Using MLA Format

Get started with MLA style. Learn how to document sources, set up your paper, and improve your teaching and writing.

Works Cited Quick Guide

Learn how to use the MLA format template.
Digital Citation Tool

Build citations with our interactive template.
In-Text Citations

Get help with in-text citations.
Endnotes and Footnotes

Read our guide about using notes in MLA style.

Setting Up a Research Paper

Get our guidelines for setting up academic research papers.
Formatting Captions

Learn how to format captions.
Sample Papers

Read sample papers written in MLA style.
Annotated Bibliographies

Learn how to set up an annotated bibliography.

Ask the MLA

Browse answers and ask MLA editors questions.
Writing Tips

Improve your writing with these suggestions.
Teaching Resources and Advice

Get teaching advice, lesson plans, and activities.
Quizzes

Test your knowledge with these fun quizzes.

How do I style the title of a fairy tale?

Fairy tales are typically enclosed in quotation marks, in the style of other short-form works. Some people may not know that Disney’s 1989 film The… Read More

Ask the MLA

Ask The MLA

How do I cite an anonymously translated poem?

If a translator’s name is not provided in the source, then skip that element in your works-cited-list entry. Follow the MLA template of core elements,… Read More

Ask the MLA

Ask The MLA

How do I cite a work that has incorrect citation information on its cover sheet?

Some works, especially works contained in databases, may list citation information for the work on a cover sheet or in a footer. If that citation… Read More

Ask the MLA

Ask The MLA

How do I cite Twitter now that its name has changed to X?

In 2023 the social media platform Twitter changed its name to X. What does this change mean for citations? When you cite a post published… Read More

Ask the MLA

Ask The MLA

How do I cite several e-mails sent on the same day to the same correspondent?

If you are citing several e-mails sent on the same day to the same correspondent, use the subject line of the e-mail to differentiate between… Read More

Ask the MLA

Ask The MLA

What should I do if an author’s last name is not provided in a source?

If an author’s last name is not provided in the source you are consulting, you may opt to follow the guidance provided in section 5.122… Read More

Using MLA Format

Document Sources

Works Cited Quick Guide

Digital Citation Tool

In-Text Citations

Endnotes and Footnotes

Set Up Your Paper

Setting Up a Research Paper

Formatting Captions

Sample Papers

Annotated Bibliographies

Get Writing and Teaching Tips

Ask the MLA

Writing Tips

Teaching Resources and Advice

Quizzes

Recent questions from Ask the MLA

How do I style the title of a fairy tale?

How do I cite an anonymously translated poem?

How do I cite a work that has incorrect citation information on its cover sheet?

How do I cite Twitter now that its name has changed to X?

How do I cite several e-mails sent on the same day to the same correspondent?

What should I do if an author’s last name is not provided in a source?

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