Although there are thousands of citation styles that exist out there (7000 to be precise), the world usually revolves around the two most commonly used referencing styles- MLA and APA. Both of these styles have been quite popular for ages, and most students use one or the other to cite their academic papers accurately.
Although both are well-renowned citation styles that are taught in innumerable schools each year, there always remains tons of questions about the difference between APA and MLA. This is why to aid you; we have put together an ultimate guide demonstrating APA vs. MLA citation styles.
If you have always been wondering what APA and MLA denotes, when to use MLA vs. APA, or how the names of authors and titles are displayed in both styles, then look no further! Our comprehensive guide has all the APA vs. MLA differences highlighted for you. It’s easy to read, comprehend and will also provide you with a lookdown on the vital points you need to know about MLA vs. APA formatting. If that wasn’t enough, we have even thrown certain lucid examples to help you make sense of everything.
Without any further ado, let’s get started. Shall we?
If you are comparing APA and MLA referencing styles, you will notice that they are formatted a little differently. Of course, the differences aren’t going to jump out at you and say, ‘Hey, look at me! This is what creates APA vs. MLA discussions!” While all the differences are subtle, they come down to what they were created for.
MLA (Modern Language Association) is a citation style that is most often used in papers of literature, language, history, art, and theatre subjects. Other disciplines may use MLA, as well.
APA (American Psychological Association) is the style most often used in technical works found in social sciences. This particular format makes referencing technical and journals a breeze.
When you write an academic paper in either format, using the right referencing style can make your life a lot easier. Thus, it is crucial to break down and truly understand the differences between each.
If you are trying to figure out ‘when should you use MLA vs. APA’, it is first vital to notice the most obvious difference in both the papers is the title of the citation page. Papers that are drafted in MLA format will have the ‘Works Cited Page’ as the title page. The APA citation page, on the other hand, will be labelled as ‘References’.
Both the titles will be centred at the top of the page, and the lists of the references are always double spaced. The title page is always easy way to know which one you are looking at.
APA and MLA- both the referencing styles use parenthetical citations to cite sources in the text. But, they incorporate a tad bit different information.
An APA in-text citation incorporates the last name of the author and the publication year. If you are quoting or paraphrasing a specific passage, you also need to add a page number. An MLA in-text citation incorporates the last name of the author and the page number.
Now, when you need to cite two authors, APA style separates their names with an ampersand (&). On the other hand, MLA uses ‘and’. For three or more authors, it is required to list the first author, followed by ‘et al.’ in both styles.
Example-
1 author- (Richardson, 2019, p.75) - APA
(Richardson 75)- MLA
2 authors- (Richardson and Mayer, 2019, p.75) - APA
(Richardson and Mayer 75)- MLA
3+ authors- (Richardson et al., 2019, p.75) - APA
(Richardson et al. 75)- MLA
In both the citation styles, APA and MLA, you will see a list of full detailed cited resources on a separate page at the end of the paper. In APA style, this page is known as the ‘Reference List’, whereas, in MLA, it is known as the ‘Works Cited’.
In MLA, the references are arranged in alphabetical order by the author’s names first, then by title. In APA, the references are first arranged in alphabetical order by the author’s names, then in chronological order (oldest first).
Example-
Works Cited (MLA)- Richardson, R. Mayer. Journey into the Cliffs and Mountains. San Diego, CA: Penguin Publications, Inc., 2019. Print.
Reference List (APA)- Richardson, R. M. (2019). Journey into the Cliffs and Mountains. San Diego, CA: Penguin Publications, Inc.
The general formatting guidelines for both the citation styles, APA and MLA, are similar. While formatting academic papers in both styles, you need to follow-
If you are asking, “then, how are APA and MLA formatting styles different?” let us tell you, the main differences between the APA format and MLA format includes the title page, running head, and block quoting guidelines.
In the APA style, a separate cover page is required. It lists the title of your paper, your full name, your institution, and your department. It also includes the course the paper is presented for, the name of your instructor, and the due date. All of this will be centred and double-spaced.
In MLA, no title page is required (though your instructor may require you to incorporate one). Rather of a title page, you can add a four-line heading on the first page. The heading should be left-aligned and double-spaced. It should list your full name, the name of the instructor, the course title or number, and the date of submission. The paper’s title should be centred on a new line under the heading.
In the header of every page, it is required to include your last name and the page number in MLA style. Both should be right-aligned.
An APA header should also incorporate a right-aligned page number. If you are submitting a manuscript for publication, you should also incorporate an APA running head with a shortened version of the paper’s title (up to 50 characters long). Write all in capitals and keep it left-aligned.
The running head is not needed to include in academic papers (unless instructed otherwise).
Block quotes refer to long quotations that are set on a new line and intended as a block. It includes no quotation marks.
In APA formatting style, any quote of 40 words or longer should be formatted as a blockquote. In MLA style, the blockquote formatting is used for quotes of more than four lines of prose or more than three lines of verse.
In both of these styles, the in-text citation is added after the period at the end of a block quote.
Still, struggling to understand the differences between APA vs. MLA citation style? Have a look at the table below-
APA |
MLA |
|
Spacing |
Double-spacing on the title page and in the body text |
Double spacing on the header and in the body text |
Running Headers |
On every page; the title of the paper should be flushed left, and the page number flushed right.
Example- Running head: Theories Of Origin |
On every page; the author name and page number should both flush right.
Example- Mayer,1
|
Article Titles |
Not in quotation marks |
In quotation marks |
Capitalisation |
First words only capitalised |
All major words capitalised |
Notes (End or foot) |
Not used for references |
Not used for references |
Secondary citation
|
(cited in Levin, 1982, p.13) |
(qtd. In Levin 13) |
Names of The Publisher
|
Rarely abbreviated |
Frequently abbreviated |
Trailing Punctuation
|
Underlined |
Not Underlined |
Tense of Reporting |
Past- Jason claimed… |
Present- Jason claims…. |
The academic world thrives and advances on successful communication. Academic professionals recognise other professionals by how well others follow vital rules like an accurate citation. This is why it is significant to comprehend the different formats and styles used for citing resources in your academic papers for your claims. The better you understand the difference between APA vs. MLA, the more credible and sophisticated your papers will be. What more, it will help you pursue bigger academic and professional goals in the long run.
Struggling to understand the difference between APA and MLA citation styles? Are you striving to comprehend when to use MLA vs. APA in your academic papers?
Fret, not. We, Essaygator.com, have arrived at your aid.
Essaygator.com is a reliable academic writing service provider on the internet that offers a one-stop solution to all students struggling with overly tricky citation styles. Our experts at Essaygator.com offer unsurpassed assistance to all students in the best possible ways.
We have a team of qualified and well-experienced professionals who offer the best assignment writing help on 100+ subjects at the most jaw-dropping deals in the industry. Hire us today and soar high on success with our remarkable services!