Table of Contents
Key Differences Between MLA and APA Formatting
MLA and APA are two widely used citation styles in academic writing, each with distinct guidelines for formatting and citing sources. Here are the key differences between MLA and APA formatting:
1. Field of Study
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MLA: Primarily used in the humanities, such as literature, language, philosophy, and the arts.
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APA: Used in the social sciences, including psychology, sociology, education, and business.
2. In-Text Citations
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MLA: Uses parenthetical citations with the author’s last name and page number (e.g., (Smith 123)).
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APA: Uses parenthetical citations with the author’s last name, year of publication, and page number (e.g., (Smith, 2020, p. 123)).
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3. Author Name Format
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MLA: Spells out the first name of the author (e.g., Smith, Jane).
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APA: Abbreviates the first name of the author (e.g., Smith, J.).
4. Title Page
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MLA: Does not require a title page; instead, includes the title and author information on the first page.
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APA: Requires a title page with the title, author’s name, institution, course number, instructor’s name, and due date.
5. Capitalization in Titles
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MLA: Capitalizes all major words in titles, excluding articles and prepositions.
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APA: Only capitalizes the first word, the first word after a colon, and proper nouns.
6. Source Page
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MLA: Uses a “Works Cited” page, listing only sources cited in the text.
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APA: Uses a “References” page, listing all sources cited or consulted.
7. Block Quotations
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MLA: Uses block quotations for quotes of more than four lines, indented one tab from the left margin.
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APA: Uses block quotations for quotes of 40 or more words, indented half an inch from the left margin.
8. Numbers and Dates
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MLA: Spells out numbers that can be written in one or two words; uses numerals for others.
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APA: Spells out numbers zero through nine; uses numerals for 10 and above.
Comparison Table
| Feature | MLA | APA |
|---|---|---|
| Field of Study | Humanities | Social Sciences |
| In-Text Citation | (Author Page Number) | (Author, Year, Page Number) |
| Author Name Format | Full First Name | First Initial |
| Title Page | Not Required | Required |
| Capitalization in Titles | All Major Words | First Word and Proper Nouns |
| Source Page | Works Cited | References |
| Block Quotations | More than 4 lines | More than 40 words |
| Numbers | Spell out one or two words | Spell out zero through nine |
By understanding these differences, you can ensure that your academic work is properly formatted according to the requirements of your discipline.
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