When a publisher’s name appears as an acronym on the title page but is spelled out on the copyright page, which do I use?

Page 41 of the MLA Handbook advises writers to first look for the publisher’s name on the title page, so in your works-cited-list entry, use… Read More

Can I use block quotations in an endnote?

In its publications, the MLA generally avoids using block quotations in notes. Exceptions would be made for quotations of more than one paragraph or for… Read More

When Is a Website a Container?

Learn how to cite websites in MLA style . . . Read More

Supplemental Elements

All you need to know about the optional-element slot on the MLA style template . . . Read More

Using the Present Tense with Works; or, Othello Still Exists

When to use the present tense in discussing texts. Hint: the key is consistency Read More

Serial Commas and Serial Semicolons

Perhaps no mark of punctuation ruffles feathers more than the serial comma Read More

Using “I” in Academic Writing

Should you use "I" in academic writing? An editor offers guidance Read More

How do I quote stage directions?

There are different traditions for formatting stage directions, even in publications of the same play. When quoting stage directions, your aim should be consistency. It… Read More

How do I cite a source that has no author?

When a work is published without an author’s name, begin the works-cited-list entry with the title of the work. Do not use Anonymous in place… Read More

How do I cite an image reproduced in a book?

When you are citing an image reproduced in a book, it is usually sufficient to refer to it in your text and create a works-cited-list… Read More