Terms for Key Concepts

This post explains how to write about key concepts in MLA style. Read More

Laying versus Lying

Learn about the differences between laying and lying. Read More

When altering a quotation in a language other than English, should the alteration be in the language of the quotation?

Yes: use the language of the quotation, rather than the language of the surrounding prose, to make necessary alterations to quoted material. The following example… Read More

How do I cite a selfie?

Cite any photograph you take yourself using the Style Center‘s guidance on crediting yourself as the author of a photograph. Read More

Getting to the Bottom of Principle and Principal

Learn the difference between principle and principal. Read More

How do I alter a quotation using square brackets if the quotation already contains bracketed words?

If a quotation already contains bracketed text, avoid adding your own bracketed text, since multiple sets of brackets may be confusing for the reader. However,… Read More

How do I cite a commentator’s handwritten notes on a work?

Cite a commentator’s handwritten notes by citing the unique copy of the work where they appear. Often, that unique copy will be an object in… Read More

Does It Really Go without Saying? On Needless Phrases

This post explains when phrases like "of course" can be omitted Read More

Giving Thanks

An MLA editor outlines different ways of giving thanks and acknowledging sources in academic writing Read More

Should I reproduce a quotation in all caps in my essay?

In general, yes, you should reproduce quotations as they appear in the source. If a quotation appears in all caps in your source, most of… Read More