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November 3, 2022 | Blog
The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is widely used in academic writing, particularly in the humanities and language studies.
The MLA Handbook is now in its ninth edition. Our expert MLA editors are not just familiar with these guidelines; they’ve honed their skills through years of experience in proofreading and formatting manuscripts to MLA standards.
Writers in the fields of language and literature most commonly use MLA format. With its straightforward approach, MLA promotes clarity and conciseness. It reduces in-text citations to the bare minimum to avoid distracting readers from the argument.
The MLA style guidelines define how to structure and present academic documents across several key areas:
Category | Guidance |
---|---|
Format |
These formatting rules ensure a consistent and professional appearance for academic papers. |
Mechanics of Prose | The MLA Handbook outlines rules for spelling, punctuation, capitalization, and the use of italics. It provides guidance on styling names and titles, ensuring uniformity in writing. |
Numbers | MLA guidelines specify when to use numerals and when to spell out numbers. Generally, numbers that can be written in one or two words are spelled out, while others are expressed as numerals. Dates and times follow specific formats to maintain clarity. |
Inclusive Language | The ninth edition of the MLA Handbook includes an extended section on inclusive language principles to help writers produce unbiased content. This ensures respect and sensitivity toward all individuals. |
Citations and References | MLA style uses a parenthetical author-page format for in-text citations, directing readers to a comprehensive “Works Cited” list at the end of the document. This list provides full publication details for each source, formatted according to MLA guidelines. To create accurate in-text citations, include the author’s last name and the page number without a comma—for example: (Smith 123). All sources cited in the text must appear in the Works Cited list, which should be alphabetized by the author’s last name and follow hanging indentation. Titles of longer works should be italicized, while shorter works like articles should be placed in quotation marks. Consistency and attention to detail are essential to maintaining credibility and avoiding unintentional plagiarism. |
Abbreviations | The MLA Handbook explains how to use common academic abbreviations and the correct punctuation for them. Consistent use of abbreviations enhances the readability and professionalism of academic writing. |
Navigating the complexities of MLA format can be challenging, especially for those new to the style. It’s not just about following a set of rules; it’s about seamlessly integrating the MLA style guidelines into your writing. That’s where a professional editing service can be exceptionally helpful.
If you’re struggling to align your document with MLA style or simply want a professional review to ensure everything is in order, our MLA format editing and proofreading services are here to help. From research papers to dissertations, our expert team can handle documents of any length and complexity. Rather than spending days, or even weeks, familiarizing yourself with the ins and outs of MLA style, focus on the content of your paper and leave the nitty-gritty mechanics to us.
Our team of editors, fluent in MLA format, is standing by to help. MLA format requires a keen eye for detail; our editors are experts at MLA format and will catch and correct even the tiniest inconsistencies in your manuscript.
We don’t just focus on formatting, though. Our services extend to improving the clarity, flow, and overall readability of your document while maintaining adherence to MLA standards.
To take advantage of our editors’ knowledge of MLA format, simply leave a note on our order form that you’d like your document to comply with MLA format, and we’ll take care of the rest.
For more information about our services or if you have any questions, check the links below or feel free to get in touch with us at [email protected]. With our expert team, you can ensure that your work not only meets but exceeds the rigorous standards set by the MLA. Contact us today to make sure your manuscript is flawless and publication-ready. To explore the official guidelines yourself, you can access the MLA Handbook online.
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Our professional editing and proofreading services are trusted by household names in business and education.