The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is commonly used in the humanities, especially in literature, languages, and cultural studies.

General Formatting

Paper Format

  • 1-inch margins on all sides
  • Double-spaced throughout
  • 12-point readable font (Times New Roman recommended)
  • Header with last name and page number in top right
  • No title page (unless required)

First Page Header

Include on the first page (left-aligned, double-spaced):

  • Your name
  • Instructor's name
  • Course name
  • Date (Day Month Year format)

In-Text Citations

MLA uses author-page citations. No comma between author and page number.

Parenthetical: (Smith 45) Narrative: Smith argues that "..." (45).

Multiple Authors

  • Two authors: (Smith and Jones 45)
  • Three or more: (Smith et al. 45)

No Author

Use shortened title: ("Article Title" 45)

No Page Numbers

Omit page numbers if source doesn't have them: (Smith)

Works Cited

Core Elements

  1. Author
  2. Title of source
  3. Title of container
  4. Contributors
  5. Version
  6. Number
  7. Publisher
  8. Publication date
  9. Location

Books

Last, First. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.

Articles

Last, First. "Title of Article." Journal Name, vol. #, no. #, Year, pp. #-#.

Websites

Last, First. "Title of Page." Website Name, Publisher, Day Month Year, URL.

Formatting the Works Cited Page

  • Title "Works Cited" centered at top
  • Alphabetize entries by author's last name
  • Use hanging indentation (first line flush left, subsequent lines indented 0.5")
  • Double-space all entries

Key Differences from APA

Element MLA APA
In-text (Author Page) (Author, Year)
Bibliography Works Cited References
Titles Italics for long, quotes for short Italics for long works
Date format Day Month Year Year

Confused about citation formats? Our editors can ensure your paper follows MLA guidelines perfectly.