How do I cite an abstract?

Very few circumstances call for citing an abstract. Never cite an abstract as a short-cut, a way of avoiding reading and citing the full published… Read More

How do you punctuate a question that quotes a question?

Do not use two question marks. Use only the question mark contained in the quotation: Which Shakespeare character asked, “Is this a dagger which I… Read More

If students omit from their works-cited lists works they have cited in their paper, have they plagiarized?

As our plagiarism guide notes, “Plagiarism is presenting another person’s ideas, information, expressions, or entire work as one’s own.” Citing sources accurately often requires learning… Read More

How do I quote lyrics from a duet in which the performers take turns singing?

How you quote lyrics from a duet depends on how you accessed them and how many lines you are borrowing. If you quote lyrics from… Read More

How do I cite a magazine cover in my works-cited list and in my essay?

To cite the cover of a magazine, you can generally create a works-cited-list entry for the issue of the magazine and then key your in-text… Read More

How do I cite a work by an author with a Dutch name that includes the word van?

Particles in Dutch surnames—such as van, van den, van der, de, and ter—are lowercased in prose when the whole name is given: Joost van der… Read More

How do I cite a handbook or adventure module for a tabletop role-playing game such as Dungeons and Dragons?

If you are citing a published handbook or adventure module for a tabletop role-playing game such as Dungeons and Dragons, treat the work as you would any… Read More

My paper is included in conference proceedings. If I refer to other papers included in the proceedings, do I need to create works-cited-list entries?

No. You do not need to document the other papers, but you should make clear in your prose that the other papers are included in… Read More

If I am citing a manuscript that displays page numbers on some pages but not on others, how do I handle my in-text citations?

As noted in the MLA Handbook, “When a source has no page numbers or any other kind of part number, no number should be given in a… Read More

How do I create an in-text citation for a note or marginalia by an editor or translator in a work listed under the author’s name?

If you are citing an editor’s or translator’s note for a work listed under the author’s name, create a works-cited-list entry for the work as a… Read More