Should I use “sic” to mark British English in a US context?

No. If the spelling in a quotation simply follows a different standard system, it is not an error, and “sic” is not needed.  Learn more… Read More

A Common Mistake: Should Of in Place of Should Have

Learn why you should never use should of in place of should have. Read More

If I mention the title of a fictional work in my text, how do I style it?

This post explains how to style titles of fictional works in your prose Read More

It’s All Greek to Me: Greek Prefixes and Suffixes in English

This post explains the meaning of unfamiliar Greek prefixes and suffixes in English Read More

Should I capitalize the names of birds?

Many common English-language bird names consist of nouns or of adjectives followed by generic terms, such as eagle and sparrow. The editorial guidelines of organizations… Read More

When must I indicate that a translation is my own?

MLA style requires that writers provide translations of quoted passages, terms, and titles in languages other than English (or other than the language in which… Read More

What’s new in the third edition of the MLA Guide to Digital Literacy?

The third edition of one of the MLA’s best-selling classroom guides, now updated with AI guidance, helps students understand why digital literacy is a crucial skill for their… Read More

E.g. and I.e.: Choosing the Right Abbreviation

Learn how and when to use e.g. and i.e. Read More

Home In On or Hone In On: Which Is Correct?

Learn why hone in on should be home in on. Read More

A While or Awhile: Which One Should I Use?

Learn when to use a while and awhile. Read More