Distinguishing Tropes, Figures, Themes, and Motifs

Learn how to use the terms trope, figure, theme, and motif. Read More

How do I cite the prologue of a play?

When the prologue—or author’s preface—to a play is in prose, provide a page number for a quotation from or reference to the work if it… Read More

Should I include a religious leader’s title in my works-cited-list entry?

Following the guidance found in section 2.83 of the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook, religious titles, such as Reverend or Saint, should generally be… Read More

When referring to a person’s age, do I use numerals or words?

To decide whether to use numerals or words to refer to a person’s age, follow the advice in sections 2.127 and 2.128 of the MLA… Read More

How do I cite generative AI in MLA style?

The MLA’s method for citing sources uses a template of core elements—standardized criteria that writers can use to evaluate sources and create works-cited-list entries… Read More

Celebrating the Oscars—the MLA Way

Learn how to cite the ten films of 2022 nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture Read More

How do I cite a time line?

How you cite a time line will depend on where it was published.  Published in a Print Work If the time line is included as… Read More

Can e.g. be used at the end of a sentence?

If a writer wants to use e.g. in a sentence, then by convention the MLA would place it only within parenthetical text and before the… Read More

How do I cite a work translated into more than one language?

If you are writing about a book that has been translated into more than one language, you can differentiate between the translations by citing the… Read More

Should I include “Jr.” in an in-text citation?

The MLA Handbook advises, in section 6.2, “In parenthetical citations, use only the part of an author’s name—usually the surname only—necessary to find the entry… Read More