How do I adapt MLA running heads in my paper?

We appreciate hearing from readers with suggestions for adapting MLA style to specific cases. Here, one reader finds a way to clarify a potentially ambiguous… 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

How do I format a Q and A in MLA style?

Practices for formatting a Q and A vary. The Style Center includes some examples of the MLA’s practice. See, for instance, our posts on digital literacy… Read More

Should the month be spelled out in the header of a student paper?

Months in the header on the first page of a student paper may be spelled out or abbreviated. Students should ask their instructor for the… 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

Do the MLA’s paper-formatting guidelines apply to papers that students write by hand?

The MLA does not offer specific guidelines for handwritten papers, so instructors should adapt guidelines for typed papers as they see fit. Read More

How do I format a table of contents in MLA style?

Tables of contents may be formatted in a number of ways. In our publications, we sometimes list chapter numbers before chapter titles and sometimes list… Read More

Where should I place the appendix in my paper?

An appendix should be placed before the works-cited list. If your paper includes a notes section, the order of the items should be appendix, notes,… Read More

If a paragraph begins with a short sentence that is less than a full line and that introduces a block quotation, should the block quotation be further indented than usual?

No. All block quotations in your work should be indented the same amount. Even if the block quotation occurs after a short line that is… Read More

How does the font and type size I choose affect the formatting of block quotations in my paper?

As the MLA Handbook notes, “If a quotation extends to more than four lines when run into your text, set if off from the text as a… Read More