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MLA Style

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Introducing MLA

This guide introduces students to MLA Style. It outlines basic formatting rules, provides some basic examples and links to more detailed examples.
This guide corresponds to the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th Edition. Formatting, in-text citations, and Works Cited guidelines have all changed. Use this guide only if your professor or a journal's editorial guidelines have specified MLA 7th edition. For current guidelines, please refer to the MLA 9 Quick Guide.

What is MLA Style?

MLA Style is a standardized format for writing that has been established by the Modern Language Association. It is generally used by students and scholars working within disciplines related to language and literature, but is also used in many other humanities disciplines.

Keep in mind that MLA Style refers to:

Online MLA Style Guides

We highly recommend that you bookmark this site for quick reference while writing your paper.

The MLA Style Manuals

The MLA publishes two style manuals: one for student research papers, and another for professional researchers.

Keep in mind that the MLA style is designed to change and adapt to changing modes of publication. According to the MLA Style Manual, it is "...an open book that we can rewrite in future editions, for future generations" (xix). Assume that guidelines will change with each new edition. Use the most current edition, especially for guidance on online and web publications.

Subject Guide

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