Understanding the Key Differences Between APA and MLA Formats

Writing an academic paper? Then you've probably come across the puzzling world of citation styles like APA and MLA. 

Don't worry if you're feeling a bit lost – we're here to help you make sense of it all. Proper citation means giving credit where credit is due in your academic work, and it's essential to get it right.

In this blog, we will compare both citation styles, and help you understand the differences between APA and MLA in a simple and precise manner.

Stick around, and we'll break it down in simple terms. Whether you're a student, researcher, or writer, understanding these styles can elevate your writing game.

Let’s get started! 

What is The APA Format? 

APA, or the American Psychological Association, is a set of rules for writing and citing sources.

It's a widely used citation style practiced in social sciences like psychology, sociology, and education.

Currently, the latest edition of the APA citation style is the 7th Edition. 

What is the MLA Format?

MLA, or Modern Language Association, is a popular citation style that provides guidelines for writing and documentation in the humanities. It is commonly used in subjects like literature, philosophy, and the arts.

The MLA style rules can be found in the latest (9th edition) MLA handbook. 

APA vs. MLA Citation, What's the Difference?

There are several differences in the way we format documents according to different citation styles. To know more about the APA vs. MLA citation format, we’ll compare the following elements: 

• Paper formatting
• In-text citation
• Bibliography
• Writing style

Let’s move on to the differences between both paper formats. We’ll cover different aspects of formatting in detail one by one.

APA vs. MLA: Paer Formatting

Here are the differences between APA and MLA formats when it comes to arranging your document’s pages.

Now let’s see how in-text citations differ in both APA and MLA citation formats.

APA vs. MLA, In-Text Citation 

In-text citations play an essential role in crediting sources within your paper, and both APA and MLA styles employ distinct formats for in-text citations.

APA In-Text Citation 

Citations in APA style consist of the author's last name and the publication year. For sources with multiple authors, APA requires an ampersand (&) to precede the last author's name. When you're quoting directly, include the page number, such as:

• Single Author: (Anderson, 2019)
• Two Authors: (Anderson & Davis, 2020)
• Three or More Authors: (Anderson et al., 2021)
• Direct Quote: (Anderson, 2019, p. 45)

MLA In-Text Citation 

In MLA style, in-text citations include the author's last name and the page number. For sources with multiple authors, use “et al.” after the first author's name. When you’re quoting directly, you have to include the page number, such as:

• Single Author: (Brown 25)
• Two Authors: (Brown and Clark 42)
• Three or More Authors: (Brown et al. 58)
• Direct Quote: (Brown 25)

In-Text Citation Examples 

Consider a scenario where you're comparing theories in psychology:

APA: According to a theory (Anderson, 2019), individuals undergo cognitive development stages.

MLA: In another perspective (Brown 25), cognitive development is viewed as a series of stages.

Note that the primary difference lies in how the author's name and publication year (APA) or page number (MLA) are presented within parentheses in the text.

Now let’s move on to how the bibliographical sections differ in both APA and MLA formats.

APA vs. MLA Citation Page: Annotated Bibliography

Look at the table below to understand the differences in the bibliographical sections of both citation styles.

For a practical understanding, here are some APA vs. MLA examples of references. 

Citing Journals Articles 

APA Format: Author, A. A. (Year of publication). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume number(issue number), page range.

Example: Davis, M. L. (2020). The impact of technology on modern education. Journal of Educational Technology, 15(3), 123-135.

MLA Format: Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day of publication). Title of webpage. Website Name. URL

Example: Johnson, R. (2021, May 10). Sustainable living tips for urban dwellers. GreenLiving.com. https://www.greenliving.com/sustainable-living-urban

Citing Books 

APA Format: Author, A. A. (Year of publication). Title of Book: Capital Letter Also for Subtitle. Publisher.

Example: Thompson, S. L. (2017). The Art of Scientific Writing. Academic Press.

MLA Format: Author's Last name, First name. Title of Book. Publisher, Publication Year.

Example: Harris, M. Cultural Anthropology. HarperCollins, 2019.

For Citing Websites

APA Format: Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day of publication). Title of webpage. Website Name. URL

Example: Miller, P. (2020, June 15). The Science Behind Sustainable Gardening. EcoGardening.com. https://www.ecogardening.com/science-sustainable-gardening

MLA Format: Author's Last name, First name. “Title of Webpage.” Website Name, Publication Date, URL

Example: Turner, A. “The Benefits of Meditation.” Mindfulness Living, 25 May 2021, https://www.mindfulliving.com/benefits-meditation. 

APA and MLA, both have slightly different writing style guidelines. Read on to understand the differences between them. 

APA vs. MLA: Writing Styles

Here's a breakdown of the key characteristics of each writing style:

Now that we have covered the differences between both citation styles, it's essential to know that there are some similarities between APA and MLA formats as well. 

What Similarities Do APA and MLA Formats Share? 

Some key similarities are common in both formats. Both citation styles include:  

• Double-spaced text
• 1-inch margins on all sides
• Page numbers in the header, starting on the first page
• Parenthetical citations for in-text referencing
• An author-date format for in-text citations
• Entries listed alphabetically by author's last name
• Italicized book and journal titles

Which Citation Style Should You Choose? 

Choosing between APA and MLA depends on multiple factors. Here's a guide to help you make an informed decision:

• Consider Your Academic Discipline

APA is commonly used in the social sciences, while MLA is prevalent in the humanities. Consider the expectations of your discipline.

• Check the Guidelines from Instructors or Publishers

Check if your instructors or publishers have specified a preferred citation style. Adhering to their guidelines ensures alignment with academic standards.

• Publication Requirements

If you are submitting your work for publication, check the guidelines of the target journal or publisher. They often have specific citation preferences.

• Consistency in Your Work 

It's generally advisable to stick to one citation style throughout your work for consistency. Mixing styles can create confusion and detract from the professionalism of your writing.

Remember, the choice between APA and MLA is not just about following rules. It's about enhancing the clarity and credibility of your work. This choice is made within the conventions of your academic or professional community.

In summary, grasping the distinctions between APA and MLA formats is essential for academic writing. Knowing how to structure your paper, cite sources, and present information in these styles enhances the clarity and credibility of your work. 

While they have differences, recognizing the shared elements like double-spacing, in-text citations, and alphabetical listing of sources simplifies the learning process. 

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