bibliottHow to Cite Perplexity in MLA 9th edition
Official Modern Language Association guidance for generative AI, applied to Perplexity (Perplexity AI). Format, in-text citation, and a copy-ready example.
About Perplexity
Perplexity is an AI-powered search engine that returns sourced answers with citations. Unlike pure LLMs, Perplexity responses do have a stable shareable URL — making them easier to cite. Most styles still treat it like an AI tool, but you should always also cite the underlying sources Perplexity references.
MLA format for Perplexity
"Search query." Perplexity AI, Day Month Year, URL.
"What is the latest research on creatine and cognition?" Perplexity AI, 7 May 2024, www.perplexity.ai/search/abc123.
Handling the prompt
Search query is the title; URL is stable.
Information to capture before citing
Perplexity AI is the publisher; the response (or "answer") is the work.
Always include the perplexity.ai/search/... URL — these links are stable.
Cite the underlying sources too — Perplexity exists to find them, not replace them.
Include the date of the search.
Recoverability of Perplexity responses
Perplexity answers have stable URLs and remain retrievable, so they can be cited as digital sources with a URL.
Cite Perplexity in another style
Citing Perplexity — FAQ
Yes. Modern Language Association (9th edition) has explicit guidance for AI-generated content. Treat Perplexity AI as the publisher and Perplexity as the work. Always check whether your instructor or journal accepts AI-generated material as a source — many require disclosure.
Perplexity answers have stable URLs and remain retrievable, so they can be cited as digital sources with a URL.
Search query is the title; URL is stable.
Cite the version you used. Perplexity typically displays the model name (Sonar, Perplexity Pro) in the interface. If the version isn't shown, cite the date of your conversation — that's enough for most styles.
Not when properly disclosed and cited. Most universities now allow AI assistance with attribution; a few require explicit instructor permission. Always check your course or institutional policy before submitting AI-assisted work.