How should I format math equations in my paper?

For guidance on formatting mathematical expressions, we defer to our colleagues at The Chicago Manual of Style (“Mathematics”). For guidance on citing mathematical theories, see our… Read More

How do I cite a print magazine essay republished on a website?

If you are citing a print magazine essay republished on a website, follow the MLA format template and list the website as the container. Information… Read More

If you are citing coauthors who share a last name (e.g., husband and wife or brother and sister), should you list the last name twice?

Yes. You should treat each author as an individual with a unique identity. Thus, if you are citing a work by authors who share a… Read More

How does the MLA capitalize names of generations?

In our publications, we follow the recommendations in The Chicago Manual of Style (“Generation”). We generally lowercase generation names such as baby boomers and millennials, but we capitalize… Read More

How does the MLA capitalize names of academic degrees?

The MLA follows Merriam-Webster and lowercases the names of academic degrees. Read More

How should I style the name of an earthwork, such as the Great Serpent Mound?

Names of earthworks, like names of buildings, should not be italicized: We took a trip to see the Great Serpent Mound. Read More

Is it acceptable to use superscript for the letters following a numeral when I am listing numbered editions?

When listing numbered editions (e.g., 2nd, 3rd, 4th), most publishers, including the MLA, do not set the letters after the numeral superscript, but an instructor… Read More

Is it acceptable to use the abbreviation cf. in MLA style?

In MLA style, cf. may be used in parenthetical citations, but writers should take care not to use the abbreviation, meaning “compare” (from the Latin “confer”),… Read More

How do I cite the keynote from a Twitter conference?

Since a Twitter conference keynote will likely span several tweets, cite it the way you would cite a Twitter thread. Follow the MLA format template. List… Read More

If I am including a publication listed by a title written in nonroman characters in my works-cited list, should I provide in my parenthetical citations the title in the original script or the transliterated title?

Use whichever method will be most useful to your reader. If you are citing a report, for example, and there is only one report listed… Read More