How do I shorten a last name in English composed of more than one element?

Last names in English composed of more than one element are usually shortened to the final element, so a name like Harriet Beecher Stowe would… Read More

Where should authors’ names and affiliations be placed in a book manuscript for an edited collection?

If the publisher provides instructions about where to place authors’ names and affiliations, the volume editor should follow these instructions. Published versions of books typically… Read More

Is the particle al- or el- at the start of an Arabic last name capitalized in a works-cited-list entry?

In general, no. The MLA’s guidance on Dutch particles applies to Arabic last names prefixed by al- and el- except that al- and el- are… Read More

If an author’s name appears in a foreign script, such as Cyrillic, how should the name appear in the works-cited-list entry?

Use either the transliterated or the familiar form of the name in prose, in-text citations, and works-cited-list entries. If an author is likely to be… Read More

How should I style brand names?

The styling of brand names depends on whether they are trademarked. Always check the dictionary, which lists many brand names. Trademarked brand names are capitalized… Read More

How should I style the names of Chinese dynasties in MLA style?

The MLA follows the guidance given in The Chicago Manual of Style for capitalization. The manual lowercases names of eras (“Descriptive Designations”), so when styling the… Read More

If an author’s name in my source is in all capital letters, how should I style it in my paper?

In prose and works-cited-list entries, the first and last names of authors should begin with a capital letter. All other letters should be lowercase. Let’s… Read More

Should Dr. be included when citing a name like Dr. Seuss?

Yes. The MLA Handbook (sec. 1.1.2) provides the following guidance about titles in authors’ names: “If the name of the author of a source you consulted… Read More

After I’ve given a person’s name in full, should I use last name only thereafter even if I am writing a work with chapters rather than an essay?

Yes, generally follow this guideline, especially for frequently mentioned people or those who are the subject of the work. Read More

Should I reproduce emojis in my essay?

In general it is not necessary to reproduce emojis. However, if an emoji is important to a point you are making in your essay, you… Read More