are books underlined in mla

In MLA style, why do we underline titles of books?

MLA (Modern Language Association) style is widely used for academic writing and research papers in the humanities and social sciences. One of the key guidelines in this style involves how to handle different types of titles in your text. Titles of books, as well as other works like articles or poems, are typically italicized rather than underlined. This distinction helps to clearly differentiate between various elements of a citation.

One might argue that the decision to use italics instead of underlining stems from the readability and visual distinction they offer. Italicized titles stand out more prominently on the page, making them easier to identify without having to hover over each word. Underlining, while sometimes used for emphasis, can be less effective in digital formats due to the difficulty in distinguishing it from regular text.

Moreover, the preference for italics over underlining in MLA style aligns with broader conventions in academic writing. The use of italics for titles reflects a consistent approach to formatting citations, which aids in maintaining consistency across all sources. This consistency is crucial for clarity and accuracy, especially when citing multiple sources within a paper.

Another perspective suggests that the choice of italics over underlining in MLA is rooted in typographical traditions. In the history of book printing, italics were often used to denote the title of a work, and this practice has been carried over into modern academic writing. By adhering to these traditional practices, writers ensure their work appears professional and respectful to established standards.

Additionally, it is worth noting that while underlining is not recommended in MLA style, there are exceptions where underlining may be used. For example, if a book title includes words that could be mistaken for a proper noun or if the title itself contains underlining (such as in some foreign language publications), the author might choose to underline the title to avoid confusion. However, such cases are rare and generally uncommon.

In conclusion, the decision to underline books in MLA style is not only unnecessary but also counterproductive. The use of italics ensures clear differentiation and maintains consistency with academic conventions, enhancing the readability and professionalism of written work.