Following the guidance given in section 1.2 to avoid special typography when using the title of a source in my writing, should I replace the ampersand with “and” in a title?

Yes!… Read More

Do I use a comma before Jr. and Sr.? What about names followed by roman numerals?

In the main text of your written work, use a suffix that is an essential part of the name—like Jr. or a roman numeral—when you… Read More

How many spaces should I leave after a period?

Leave one space after a period or other concluding punctuation mark, unless your instructor prefers two spaces. Whichever spacing you choose, be sure to use… Read More

Is a new edition of the MLA Style Manual going to be published?

No. The MLA Style Manual will be taken out of print. The system of documentation explained in the eighth edition of the MLA Handbook is… Read More

The Capitalization of Web

by Eric Wirth

“The World Wide Web” is the name of a unique entity . . . Read More

Dictionary 101

by Angela Gibson

Beware the spelling checker! Here's what you need to know about using a dictionary . . . Read More

A Regrettable Shortcut: The Pseudo Conjunction With

by Eric Wirth

The use of with as a pseudo conjunction weakens prose . . . Read More

Many or Multiple?

by Michael Kandel

Multiple is often not a good synonym for many Read More

“Why Should We Sweat This Small Stuff?”

by Eric Wirth

The notes posted here don’t concern small points . . . Read More

The Waste of Haste: Premature Introductions

by Eric Wirth

A common type of jumble in prose results from premature introductions . . . Read More