Underlining Titles in MLA: When and Why

When it comes to formatting titles in Modern Language Association (MLA) style, understanding when to use underlining is crucial. While italics are the preferred method for indicating emphasized or emphasized titles in modern digital writing, underlining still has its place, especially in certain circumstances. This article will explore the specific instances where underlining is appropriate and the general principles of MLA formatting.

When to Use Underlining

Manuscripts: If you are typing by hand or do not have access to italics, underlining the title of a work is a suitable alternative. This method ensures that your readers understand the title is being emphasized without requiring access to italicized text. Titles of Longer Works: While italics are preferred for longer works such as books, movies, and albums, if underlining is your only option, this is acceptable. It is a reliable method to denote titles in situations where italicization is not feasible. Creative Works: Underlining can be used for titles of plays, films, and television series. For standalone works or shorter pieces, other methods such as quotation marks might be more appropriate. Inconsistent Formatting: When the format of your text editor or platform does not support italics, underlining titles is an effective solution. This is particularly useful for older document formats or basic text editors that may lack advanced formatting options.

Modern Practices and Preferences

In modern digital writing and typesetting, italics are generally preferred over underlining for clarity and presentation. MLA style has shifted its preference from underlining to italics, but the use of underlining is not entirely obsolete. If you find yourself working in an environment that lacks the capability to italicize text, underlining remains a viable and acceptable alternative.

Examples of Titles That Should Be Underlined

Books: The titles of books, such as 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' should be underlined. Long Poems: The title of an epic poem like 'The Odyssey' can also be underlined. Anthologies: The title of an anthology, like 'The Norton Anthology of English Literature,' should be underlined. Newspapers and Magazines: The title of a newspaper or magazine, like 'The New York Times' or 'National Geographic,' should be underlined. Scholarly Journals: The title of scholarly journals should be underlined, like 'Journal of Modern Language Studies.' Song Albums: The title of an album, such as 'Thriller' by Michael Jackson, should be underlined. Movies and Documentaries: The title of a movie or documentary, like 'Avatar,' should be underlined. Television Series: The title of a television series, like 'Game of Thrones,' should be underlined.

What Should Not Be Underlined

Your Own MLA Essay Title: The title of your MLA-style essay should not be underlined, italicized, or placed in quotation marks. It is an exception in MLA formatting rules. URLs: The URLs for web pages should not be underlined. This can cause issues because Microsoft Word’s autocorrect may turn URLs into clickable hyperlinks, which can be distracting. You may have to manually remove the hyperlink or disable the auto-correction feature.

In conclusion, understanding when to underline titles in MLA style is essential for proper formatting and clarity. While italics are generally preferred, underlining remains a valuable method in certain situations. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your writing adheres to MLA standards and is easily understood by your readers.