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Last Updated: 11 September 2023 Welcome to the MLA Style Center (“Center”), which is operated by the Modern Language Association (also referred to as “we,”… Read More

How do I format a thesis or dissertation in MLA style?

The MLA Handbook does not provide guidelines for formatting a thesis or dissertation—or for preparing the parts of such a project, like a preface, dedication,… Read More

My Friend and I’s Grammar Problem: Joint Possession with Pronouns

by Joseph Wallace

This post explains what to do when describing joint possession using pronouns Read More

Does a pronoun in a quotation need to be integrated into the surrounding text?

No. In MLA style, when you are quoting a work, you should maintain the integrity of the original text whenever possible. If the pronoun in… Read More

How do I style abbreviations like LOL in a title?

Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary spells LOL (as well as BTW, TMI, and other abbreviations used in text messaging) with capital letters. In a title, the term… Read More

What Is a Usage Guide?

by Joseph Wallace

This post discusses usage guides, a type of reference work consulted in the publishing industry Read More

Introducing Lateral Reading before Research

by Elizabeth Walsh-Moorman and Katie Ours

A lesson on lateral reading Read More

A Parallel Universe: Writing with Parallel Structure

by Jennifer Rappaport

Writers sometimes cause confusion by failing to make the elements in their writing parallel . . . Read More

If a parenthetical reference does not fit on the final line of a block quotation, where do you place it?

If a parenthetical reference does not fit on the final line of a block quotation, place it at the start of the next line. Read More

Choosing Between

by Zahra Brown

Read about between and among and how to choose confidently between them Read More