How do I cite a commentator’s handwritten notes on a work?

Cite a commentator’s handwritten notes by citing the unique copy of the work where they appear. Often, that unique copy will be an object in… Read More

How do I refer to other parts of a work I’m writing or editing?

You may refer to another part of an essay by adding a parenthetical cross-reference in prose. (see “Findings,” below) A page number can be provided… Read More

How do I cite a note in an e-book?

To cite a note in a work that does not have page numbers, indicate the chapter or other division where the note occurs, if applicable,… Read More

Where do I place a note number in relation to punctuation?

To determine where to place a note number in relation to punctuation, follow the guidance in section 7.4 of the MLA Handbook. Whenever possible, a… Read More

Should I use a person’s full name in prose if the full name has already appeared in a note or in a parenthetical citation?

The names of persons should be given in full when they first appear in the body text of your essay; subsequent mentions of the person… Read More

If I’ve cited a source in footnote 1, can I cite the source later in my paper by referring to the same footnote?

The source in the footnote might be better placed in the text, because MLA style uses in-text citations to refer to individual sources. See section… 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

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 I cite a passage that contains numerous quotations from other sources, how do I let my reader know the original sources of the quotations?

You are not obligated to tell your reader the original sources of the quotations. Nor should you include any note numbers or parenthetical documentation from… Read More

How are notes numbered and placed in the MLA’s books?

In edited collections of essays, the MLA places notes at the end of each essay and restarts note numbering at 1. We follow the same… Read More