Should I include a time stamp for time-based media when I am paraphrasing rather than quoting?
The MLA recommends making your citations useful to your reader. A time stamp could help your reader locate the scene in a movie, video, or… Read More
If an author’s name appears in a foreign script, such as Cyrillic, how should the name appear in the works-cited-list entry?
Use either the transliterated or the familiar form of the name in prose, in-text citations, and works-cited-list entries. If an author is likely to be… Read More
How should I style brand names?
The styling of brand names depends on whether they are trademarked. Always check the dictionary, which lists many brand names. Trademarked brand names are capitalized… Read More
How do I format a Q and A in MLA style?
Practices for formatting a Q and A vary. The Style Center includes some examples of the MLA’s practice. See, for instance, our posts on digital… Read More
How do I cite the table of contents of a journal?
If you are making a passing reference to the contents page of a journal, a citation is not needed. If, however, you are treating the… Read More
Do I need to use quotation marks around numerical data that I quote from sources?
No. For an example, see our post on citing raw data. Read More
How should I style the names of Chinese dynasties in MLA style?
The MLA follows the guidance given in The Chicago Manual of Style for capitalization. The manual lowercases names of eras (“Descriptive Designations”), so when styling the… Read More
How do I cite the main idea of a work?
To cite the main idea of a work, key your reference to the first element of your works-cited-list entry. This element—usually the author or title—could… Read More
Considering Audience through Search Engine Optimization
A lesson on using SEO tools to reach an audience Read More
How do I style the title of a segment from a television news, talk, or comedy show?
As the MLA Handbook notes, “A title is placed in quotation marks if it is part of a larger work” (25). Thus, enclose in quotation marks… Read More