Formatting and Citing: MLA vs. APA Style

What are the key differences between MLA and APA style of citation?

Are you unsure about the variations between the MLA and APA styles of citation? Let's explore the key variations to help you cite sources accurately.

Answer:

In academic writing, it is crucial to cite your sources properly to avoid plagiarism. MLA (Modern Language Association) and APA (American Psychological Association) are two common citation styles with distinct characteristics. The main differences between MLA and APA styles include:

1. Citation Format:

MLA uses the author's last name and page number format within the text, whereas APA uses the author's last name and the publication date.

2. Parentheses Usage:

MLA does not typically use parentheses to enclose the publication date, while APA does use parentheses in citations.

3. Title Capitalization:

MLA capitalizes all major words in the title, while APA only capitalizes the first word of the title and proper nouns.

4. Title Formatting:

In MLA, titles are typically underlined, whereas in APA, titles are written in italics.

By understanding these key differences, you can ensure that your citations adhere to the specific requirements of MLA or APA style.