How many spaces should I leave after a period?

Leave one space after a period or other concluding punctuation mark, unless your instructor prefers two spaces. Whichever spacing you choose, be sure to use… Read More

I am citing two editions of the same novel. How do I order the entries in the list of works cited, and how do I distinguish the editions in the in-text citation?

Order the entries by the most important unique piece of identifying information. This is usually the date. You can list entries either in chronological order… Read More

Does the MLA still recommend the use of hanging indention? I don’t always see hanging indentions on The MLA Style Center.

Hanging indention is still the preferred way to distinguish entries in the list of works cited. In its formatting guidelines and in section 2.7 of… Read More

Is a new edition of the MLA Style Manual going to be published?

No. The MLA Style Manual will be taken out of print. The system of documentation explained in the eighth edition of the MLA Handbook is… Read More

Are notes compatible with MLA style?

Yes. Two kinds of notes are suitable with the parenthetical citations used in MLA style: content notes and bibliographic notes. These may be styled either… Read More

Why does the MLA require the use of Times New Roman? It’s a boring font.

We don’t require the use of Times New Roman or any other font. Our guidelines on formatting papers give this recommendation: “choose an easily readable… Read More

If my paper has only one source or only one endnote, should the heading still be plural—Works Cited or Notes?

No. The heading should be changed to the singular so that it matches the relevant material: Work Cited or Note. Read More

The eighth edition of the MLA Handbook doesn’t explain how to format the research paper itself. Is this topic covered anywhere?

The topic is covered here at The MLA Style Center. The guidelines are the same as they were in the seventh edition. Read More