To Splice or Not to Splice?

Writers should generally not use a comma to connect two independent clauses . . . Read More

Comma Sense

Some commas are needed to prevent misreading, some are harmful, and others are optional Read More

Effective Signposting

Get tips on building signposts to help articulate the structure of your argument . . . Read More

Don’t Bury the Lede

Burying the lede may test the patience of your readers Read More

Adverbs to Avoid

Adverbs you can easily avoid Read More

Contemporary as a Kind of Janus Word

Reasons to be mindful of the ambiguity of the word contemporary . . . Read More

Do I include a publisher in works-cited-list entries for repositories and databases?

No. As the MLA Handbook notes, “A website not involved in producing the works it makes available” lacks a publisher (42). Examples include sites like… Read More

The Danger of Deploy

Deploy is not a good synonym for use, utilize, or employ Read More

Make MLA Style Work for You: Create Your Own House Style

Just as publishers often develop a “house style” sheet, so too can teachers . . . Read More

When should the name of the library from which I have retrieved my source be included in a works-cited-list entry?

Include the name of the library in the publisher slot on the MLA format template if the library is the publisher of the work… Read More