How to MLA Format on Microsoft Word: A Step-by-Step Guide
Understanding MLA Format
Before we dive into the step-by-step guide on how to MLA format on Microsoft Word, it’s essential to understand what MLA format is. MLA (Modern Language Association) format is a citation style used in the humanities, such as literature, language, and cultural studies. It’s widely used in academic writing, including essays, research papers, and theses.
Choosing the Right Font and Size
To ensure that your MLA formatted text looks professional, you need to choose the right font and size. The most commonly used font for MLA format is Times New Roman, with a font size of 12 points. You can also use Arial, Calibri, or Helvetica, but Times New Roman is the most widely accepted font.
Creating a New Document
To start MLA formatting on Microsoft Word, follow these steps:
- Open Microsoft Word and create a new document by clicking on File > New.
- In the Document Properties dialog box, select MLA 8th Edition as the citation style.
- Set the Font to Times New Roman and the Font Size to 12 points.
- Set the Margins to 1 inch on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right).
In-Text Citations
In-text citations are used to credit sources in the text. Here are some guidelines for MLA in-text citations:
- Author’s Last Name, First Name (Year of publication)
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of the Source. Publisher, Year of publication, pp. Page numbers.
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of the Source. Publisher, Year of publication, pp..
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of the Source. Publisher, Year of publication, pp., Page numbers.
Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page is used to list all sources cited in the text. Here’s how to create a Works Cited page in MLA format:
- Title Page: Include your last name and page number (if applicable).
- Works Cited Page: List all sources cited in the text, in alphabetical order by author’s last name.
- Works Cited Page Format:
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of the Source. Publisher, Year of publication, pp. Page numbers.
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of the Source. Publisher, Year of publication, pp..
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of the Source. Publisher, Year of publication, pp., Page numbers.
Bibliography
The Bibliography is a separate section that lists all sources cited in the Works Cited page. Here’s how to create a bibliography in MLA format:
- Title Page: Include your last name and page number (if applicable).
- Bibliography: List all sources cited in the Works Cited page, in alphabetical order by author’s last name.
- Bibliography Format:
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of the Source. Publisher, Year of publication, pp..
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of the Source. Publisher, Year of publication, pp., Page numbers.
In-Text Citations with Multiple Authors
When multiple authors are cited in the text, use the following guidelines:
- Author’s Last Name, First Name (Year of publication)
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of the Source. Publisher, Year of publication, pp. Page numbers.
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of the Source. Publisher, Year of publication, pp., Page numbers.
In-Text Citations with No Author
When no author is cited in the text, use the following guidelines:
- Title of the Source. Publisher, Year of publication, pp. Page numbers.
- Title of the Source. Publisher, Year of publication, pp., Page numbers.
In-Text Citations with No Page Numbers
When no page numbers are cited in the text, use the following guidelines:
- Title of the Source. Publisher, Year of publication.
- Title of the Source. Publisher, Year of publication, pp..
References List
The References list is used to list all sources cited in the Works Cited page. Here’s how to create a References list in MLA format:
- Title Page: Include your last name and page number (if applicable).
- References List: List all sources cited in the Works Cited page, in alphabetical order by author’s last name.
- References List Format:
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of the Source. Publisher, Year of publication, pp..
- Author’s Last Name, First Name. Title of the Source. Publisher, Year of publication, pp., Page numbers.
Common MLA Format Mistakes
Here are some common MLA format mistakes to avoid:
- Incorrect citation: Make sure to include the author’s last name, first name, and title of the source in the in-text citation.
- Incorrect page numbers: Make sure to include the page numbers in the in-text citation.
- Incorrect formatting: Make sure to use the correct font, font size, and margins for the in-text citations and Works Cited page.
Conclusion
MLA formatting on Microsoft Word is a straightforward process that requires attention to detail and adherence to the guidelines. By following these steps and guidelines, you can ensure that your MLA formatted text looks professional and is free of errors. Remember to double-check your work and proofread your text carefully to ensure that it meets the MLA formatting requirements.