Should I indicate in my works-cited-list entry that an article is a cover story?

No. But if the information is useful for your argument—for example, because it signals the importance of the article’s topic—you can mention it in your… Read More

Why are internal capital letters retained in titles of websites in MLA style?

When special typography is strongly associated with a brand, we retain it (e.g., SoundCloud, YouTube). The Chicago Manual of Style supports this practice, advising, “[N]ames that… Read More

Should a project labeled “thesis” that is submitted for a doctoral degree in the United Kingdom be referred to as a PhD thesis or a PhD dissertation in my works-cited list?

In the United States, the written project submitted by a candidate for a doctoral degree is called a dissertation. In the United Kingdom, it is… Read More

How do I cite a press release?

How you cite a press release depends on its format and where you found it. As always, follow the MLA format template. If you received… Read More

How do I cite an article in an electronic textbook?

If you are citing an article from an electronic version of a textbook that does not have page numbers, do not provide page numbers in… Read More

If I am analyzing the lyrics of a song performed by a cover band, how do I credit the lyricist-composer?

List the lyricist-composer in the “Other contributors” element in your works-cited-list entry: Peter, Paul, and Mary. “Blowin’ in the Wind.” Music and lyrics composed by Bob… Read More

How do I cite a work published anonymously if the author’s name is now known?

As the MLA Handbook notes, “When a source does not indicate necessary facts about its publication . . . , supply as much of the missing… Read More

How do I cite an edition of a work that contains the original text and a modernized version?

If you are citing an edition that contains two versions of a single work, such as a No Fear edition of one of Shakespeare’s plays,… Read More

In my in-text citations, how do I distinguish between several advertisements known by a description?

In your works-cited-list entries for the advertisements, begin each description differently. For example, if you are describing product advertisements, instead of beginning each description with… Read More

Must a short quotation from a play be set off as an extract?

No. When the dialogue incorporated is very brief or partial, you may elect to run the quotation into your text, as shown in the example… Read More