How to Format an in Text Citation. There are a number of ways in which you can reference the source, but most are based upon variations of MLA and APA style. Check with your supervisor which exact technique you should be using, and be consistent.he MLA style in text citation has two variations, the author/page number, although the modern trend is for author/year/page number, such as. (Sargeant 2008, 17). If there are more than two authors listed, then the usual standard is to mention both (Sargeant & McEvoy, 2008).