URL.

Example

Fig. 2. "Create impressionist painting of a cat using neutral colors" prompt. DALL-E, version 2, OpenAI, 27 Nov. 2023. https://labs.openai.com/

 Note:

 AI-generated images should be labeled as Fig. and given a number that corresponds with when it appears in your paper.