How do I list two original publication dates in my works-cited-list entry?

When you need to list more than one item in an element, separate the items with commas. Thus, if you need to provide two original… Read More

Can a title include a note number or symbol?

In our books, we follow our colleagues at The Chicago Manual of Style for note numbers and symbols in titles: “In books, a note number should… Read More

Should Dr. be included when citing a name like Dr. Seuss?

Yes. The MLA Handbook (sec. 1.1.2) provides the following guidance about titles in authors’ names: “If the name of the author of a source you consulted… Read More

How are commas used with place-names?

Unless a place-name is at the end of a sentence and followed by sentence-ending punctuation, whenever you list a city and a state or a… Read More

“Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow”: When a Comma Separates Subject and Verb

Learn when to separate a subject and verb with a comma Read More

How do I cite different versions of a movie trailer from a website like IMDb?

Whenever different versions of a work are available, you must cite the version you are using. If you cite more than one version of a… Read More

How do I cite an academic catalog?

Cite an academic catalog the way you would cite a book with no author. Follow the MLA format template. Begin your entry with the… Read More

Commas with Because: How to Make Your Meaning Clear

Learn when to insert a comma before a phrase or clause that begins with because Read More

Do I need to indicate a paragraph break when quoting prose?

No. Unlike quotations of poetry, quotations of prose do not need to communicate the layout of the text. Thus, if you quote the last line… Read More

How do I cite a PDF of a journal article downloaded directly from Google Scholar?

When you cite the PDF of an article found by searching Google Scholar, you should always cite the platform of publication for the article. When Google Scholar… Read More