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MLA Titles | How to Format & Capitalize Source Titles

Published on April 2, 2019 by Courtney Gahan . Revised on March 5, 2024.

In MLA style , source titles appear either in italics or in quotation marks:

• Italicize the title of a self-contained whole (e.g. a book, film, journal, or website).
• Use  quotation marks around the title if it is part of a larger work (e.g. a chapter of a book, an article in a journal, or a page on a website).

All major words in a title are capitalized . The same format is used in the Works Cited list and in the text itself.

When you use the Scribbr MLA Citation Generator , the correct formatting and capitalization are automatically applied to titles.

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Table of contents

Capitalization in mla titles, punctuation in mla titles, titles within titles, exceptions to mla title formatting, sources with no title, abbreviating titles, titles in foreign languages, frequently asked questions about mla titles.

In all titles and subtitles, capitalize the first and last words, as well as any other principal words.

What to capitalize

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Use the same punctuation as appears in the source title. However, if there is a subtitle, separate it from the main title with a colon and a space, even if different (or no) punctuation is used in the source.

Example of a work with a subtitle

The exception is when the title ends in a question mark, exclamation point or dash, in which case you keep the original punctuation:

Sometimes a title contains another title—for example, the title of an article about a novel might contain that novel’s title.

For titles within titles, in general, maintain the same formatting as you would if the title stood on its own.

Titles and names that fall into the following categories are not italicized or enclosed in quotation marks:

• Scripture (e.g. the Bible, the Koran, the Gospel)
• Laws, acts and related documents (e.g. the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution , the Paris Agreement)
• Musical compositions identified by form, number and key (e.g. Beethoven’s Symphony no. 5 in C minor, op. 67)
• Conferences, seminars, workshops and courses (e.g. MLA Annual Convention)

Sections of a work

Words that indicate a particular section of a work are not italicized or placed within quotation marks. They are also not capitalized when mentioned in the text.

Examples of such sections include:

• introduction
• list of works cited
• bibliography

Introductions, prefaces, forewords and afterwords

Descriptive terms such as “introduction”, “preface”, “foreword” and “afterword” are capitalized if mentioned in an MLA in-text citation or in the Works Cited list, but not when mentioned in the text itself.

Example of descriptive term capitalization

In-text citation: (Brontë, Preface )

In text: In her preface to the work, added in a later edition, Brontë debates the morality of creating characters such as those featured in Wuthering Heights .

If there is a unique title for the introduction, preface, foreword or afterword, include that title in quotation marks instead of the generic section name when referencing the source in the Works Cited list or an in-text citation.

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For sources with no title, a brief description of the source acts as the title.

Example of a source reference with no title

Follow these rules for capitalization:

• Capitalize the first word
• Capitalize proper nouns
• Ignore other MLA rules for capitalization

There are some exceptions to this general format: descriptions including titles of other works, such as comments on articles or reviews of movies; untitled short messages, like tweets; email messages; and untitled poems.

Exceptions to general format for sources with no title

If you need to mention the name of a work in the text itself, state the full title, but omit the subtitle.

If you need to refer to the work multiple times, you may shorten the title to something familiar or obvious to the reader. For example, Huckleberry Finn for The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn . If in doubt, prefer the noun phrase.

If the standalone abbreviation may not be clear, you can introduce it in parentheses, following the standard guidelines for abbreviations. For example, The Merchant of Venice ( MV ) . For Shakespeare and the Bible , there are well-established abbreviations you can use.

When you abbreviate a title, make sure you keep the formatting consistent. Even if the abbreviation consists only of letters, as in the MV example, it must be italicized or placed within quotation marks in the same way as it would be when written in full.

Abbreviating very long titles in the Works Cited list

Titles should normally be given in full in the Works Cited list, but if any of your sources has a particularly long title (often the case with older works), you can use an ellipsis to shorten it here. This is only necessary with extremely long titles such as the example below.

In the Works Cited list, if you are listing a work with a title in a language other than English, you can add the translated title in square brackets.

Example of a reference with a translated title

If you are using the foreign-language title in the text itself, you can also include the translation in parenthesis. For example, O Alquimista ( The Alchemist ) .

You don’t need to include a translation in your reference list or in the text if you expect your readers to be familiar with the original language. For example, you wouldn’t translate the title of a  French novel you were writing about in the context of a French degree.

Non-Latin script languages

For works in a language that does not use the Latin alphabet, such as Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Hebrew, Japanese, or Russian, be consistent with how you mention the source titles and also quotations from within them.

For example, if you choose to write a Russian title in the Cyrillic form, do that throughout the document. If you choose to use the Romanized form, stick with that. Do not alternate between the two.

Yes. MLA style uses title case, which means that all principal words (nouns, pronouns , verbs, adjectives , adverbs , and some conjunctions ) are capitalized.

This applies to titles of sources as well as the title of, and subheadings in, your paper. Use MLA capitalization style even when the original source title uses different capitalization .

In MLA style , book titles appear in italics, with all major words capitalized. If there is a subtitle, separate it from the main title with a colon and a space (even if no colon appears in the source). For example:

The format is the same in the Works Cited list and in the text itself. However, when you mention the book title in the text, you don’t have to include the subtitle.

The title of a part of a book—such as a chapter, or a short story or poem in a collection—is not italicized, but instead placed in quotation marks.

When a book’s chapters are written by different authors, you should cite the specific chapter you are referring to.

When all the chapters are written by the same author (or group of authors), you should usually cite the entire book, but some styles include exceptions to this.

• In APA Style , single-author books should always be cited as a whole, even if you only quote or paraphrase from one chapter.
• In MLA Style , if a single-author book is a collection of stand-alone works (e.g. short stories ), you should cite the individual work.
• In Chicago Style , you may choose to cite a single chapter of a single-author book if you feel it is more appropriate than citing the whole book.

The title of an article is not italicized in MLA style , but placed in quotation marks. This applies to articles from journals , newspapers , websites , or any other publication. Use italics for the title of the source where the article was published. For example:

Use the same formatting in the Works Cited entry and when referring to the article in the text itself.

The MLA Handbook is currently in its 9th edition , published in 2021.

This quick guide to MLA style  explains the latest guidelines for citing sources and formatting papers according to MLA.

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Are Essay Titles Italicized? A Guide for APA and MLA Titles

• by Michael Smart
• January 16, 2024
• Custom Essay writing

Have you ever written an essay and then question yourself whether you have used italics appropriately in the titles? Is the use of italics something that worries you to the extent of avoiding them?

Well, you are not alone because many students do not fully understand how to apply them in their essays, particularly in the titles. 

This article will explain when to use italics in your essay and how to appropriately write them. However, before exploring this, it is important to note whether essay titles are italicized or not.

Are Essay Titles Italicized?

The answer to this question depends on the type of words in the title. Essay titles can be italicized. In case you have a title that includes names of vehicles, large works, television series, or movies, you should use italics when mentioning them.

Essay titles can be italicized if the words represent a literary work or are a quote that needs to be represented in italics. Essay titles can also be italicized if all the words or some of them represent certain non-English wordings that are not in the English dictionary.

Literary words are works of literature. Titles of plays, books, and other forms of works of art should also be italicized within the title to set them apart from the surrounding text. 

When writing an essay, you will be required by your instructor to format it academically in either APA or MLA since the two formats are the most commonly used.

Instances When to Italicize Titles in an Essay

1. when words need to be emphasized within the title.

As we have noted, italics are used to set a word or phrase apart from other text within the title.

When the word or phrase is set apart, it means that the reader will easily notice it and even prioritize its meaning compared to the rest of the words.

Therefore, if you have a word or words that need to be emphasized within the title of your essay, you can italicize them.

There are some words or phrases that you will include in your title and you wish your readers to take note of them.

They can be part of the essay’s keywords that you might explain from a different perspective to that of the readers.

However, it should be noted that emphasizing words using italics within the title is not commonly used in academic writing. 

2. When including Publication Names in your Title

Imagine you are writing an essay in which you are required to conduct an in-depth analysis of an article or case study within a publication.

In this case, you may need to include the name of the publication within your title to instantly communicate to the reader what the paper is all about. Such publication names include:

3. Standalone Works in the Essay Title

When you are including the title of a standalone work like complete plays and books, you should italicize them. Titles of sacred texts should also be italicized when they are included in the title of your essay. This is especially the case when analyzing the complete works in your essay.

For example, if your essay is analyzing a specific Harry Potter book, the title will appear like this: Elements of Style in  Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows .

When it comes to places like Romeo and Juliet, your title will look like this: Elements of Style in  Romeo and Juliet .

For sacred or religious texts like the King James Version of the Bible, the title may appear like this: Understanding the Meaning from the Language used in  King James Bible . 

4. When Writing Titles of Creative Works

In case you are required or find yourself in a situation where you need to include the title of creative work in the title of your essay, you should italicize it. This should only include titles of standalone creative works. Such include: 

5. When Using Foreign and Unfamiliar Words

In case you have an essay title that requires you to include a foreign word, you should italicize it. The same case applies to words that you are not familiar with or words that are technical. 

6. When Referring to Legal Cases

When you are writing an essay that explores or analyzes a legal case, you should include the name of the case within the title of your essay to separate it from the rest of the text. For example, “Analyzing the Outcomes of the Case of  Brown v. Board of Education ”. 

How to Write Titles in an APA Essay?

Titles in an APA essay will utilize a unique system of headings that help in classifying and separating the different sections in your essay. They take levels. Note that the aforementioned instances of italicization will still apply on the different levels. 

The first level or the main topic of your APA essay will be centered, boldface, and with a title-case heading.

Remember to capitalize the first word, all the principle words, and the last word in the title.

Avoid capitalizing prepositions (“above”, “on”, “to”, “below”, etc.), articles (“an”, “a”, and “the”), and coordinating conjunctions (“for”, “nor”, “and”, “but”, “so”, “or”, and “yet”).

The paragraph will be left justified with the first sentence indented. 

The second level of the title should not be centered on your paper.

It should be flush left or it should begin at the left side of your page with no indentation.

It should also be typed in bold with a title case heading. The paragraph will also start from the left side of your paper with an indentation.

The third level of your titles should also begin at the left side of your page with no indentation. It should be boldface with a title case heading. However, the third level of your title should be italicized. The paragraph begins from the left side of your page with an indentation. 

The fourth level of your titles should be indented, boldface, and with a title-case heading. This level is not italicized. However, it ends with a period because the text of the paragraph that follows should continue on the same line as that of the title level. 

The fifth level of an APA title should also be indented, boldface, and with a title-case heading. However, this level is italicized. It also ends with a period since the next paragraph will start on the same line. 

How to Write Titles for MLA Essay

Titles in an MLA essay have different levels with the first level being centered, boldface, and with a title, case heading. The second level should be written in the same way as the first level with the only difference being that the second level is flushed to the left side of the paper. 

The third level should begin at the left side of your page with no indentation.

It should be boldface with a title case heading.

The third level of your title should be italicized.

The fourth level should be indented, boldface, and with a title, case heading.

This level is not italicized. However, it ends with a period.

The fifth level should also be indented, boldface, and with a title, case heading. This level is italicized. It also ends with a period. 

In MLA, you should also capitalize the first word, all the principle words, and the last word in the title. Don’t capitalize prepositions, articles, and coordinating conjunctions.

Read our guide on how to write good essay titles to get further insight and tips that will help you sharpen your writing skills.

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MLA Style Guide Eighth Edition

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Title of Source. The title is usually taken from an authoritative location in the source such as the title page. It is the name of the source you are using. Capitalize the following parts of speech in a title: nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, subordinating conjunctions (although, because, unless, after, until, when, where, while, etc.). Do not capitalize articles, prepositions, coordinating conjunctions, the "to" in infinitives if they appear in the middle of the title. A colon separates the title from the subtitle unless it ends in a question mark or exclamation. Titles should be italicized or enclosed in quotation marks. Titles that are independent and self-contained (e.g., books) and titles of containers (e.g., anthologies) should be italicized. Titles that are contained in larger works (e.g., short stories) should be in quotation s. Exceptions to the above rule are: 1) Scripture (Genesis, Bible, Gospels, Upanishads, Old Testament, Talmud, etc.) Titles of individualized scripture writings, however, should be italicized and treated like any other published work.(e.g. The Interlinear Bible) 2) Names of laws, acts and political documents (Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, Magna Carta, Treaty of Marseilles, etc.) 3) Musical compositions identified by form, number, and key (Beethoven's Symphony No. 7 in A, op. 92) 4) Series titles (Critical American Studies, Bollingen Series, etc.) 5) Conferences, seminars, workshops, and courses (MLA Annual Convention, English 110)

The title of the work follows the author and ends with a period . Mitchell, Margaret. Gone With the Wind . New York: Macmillan, 1961.

A sub-title is included after the main title . Joyce, Michael. Othermindedness: The Emergence of Network Culture. U of Michigan P, 2000. Baron, Sabrina Alcorn et al., editors. Agent of Change: Print Culture Studies after Elizabeth L. Eisenstein. U of               Massachusetts P /Center for the Book, Library of Congress, 2007.

The title of a story, poem or essay in a collection, as part of a larger whole, is placed in quotation marks . Dewar, James A., and Peng Hwa Ang. "The Cultural Consequences of Printing and the Internet." Agent of Change: Print             Culture Studies after Elizabeth L. Eisenstein. U of Massachusetts P /Center for the Book, Library of Congress,             2007, pp. 365-77. 

Independent work in a collection When a work that is normally independent (such as a novel or play) appears in a collection, the work's title remains in italics. Euripides. The Trojan Women . Ten Plays, translated by Paul Roche, New American Library, 1998, pp. 457-512.

The title of a periodical (journal, magazine, or newspaper) is in italics and the title of the article is in quotation marks. Goldman, Anne. "Questions of Transport: Reading Primo Levi Reading Dante." The Georgia Review, vol. 64, no. 1, 2010           pp. 69-88. Note: This rule applies to all media forms such as the title of a television series, an episode in a television series, a song or piece of music in an album, a posting or article on a web page. See examples below. Television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer . Created by Joss Whedon, performance by Sarah Michelle Gellar, Mutant Enemy, 1997-2003. Episode in a television series "Hush." Buffy the Vampire Slayer , created by Joss Whedon, performance by Sarah           Michelle Gellar, season 4, episode 10, Mutant Enemy, 1997-2003. Web site Hollmichel, Stefanie. So Many Books . 2003-13, somanybooksbkog.com Note: When giving a URL, omit http and https. Posting of an article on a web site Hollmichel, Stefanie. "The Reading Brain: Differences Between Digital and Print."           So Many Books, 25 April 2013, somanybooksblog.com/2013/04/25/the-reading-brain-differences-between-digital-           and-print/. A song or piece of music in an album Beyonce. "Pretty Hurts." Beyonce , Parkwood Entertainment, 2013,           www.beyonce.com/album/beyonce/?media_view=songs.

Untitled Source In the place of the title, provide a generic description of the source without italics or quotation marks. Capitalize the first word in the title and any proper nouns in it. Mackintosh, Charles Rennie. Chair of Stained Oak. 1897-1900, Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

Comment or review of a title in an online forum Jeane. Comment on "The Reading Brain: Differences Between Digital and Print." So Many Books, 25 Apr. 2013,            10:30 p.m., somanybooksblog.com/2013/04/25/the-reading-brain-differences-between-digital-and-            print/#comment-83030

Review of a title in an online forum Mackin, Joseph. Review of The Pleasures of Reading of an age of Distraction , by Alan Jacobs. New York Journal of Books, 2 June 2011, www.nyjournalofbooks.com/book-review/            pleasures-reading-age-distraction.

Tweet Reproduce the full text without changing anything and enclose within quotation marks. @persiankiwi."We have report of large street battles in east and west of Tehran now. - #Iranelection." Twitter ,            23 June 2009, 11:15 a.m., twitter.com/persianwiki/status/2298106072.

E-mail message Use subject as the title. Subject is enclosed in quotation marks. Boyle, Anthony T. "Re: Utopia." Received by Daniel J. Cayhill, 21 June 1997.

Introduction, Preface, Foreword, or Afterword Capitalize the term in the works cited list but do not italicize or enclose in quotation marks. The term need not be capitalized in in-text discussion. Felstiner, John. Preface. Selected Poems and Prose of Paul Celan , by Paul Celan, translated by Felstiner              W.W. Norton, 2001, pp.xix-xxxvi.

Translations of Titles Place translations of titles for foreign works in square brackets in the works cited list. The translation appears next to the title.

Shortened titles The first time a title is mentioned in your work, it should appear in full. If the title is repeated in the work, it can be shortened to a familiar one (e.g., Skylark for Ode to a Skylark).

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When writing a paper, do I use italics for all titles?

Simply put: no .

APA's Publication Manual (2020) indicates that, in the body of your paper , you should use italics for the titles of:

• "books, reports, webpages, and other stand-alone works" (p. 170)
• periodicals (journals, magazines, newspapers)

Beyond APA's specific examples, know that certain types of titles are almost always written in italics. 

A general rule of thumb is that within the text of a paper, italicize the title of complete works but put quotation marks around titles of parts within a complete work. 

The table below isn't comprehensive, but it's a good starting point

On an APA-style  reference page , the rules for titles are a little different.  In short, a title you would italicize within the body of a paper will also be italicized on a reference page.  However, a title you'd place in quotation marks within the body of the paper (such as the title of an article within a journal) will be written without italics and quotation marks on the references page.

Here are some examples:

Smith's (2001) research is fully described in the Journal of Higher Education.

Smith's (2001) article "College Admissions See Increase" was published in the Journal of Higher Education after his pivotal study on the admissions process.

Visit the APA Style's " Use of Italics " page to learn more!

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Comments (8)

• Nice, quick, concise listing. Good format to save for quick reference by AlonzoQuixano on May 14, 2015
• Thank you so much for the information. It was so helpful and easily understandable. by mary woodard on Jun 29, 2015
• Is it the same for MLA writing? Thanks Sara, Librarian: Lesa, Rasmussen College doesn't teach or focus on MLA for students. But if you have specific MLA formatting questions, I recommend you take a look at the MLA FAQ website here: https://www.mla.org/MLA-Style/FAQ-about-MLA-Style by Lesa D.W on Dec 04, 2015
• What about the name of a community program, for example Friend's Read. Would you use quotations or italics? Sara, Librarian: Adriana, great question. for organization or program names in the text of a paper you don't need to use italics or quotation marks. Just capitalize the major words of the organization or program like you did above with Friend's Read. by Adriana on Apr 11, 2016
• Thank you for this posting. I am writing a paper on The Crucible and, surprisingly, I couldn't find on the wonderfully thorough Purdue Owl APA guide whether titles of plays are italicized or in quotes. by J.D. on Apr 18, 2016
• this was really helpful, thank you by natalie on Dec 11, 2016
• thank you so much, this is very helpful and easy to understand. by Mendryll on Jan 24, 2017
• Thank you! I am also wondering, do you capitalize only the first word of the title when using it in the text of your paper, like you are supposed to do in the references list? Or do you capitalize all the "important" words like usual? Sara, Librarian Reply: Ashley, within the text of your paper you should capitalize all the important words like you normally would. Thank you for your question! by Ashley on Dec 04, 2017

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If a book title within an essay title is not italicized in the source, should I italicize it in my works-cited-list entry?

Note: This post relates to content in the eighth edition of the MLA Handbook . For up-to-date guidance, see the ninth edition of the MLA Handbook .

Yes. A title within a title should be styled according to the guidelines in section 1.2.4 of the  MLA Handbook , regardless of how a title within a title is styled in the source.

For example, the title of an essay about Gone with the Wind  is styled in EBSCOHost  as follows: 

“Painfully Southern”: “Gone with the Wind,” the Agrarians, and the Battle for the New South

Since Gone with the Wind is the title of a novel, if you were to include this essay in your works-cited list, you would set it in italics instead of enclosing it in quotation marks:

Adams, Amanda. “‘Painfully Southern’: Gone with the Wind , the Agrarians, and the Battle for the New South.”  Southern Literary Journal , vol. 40, no. 1, Fall 2007, p. 58.  EBSCOHost Connection , connection.ebscohost.com/c/literary-criticism/28439869/painfully-southern-gone-wind-agrarians-battle-new-south.

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Formatting Titles in Essays

2-minute read

• 8th May 2018

Handling your own headings is one thing, but how should you write the titles of other works? You need to mark them out somehow, and you have two standard options: italics or quote marks.

This is especially important in academic writing , as you’ll often have to discuss books and papers written by other people. Here, then, are some guidelines you should follow when formatting titles.

When to Use Italics

You can often spot a title from the capitalisation , but we still format titles to distinguish between different types of source. Titles of longer sources, for example, typically use italics:

Here, Kerrang! is italicised because it is the title of a magazine (i.e. a standalone work that is not one part of a larger whole). Other publications and productions that this applies to include:

• Academic journals
• Newspapers and magazines
• Websites and blogs
• Films and TV shows
• Radio programmes
• Plays and other stage shows
• Book-length poems
• Paintings and other works of art
• Music albums

The key here, then, is that italics are used for longer published works .

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When to Use Quote Marks

We use quote marks for the title of anything that doesn’t fit in the list above. Usually, this will be something that is part of a more substantial publication, such as an article from a magazine:

In this case, we see both the magazine title and an article title. Using italics on the former and quote marks on the latter makes it immediately obvious which is which. Other cases where quote marks are required include:

• Chapters from books
• Academic papers and journal articles
• Articles from newspapers and magazines
• Single pages from a website or posts from a blog
• Individual poems and short stories
• Single episodes of a TV series
• Single poems from a collection
• Songs and other short recordings

In this case, the key is that quote marks are used for shorter works . However, quote marks are also used for unpublished works regardless of length (e.g. a draft manuscript or a PhD dissertation).

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Titles in Essays (Italics or Quote Marks?)

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• 26th February 2018

Formatting your own essay title is easy (just bung a Heading style on it). Unfortunately, the rules about formatting the titles of existing published works (e.g. a textbook or an article from a journal) are more complicated. Usually, though, it comes down to one question: italics or quote marks?

But most students will need to name a book, journal or website in an essay at some point, so it’s important to know how this works. To help you out, we’ve prepared this guide on when to use italics and when to use quote marks for titles.

When to Use Italics

Titles of longer works are usually italicised. A ‘longer work’ in this case is something presented as a standalone publication. Charles Dickens’ famous novel, for example, would be written as Great Expectations if it were named in an essay.

Other examples of longer works that should be italicised include:

• Books and book-length poems (e.g. ‘An analysis of The Wasteland shows…’)
• Journals, newspapers and magazines (e.g. ‘According to The Guardian …’)
• Websites and blogs (e.g. ‘The project was funded via Unbound …’)
• Films (e.g. ‘ Jaws broke several box-office records…’)
• TV series (e.g. ‘Many fans of The X-Files claim…’)
• Plays and other stage shows (e.g. ‘This production of Swan Lake is…’)
• Paintings and works of art (e.g. ‘The Mona Lisa is currently housed…’)
• Music albums (e.g. ‘The album Sticky Fingers was released in…’)

The key factor is that all of these are standalone products, not part of a greater whole. The main exceptions to this rule are holy texts, such as the Bible, which are not typically italicised.

Italics are also used for the names of particular vehicles in some cases, especially ships and spacecraft. For example, we might write about the space shuttle Enterprise or the HMS Beagle (note that the ‘HMS’ is not italicised, since this is an abbreviation).

When to Use Quote Marks

Quote marks , meanwhile, are usually saved for shorter works. These are often part of a larger publication, such as an article in a newspaper or a chapter in an edited book. For example, if we were to name a book and a chapter in one place we’d write:

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Hugh Wilder’s ‘Interpretive Cognitive Ethology’ was first published in Readings in Animal Cognition , edited by Marc Bekoff and Dale Jamieson.

As indicated by the italics, the book here is called Readings in Animal Cognition . ‘Interpretive Cognitive Ethology’, meanwhile, is an essay from the book, so we use quote marks for this title.

Cases where quotation marks are used for titles include:

• Chapters from books
• Articles in newspapers, magazines and journals
• Particular pages or articles from a website
• Individual poems and short stories
• Episodes from a TV show

It is also common to use quote marks for unpublished writing regardless of length. For example, if you were referring to an unfinished manuscript or a PhD dissertation, you would put the title in quote marks; but if these same documents were published, you would use italics.

Look Out for Exceptions!

The guidelines above will apply in most cases, but there are exceptions. The APA style guide, for example, recommends italicising book titles in the main text of an essay, but not in the reference list. As such, it is wise to check your style guide to see if it has specific advice on formatting titles.

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Writing Nestling

Do You Italicize Titles? (Easy Guide & Explained)

Welcome to the intriguing realm of typographical finesse – the nuanced practice of italicizing titles. In the vast landscape of written expression, the question of whether to italicize titles can be a labyrinthine endeavor, navigating the subtle nuances that distinguish literary works.

As we embark on this linguistic odyssey, we’ll unravel the conventions, explore the historical threads that weave through italics, and delve into the practicalities of emphasizing titles within the written tapestry.

So, do you italicize titles? Join us on this literary sojourn as we demystify the art of italicization and unveil the stylistic symphony that it brings to the written word.

Whether you’re a seasoned wordsmith or a burgeoning scribe, this exploration promises to shed light on the intricacies of title formatting, inviting you to wield italics with finesse and purpose in the vast expanse of language.

Table of Contents

Do You Italicize Titles?

Yes, you italicize titles when writing to indicate the title of a longer work, such as a book, movie, play, or magazine. Follow these steps:

Books, Magazines, Newspapers, Journals

Italicize the titles of complete works like books (e.g., To Kill a Mockingbird), magazines (e.g., National Geographic), newspapers (e.g., The New York Times), and journals (e.g., Journal of Psychology).

Movies and TV Shows

Italicize the titles of films (e.g., The Shawshank Redemption) and TV shows (e.g., Stranger Things).

Plays and Operas

Italicize the titles of plays (e.g., Hamlet) and operas (e.g., Carmen).

Albums and Songs

Italicize the titles of albums (e.g., The Dark Side of the Moon) and songs (e.g., Bohemian Rhapsody).

Artworks and Sculptures

Italicize the titles of paintings (e.g., Starry Night) and sculptures (e.g., David).

Websites and Online Publications

Italicize the names of websites (e.g., Wikipedia) and online publications (e.g., The Huffington Post).

Names of Ships and Aircraft

Italicize the names of ships (e.g., Titanic) and aircraft (e.g., Spirit of St. Louis).

Foreign Words and Phrases

Italicize foreign words or phrases that are not part of common English usage.

Remember, when writing by hand or in a situation where italics are not possible, you can underline titles instead. Additionally, short works like poems, articles, and short stories are typically placed in quotation marks rather than italicized.

General Rules for Italics

Unlock the door to a world of typographic elegance as we delve into the enchanting realm of italicization. Like the subtle curve of a dancer’s silhouette, italics bestow a touch of sophistication upon the written word, transforming mere titles into majestic declarations.

The general rules for italics are akin to the seasoned conductor guiding a symphony—each element plays a crucial part.

Whether it’s the weighty volumes of books demanding attention, the silver screen allure of movies, or the captivating drama scripted within plays, italics paint a canvas of distinction.

This typographic magic extends to the sonorous notes of long poems and the rhythmic beats of music albums, creating a harmonious symphony of visual eloquence.

Prepare to be transported to a world where words don’t just speak; they pirouette, leaving an indelible mark on the reader’s imagination. Welcome to the theatre of italics, where every title is a leading star in the grand production of language.

Titles of Books

Titles of books, those literary treasures that beckon us into worlds unknown, stand as the heralds of intellectual exploration.

In the vast tapestry of written expression, books emerge as the venerable monarchs, their titles encapsulating the essence of entire universes waiting to be unfurled.

The careful italicization of these titles not only pays homage to their significance but also acts as a visual cue, inviting readers to embark on a journey of wordsmithing wonder.

Each italicized title becomes a portal, a gateway to realms where characters breathe life, and narratives weave tapestries of emotions.

Whether it’s the whispering secrets of fiction, the bold expositions of non-fiction, or the lyrical verses of poetry, the italicized titles of books are the keys to unlocking the boundless potential of human imagination.

In the hallowed halls of literature, the artful presentation of book titles in italics is an invitation—an invitation to traverse the limitless landscapes of knowledge and creativity.

Specific Cases for Italics

Within the labyrinth of language, italics emerge as the enigmatic sorcerers, casting spells of emphasis and distinction. In the realm of specific cases for italics, their prowess becomes even more apparent.

Picture this: titles within titles become nesting dolls of emphasis, a literary matryoshka capturing layers of significance within words.

As your eyes dance across the page, italics gracefully encircle foreign words and phrases , offering linguistic passports to exotic realms of expression.

And behold the italicized flourish when words crave emphasis, as if they donned a bespoke suit for a grand entrance onto the stage of sentences.

Specific cases for italics are the hidden alcoves in the mansion of typography, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and every word is a protagonist in its own narrative.

Brace yourself for a typographic spectacle, where italics don’t just punctuate; they pirouette through the prose, leaving an indelible mark on the reader’s psyche.

Titles within Titles

Titles within titles, a literary rendezvous where words engage in a delicate dance of emphasis and distinction. Like Russian nesting dolls of language, the italicized inception of one title within another creates a mesmerizing effect, a literary echo that resonates with nuanced significance.

Picture a story within a story, a tantalizing narrative inception, where each layer of italics serves as a threshold to a new dimension of meaning.

It’s not just about words; it’s a typographic artistry that invites readers to explore the labyrinthine corridors of a tale within the tale.

The subtlety of italicized titles within titles is akin to an eloquent whisper amid the cacophony of words, urging readers to pay heed to the nuanced layers beneath the surface.

This typographic play within the pages is a testament to the kaleidoscopic nature of language, where each title is not just a signpost but a gateway to a literary universe within.

Alternatives to Italics

In the symphony of typographic choices, where italics wield their elegant baton, alternatives to this classic maestro emerge as bold soloists, each playing a distinctive note in the composition of written expression.

Quotation marks, the rebellious rockstars of punctuation, strut onto the stage, offering a dynamic alternative to the italicized subtlety.

Capitalization, the regal monarch of written form, asserts its authority, standing tall as a formidable contender. These alternatives aren’t mere understudies; they are the co-stars in the typographic drama, challenging the status quo with their unique flair.

Imagine a narrative where words gleam in the spotlight of quotation marks or where the grandiosity of capitalization commands attention.

These alternatives to italics are not just substitutes; they are stylistic choices that infuse the written word with a distinctive rhythm, making each sentence a memorable verse in the symphony of storytelling.

Step into the arena of typographic experimentation, where alternatives to italics are the avant-garde artists, injecting vibrancy into the canvas of language.

Use of Quotation Marks

The use of quotation marks, those nimble acrobats of punctuation, introduces a captivating rhythm to the written symphony.

Quotation marks are not just functional signposts; they are the stage upon which dialogue, excerpts, and verbatim expressions take center spotlight.

Like a pair of literary parentheses, they cradle the spoken words, giving them a distinctive identity within the narrative tapestry.

Picture the flutter of quotation marks as characters engage in a verbal ballet, their voices resonating with a unique cadence.

It’s not merely about delineating speech; it’s an intimate choreography where the dance of words is adorned with the elegant grace of punctuation.

In the theater of language, the use of quotation marks is akin to a director’s cue, signaling the entrance of dialogue and lending an animated quality to the written script.

Whether crafting fiction or relaying real-world conversations, the judicious use of quotation marks transforms the written word into a symphony of voices, each note resonating with the reader’s imagination.

Style Guides and Their Recommendations

Enter the realm of literary sherpas, where style guides stand as wise guides, illuminating the treacherous path of punctuation and formatting.

These literary luminaries, be it the stern commander of the Modern Language Association (MLA), the discerning tactician of the American Psychological Association (APA), or the eloquent maestro of the Chicago Manual of Style, don’t just wield rules; they conduct a symphony of writing conventions.

Style guides are the Gandalfs of the manuscript, whispering, “You shall not pass!” to inconsistencies and haphazard formatting.

Each guide, with its own set of commandments, becomes the North Star in the inky expanse of authorial uncertainty.

Embarking on a writing journey without consulting these sages is like navigating a stormy sea without a compass.

In the grand tapestry of language, style guides aren’t just advisors; they are the keepers of the sacred flame of consistency, ensuring that every word, every comma, adheres to the hallowed doctrines of the written craft.

Modern Language Association (MLA)

The Modern Language Association (MLA), a venerable institution in the world of academia and literary scholarship, stands as a guiding beacon for writers navigating the labyrinth of citation and formatting.

Founded in 1883, the MLA has evolved into a stalwart guardian of scholarly communication, shaping the standards for research papers, essays, and manuscripts.

With its iconic parenthetical citations and meticulous guidelines, the MLA acts as a linguistic architect, constructing a framework that ensures clarity, consistency, and intellectual rigor in written discourse.

Academics and students alike bow to the MLA as a steadfast mentor, offering a roadmap through the intricate terrain of documentation and citation, allowing ideas to flow seamlessly from one mind to another.

In the grand mosaic of writing conventions, the MLA is a cornerstone, a testament to the timeless pursuit of precision and elegance in the written word.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

In the captivating ballet of language, where every word pirouettes across the stage, common mistakes can be likened to missteps that disrupt the rhythm of the narrative waltz.

Picture this literary dancefloor, where the misplaced twirl of a comma or the clumsy stumble of inconsistent formatting can lead to a typographic fiasco.

One of the cardinal sins is the mischievous misuse of italics, turning what should be a graceful emphasis into a chaotic cacophony.

Beware the overzealous italicizer, for too much emphasis can be as jarring as a poorly tuned instrument in a symphony.

Another pitfall is the sly inconsistency that lurks in the shadows, waiting to trip up unsuspecting writers. It’s a masquerade ball where punctuation masquerades as its grammatical counterpart, leaving sentences in disarray.

In this intricate dance of syntax, let’s not forget the dangers of neglecting the meticulous proofreading tango—a dance with typos and errors that can mar the elegance of the written performance.

In the grand theater of writing, these common mistakes aren’t just blunders; they are the mischievous sprites that threaten to turn eloquence into chaos. Dance wisely, dear writers, and may your prose glide gracefully through the literary ballroom.

Misuse of Italics

The misuse of italics in the written landscape is akin to a misplaced spotlight on the stage; instead of highlighting brilliance, it casts a glaring distraction.

This typographic misdemeanour is a subtle saboteur, transforming what should be a nuanced emphasis into an unwarranted spectacle.

A heavy-handed approach turns prose into a visual rollercoaster, where every word clamors for attention, robbing the reader of the gentle cadence that italics should provide.

It’s the equivalent of shouting in a library when a hushed whisper would suffice. The misuse of italics disrupts the delicate dance of language, diminishing the impact of truly significant words by drowning them in a sea of slanting letters.

Writers beware, for in the labyrinth of emphasis, a misstep with italics can turn a literary ballet into a chaotic mosh pit, leaving readers bewildered rather than captivated.

Practical Examples

Imagine the world of writing as a grand culinary expedition, and practical examples are the delectable ingredients that add flavor to the prose feast.

They are the saffron strands in a literary paella, the truffle shavings on the linguistical risotto. Practical examples aren’t just garnishes; they are the succulent bites that elucidate complex ideas and infuse the narrative with the richness of real-world application.

Much like master chefs crafting a gastronomic symphony, writers utilize practical examples to elevate their storytelling to a sensory experience.

These examples aren’t mere illustrations; they are the vibrant strokes that paint vivid images in the reader’s mind, turning abstract concepts into palpable realities.

So, as you embark on your literary banquet, savor the practical examples, for they are the secret sauce that transforms words into a literary feast for the mind.

Correct Italics Usage

Correct italics usage is the secret handshake of eloquent communication, a nuanced dance that adds finesse to the written language.

It is the judicious art of emphasis, guiding the reader’s gaze to the heart of the narrative with a subtle slant. Like a skilled conductor orchestrating a symphony, correct italics usage ensures that titles of books, movies, and plays step onto the stage with the regal flair they deserve.

It’s a typographic ballet where foreign words and phrases, adorned in italics, pirouette with grace amidst the prose.

Correct italics usage isn’t just about adherence to rules; it’s about infusing the written word with a visual melody that resonates in the reader’s mind.

It’s a punctuation ballet where every italicized note plays a vital role in harmonizing the symphony of expression. In the realm of language, correct italics usage is the well-timed crescendo, enhancing the resonance of each written composition.

Evolution of Italics Usage

Dive into the riveting narrative of italics, where each slanting serif tells a tale of evolution in the grand tapestry of language.

Once a humble tool for emphasis, italics have donned many masks over the centuries, morphing from typographic wallflowers into bold trendsetters.

Picture the Renaissance, where italics burst forth like eager buds in the spring, breathing life into the manuscripts of scholars and poets.

Fast forward to the digital age, and italics become the chameleons of expression, adapting seamlessly to the screens of our electronic devices.

No longer confined to the solemnity of the printed page, italics have become the graffiti artists of the written word, splashing slanted flair across social media and digital platforms.

The evolution of italics is a literary journey, a metamorphosis from quill and parchment to the pixelated playgrounds of modern communication.

In this typographic saga, italics aren’t just punctuation marks; they are shape-shifters, navigating the currents of evolving expression with unmatched finesse.

Historical Perspective

Embark on a voyage through the corridors of time, where the historical perspective of italics unfolds like an ancient manuscript waiting to be deciphered.

Italics, with its roots reaching back to the 15th century Italy, emerges as a testament to the craftsmanship of early typographers.

Initially conceived as a handwriting style to emulate the elegance of calligraphy, italics found its way into the printing press, becoming the hallmark of emphasis in early manuscripts.

The Renaissance saw italics bloom, with scholars and printers recognizing its potential to lend emphasis and visual harmony to written works.

Through quills and printing presses, italics became a silent witness to the epochs, adapting to the changing winds of writing conventions.

As the epochs unfolded, italics transcended the ink-and-paper realm, finding a new life in the digital age. In the historical tapestry of typographic evolution, italics stand as a timeless artifact, weaving a narrative that spans centuries and continents.

Frequently Asked Questions about Do You Italicize Titles?

When should i italicize titles.

Titles of longer works, such as books, movies, plays, and magazines, should be italicized. This helps distinguish them from shorter works like poems or articles .

Do I italicize titles in all writing styles?

Yes, most writing styles, including MLA, APA, and Chicago, recommend italicizing titles for longer works. However, styles may vary, so it’s essential to follow the guidelines of the specific style you’re using.

Are there exceptions to italicizing titles?

Yes, shorter works like poems, articles, and short stories are usually placed in quotation marks instead of being italicized. Additionally, specific style guides may have exceptions for certain types of works.

Can I use underlining instead of italics for titles?

Yes, when typing is not possible or practical, you can underline titles as an alternative to italics. However, it’s essential to be consistent in your choice throughout your writing.

How about titles of TV shows and songs? Do they follow the same rule?

Yes, titles of TV shows (e.g., Breaking Bad) and songs (e.g., Bohemian Rhapsody) should be italicized or placed in quotation marks, depending on the preference of your chosen writing style.

What about titles in social media posts or informal writing?

In more casual writing, such as social media posts or informal emails, italics may be less strictly adhered to. However, maintaining consistency in your formatting enhances clarity and professionalism.

Do foreign words or phrases need to be italicized?

Yes, foreign words or phrases that are not part of common English usage should be italicized. This helps readers recognize and distinguish them in the text.

How do I format titles if I’m writing by hand?

If italics are not feasible, you can underline titles when writing by hand. The goal is to visually set the title apart from the rest of the text.

Should I italicize titles of online publications and websites?

Yes, titles of websites (e.g., CNN) and online publications (e.g., The Guardian) should be italicized to indicate they are longer, standalone works.

Can you provide examples of when to italicize and when to use quotation marks?

Certainly! For instance, you italicize a book title (The Great Gatsby) but use quotation marks for a short story title (“The Lottery”). Consistency in applying these rules is key for clarity and correctness in writing.

In conclusion, understanding when to italicize titles is a fundamental aspect of proper writing conventions.

Whether you are crafting an academic paper, a creative work, or even a social media post, the consistent application of italicizing titles for longer works like books, movies, and plays, and using quotation marks for shorter works like poems and articles, contributes to the clarity and professionalism of your writing.

While variations exist among different writing styles, maintaining awareness of these guidelines ensures that your titles are appropriately formatted, making it easier for readers to navigate and comprehend your content.

So, the next time you find yourself pondering whether to italicize a title, consider the type of work and adhere to the conventions of the writing style you are following for a polished and well-structured piece.

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Do You Italicize Book Titles? MLA, Chicago Manual, and APA Rules (Examples)

Whether you are writing a book, a business blog, a research paper, or a magazine article, staying true (and consistent) to grammar and style is extremely important. It makes the entire article/ manuscript consistent and reading easy !

But with so many styles and style guides around, losing track is very common. This is especially true when you are writing titles – of books, stories, poems, chapters, and more – in your articles. Don’t you wonder whether you should underline the book titles, put them in italics, write them in quotation marks , or follow the traditional capital letter style? Well, we all do, and we often find ourselves hovering over different options, completely unsure of which one to choose .

So, should you italicize book titles or underline them?

The general rule says, always italicize book titles, if they are long and complete work. This keeps them distinct and makes them easily recognizable, especially when you are mentioning a book within your content. Italicizing also helps the reader to understand that this particular book is separate from the rest of the work they are reading. However, short titles – of poems, stories, articles, and chapters are often written in quotation marks.

For example:

Long title: Have you read In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust?

Short title: Grab your copy of “War and Peace” by Leo Tolstoy.

Now, this sometimes, can get very confusing and can put your writing all over the place. So when you are stuck between a right and a wrong, always follow the rule of thumb – How you write book titles in your work is a matter of choice (style). It is not governed by any grammarian law. There is no single source that governs how you must handle titled works and mostly depends on the style guide your publication is following – APA, Chicago, MLA, or any other.

So ask your editor his/ her preference and stick to it across your content. After all, consistency is the key to turning your writing into the most professional-looking copy .

In this article, we’ll help you learn the styling parameters that different style guides follow while writing book titles:

MLA rules for italicizing book titles

MLA stands for Modern Language Association – a United States-based society that styles manuals for students and scholars across the world. The MLA Handbook follows a particular style for documenting book titles, in the text as well as at the end of the article. As per the MLA style guide:

• Titles that are independent and self-contained are italicized.
• If the book title has a subtitle, the subtitle is italicized and separated by a colon (:).
• Titles that are contained in larger works ( e.g. , short stories, chapters) are put in quotations.
• However, when it comes to series titles, the MLA rules are a little confusing. In MLA, if a series title forms a part of the book title, then it is italicized. Otherwise, it is left in plain text. For example, the ‘Twilight Saga’ is a series title that you won’t italicize because it is not the tile of the book. But Harry Potter (a series title) you will italicize because it also forms a part of the title.  
• Godfrey, Wyck., et al. The  Twilight Saga :  New Moon . Two-disc special ed. [Los Angeles, CA], Summit Entertainment, 2010.
• Rowling, J. K. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. New York: Arthur A. Levine Books, 1998.

Chicago Manual of style rules

The Chicago Manual of Style is another widely accepted and used citation system. It is used across various disciplines like the humanities, sciences, social sciences, and more. It has its own style for citing books , titles, and full-length and freestanding works. If you want to follow the Chicago Manual of Style while formatting your book titles, here are some points to remember:

• Always italicize and capitalize the titles of your full-length, freestanding works. These include books, magazines, journals, blogs, research papers, and more.
• Online book citation also follows the same format.
• Chapter titles are always written in quotations and are not italicized.

APA style guide rules

The American Psychological Association (APA) is one of the most common and widely used reference styles. It is mostly used as a citation style for books and manuals written in the field of social sciences, psychology, sociology, and more.  It has its own set of rules for in-text and reference list citations. But when it comes to italicizing the books’ titles, the rules are pretty similar.

• Though in the APA, italicizing is kept to the bare minimum, long book titles, periodicals, webpages, reports, and standalone work are all italicized.
• Chapter titles in the APA are neither italicized nor written within quotes; the book titles however are. Also, the name of the chapter’s author is written in the first position.

7th Edition rules

The seventh edition of the APA is the latest edition and its purpose is to help students, scholars, and researchers write and communicate more effectively. Some of the biggest changes brought by the APA in its seventh edition include:

• The first letter (of the first word) of the title is capitalized.
• If there is a colon (:) in the title, the first letter after the colon is also capitalized.
• Proper names in titles are always capital
• Titles of books, magazines, journals, and newspapers are always italicized.
• Titles of articles or book chapters are not italicized.
• The title of the webpage is always italicized.
• The publisher’s location is no longer included in the reference.

When to Italicize Book Titles

As you could see , when it comes to writing book titles, a common rule applies across all styles ( barring a few exceptions ). So, if you are not following a particular citation style that asks you to do otherwise, this is a general rule that you can easily fall back on:

• Always italicize the titles of self-contained, independent work: books, albums
• Always italicize the titles of large books, like Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
• Always italicize magazine names, like The New Yorker
• Always italicize newspapers, like The New York Times

Italicizing titles creates a visual hierarchy and helps a reference source stand out from the rest of the text.

When to Avoid Italicizing Book Titles?

While most book titles should be italicized, there are some exceptions to the rule:

• Short titles or titles of smaller works are not italicized. These include titles of short stories, poems, and chapters.
• The title of the series is not italicized. For example, while you would italicize Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets , you would not highlight the Harry Potter Series.
• Holy Books like The Bible and Quran, along with their sections, are not italicized.
• Headlines and course titles are also not italicized.

Do You Underline Book Titles?

No, we do not underline book titles . Underlining is an old formatting style that was once extensively used to emphasize certain words, phrases, and titles. But today, due to the availability of extensive formatting options, underlining has lost its mark and is not used as a preferred formatting option.   

However, if you are writing with a medium that does not offer the option to italicize, you may underline the text to emphasize it.

Do You Quote Book Titles?

Books, magazines, newspapers, and series all comprise many smaller parts, like a short poem, a chapter, a short story, and an episode. When citing these small pieces of work, we prefer writing them in quotation marks.

The teacher read a story titled “Lamb to the Slaughter” by Roald Dahl.

I missed the last episode of “Shaun the Sheep”.

 Susan is reading “The Fellowship of the Ring” from the Lord of the Rings .

Do You Italicize Book Series Titles?

While italics are used to emphasize book titles, trilogies and book series titles are only capitalized, not italicized.

What About Children’s Book Titles, Do Those Get Italicized?

Children’s books in style guides get the same treatment as other authored books. That is, titles of full works are italicized but short titles of poems, short stories, articles, or chapters are put within quotation marks. Also, in addition to the author’s name, they also include the illustrator’s name.

• Italics and Underlining: Titles of Works
• Treatment of titles
• Do You Italicize Book Titles In APA? A Must Read
• Should You Underline Or Italicise Book Titles?
• Do You Italicize Book Titles? Essay Secrets Revealed
• Should You Italicize Book Titles? A Guide to Formatting Titles

Inside this article

Fact checked: Content is rigorously reviewed by a team of qualified and experienced fact checkers. Fact checkers review articles for factual accuracy, relevance, and timeliness. Learn more.

About the author

Dalia Y.: Dalia is an English Major and linguistics expert with an additional degree in Psychology. Dalia has featured articles on Forbes, Inc, Fast Company, Grammarly, and many more. She covers English, ESL, and all things grammar on GrammarBrain.

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When to Use Quotation Marks for Titles

Do you know when to use quotation marks for titles? Knowing whether to use italics or quotation marks for titles is one of the most common problems students have, especially when it comes to academic writing where you discuss your sources. Luckily, there are consistent themes that can help you pick the right format for each title, no matter what style guide you’re following. 

Below, we explain exactly when to use quotation marks in titles (and when to use italics instead). We’ll cover the title rules for the three main style guides—APA, MLA, and Chicago—and give you some guidelines for figuring out which kinds of titles use which format. 

How to properly quote a title with quotation marks

Quotation marks (“ ”) are mostly for showing speech or copying passages verbatim from other works, but sometimes they’re used for more than just punctuation . For certain types of works, they’re used to set apart titles. 

The general rule is to use quotation marks for titles of short works such as articles, poems, songs, essays, or short stories. By contrast, use italics for larger works such as books, movies, and the names of periodicals. We provide a complete list below. 

When to use italics or quotation marks for titles

Some types of work italicize titles , and some use quotation marks, but how do you know which is which? Here’s a quick list of what kinds of works use each. 

Works that use quotation marks in titles

• journal articles
• newspaper and magazine articles
• blog and online news articles
• essay titles
• poems (except epic poems)
• short stories
• episode titles of TV shows, podcasts, and other serial works
• page titles for websites
• section or part titles within a larger work
• short-form videos, such as those on YouTube

Examples of titles with quotation marks

“A Policy Framework for the Growing Influence of Private Equity on Health Care Deliver”

( Journal of the American Medical Association )

“Sonoma County Board of Supervisors to consider sewer rate increase”

( The Press Democrat )

“E.U. Approves Microsoft’s $69 Billion Deal for Activision”

( The New York Times )

“A Dream Deferred” 

(Langston Hughes)

Short story:

“Everything that Rises Must Converge”

(Flannery O’Connor)

“A Lonely Coast”

(Annie Proulx)

“ (Sittin ’ On) The Dock of the Bay ”

(Otis Redding)

“Think About Things”

(Daoi Freyr)

“The Wolves”

( The Wild Robot Escapes )

“The First Tee”

( The Match: The Day the Game of Golf Changed Forever )

“The Danger of a Single Story”

(Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)

“ Creativity in Management ”

(John Cleese)

Podcast episodes:

“The Lives of Others”

( This American Life )

“Alone@Work: Miles To Go Before I’m Me”

( Rough Translation )

“Responsible AI”

(Grammarly.com)

“Volleyball”

(Wikipedia.com)

Works that use italics in titles

• anthologies
• epic poems (not regular poems)
• periodical names (magazines, newspapers, and news websites)
• radio shows
• TV shows (not individual episodes)
• podcasts (not individual episodes)
• music albums
• video games
• operas and long musical compositions
• classic art like paintings and sculptures
• dissertations
• legal cases
• large vehicles such as ships, aircrafts, and spacecrafts

When to use quotation marks for titles for each style guide

While the basics are the same—italics for the titles of long works and quotation marks for the titles of short works—some minor details may vary. Here’s a quick rundown of when to use quotation marks in titles for the APA, MLA, and Chicago styles. 

Quotations marks in titles for APA

The APA format follows the list above: It uses quotation marks for all types of work mentioned. The only particular rule they have about quotation marks in titles is that they are not used in the reference list for articles and chapters.  

In APA, the reference list is the name of the bibliography, like a works cited page . When writing a full citation that mentions an article or book chapter, simply write the title with neither quotation marks nor italics. However, if the same title is written within the text (or in a copyright attribution), use quotation marks. 

Quotations marks in titles for Chicago

In general, Chicago style follows the list above. It does, nevertheless, list a few extra types of works that the other style guides do not. 

Quotation marks for titles:

• fairy tales and nursery rhymes

Italics for titles: 

• serialized cartoons and comic strips

Quotations marks in titles for MLA

The use of quotation marks in titles for MLA format is very straightforward. Simply use the appropriate format for the type of work, as indicated in the large list above. 

When to use single or double quotation marks for titles

There are two types of quotation marks: single quotation marks (‘ ’) and double quotation marks (“ ”). 

In general, American English uses double quotation marks. The only time we use single quotation marks for titles is to replace quotation marks within another pair of quotation marks. 

For example, if you were writing an article about Langston Hughes’s poems—highlighting “Harlem” in particular—the title of your article might be something like this:

“Reflections on ‘Harlem’ and Other Poems” 

Notice how, when we talk about the poem “Harlem” on its own, we use the standard double quotation marks. However, when we mention it within another pair of quotation marks, we use single quotation marks instead. 

This is done simply for the sake of clarity. It would be confusing to use double quotation marks within double quotation marks, so this makes reading a bit easier. Let’s look at another example: 

EPISODE TITLE: “The Winds of Winter” (episode of Game of Thrones )

ESSAY TITLE: “Why ‘The Winds of Winter’ Is the Best Episode of Game of Thrones ”

Keep in mind that if a title in quotation marks is used within an italicized title, double quotation marks are used. For example, look at how we write the title of a full book that collects Roald Dahl’s short stories: 

“The Landlady” and Other Short Stories

It’s also worth noting that this is only the convention in American English. In British English, single quotes and double quotes are switched! That means titles and speech quotes use single quotation marks most of the time and double quotation marks are used only within single quotes. Keep that in mind if you’re ever reading a British piece of writing . 

Quotation marks for titles FAQs

Why use quotation marks for titles.

Quotation marks set apart the titles of short works like articles, poems, songs, essays, or short stories. Longer works like books or movies use italics instead. 

When do you use quotation marks for titles?

Use quotation marks for the titles of articles, essays, poems, short stories, songs, chapters, lectures, pages for websites, episodes of serial works (such as TV shows or podcasts), names of sections or parts in larger works, and short-form videos such as those on YouTube. 

When do you use italics?

Use italics for the titles of books, movies, plays, TV shows, podcasts, video games, apps, classic art (like paintings and sculptures), music albums, legal cases, dissertations, anthologies, reports, periodicals (like magazines or newspapers), operas and long musical compositions, and large vehicles (like ships or aircraft).

Do You Italicize Article Titles? (Ultimate Citation Guide)

Do you italicize article titles? Put them in quotes? Underline them? If you’ve ever struggled with how to format titles, this blog post is for you.

Do you italicize article titles?

No, you do not italicize article titles. You place article titles in double quotation marks. This formatting rule applies to article titles in MLA, APA, Chicago Style, scholarly journals, magazines, newspapers, online, and most reference sections.

In this article, we’ll look at 11 specific scenarios so that we cover all the bases and answer all of your questions (Hint: only one scenario has an exception).

Do You Italicize Article Titles: Summary of Answers

I thought you might appreciate a summary table right here at the beginning.

I wanted to keep the table super simple so I only included two categories—type of content and whether or not you italicize it.

Check it out below:

Table of Contents

You might consider bookmarking this article in your favorite internet browser so that you can come back to this information anytime you want for a quick refresher.

Do Article Titles Get Italicized? (The One Exception)

You do not italicize article titles. You almost always place double quotation marks around article titles.

The only time you detour from quotation marks is when you write titles in an APA-style reference list. In that case, you write the title without any special formatting (italics, quotation marks, or underlining).

That’s the simple, direct answer.

Here are two simple examples of a properly formatted article title:

Wrong: Is Superman a Pisces

Right: “Is Superman a Pisces?”

Now, let’s look at other specific questions you might ask yourself when writing.

Do You Italicize Article Titles in MLA?

No, you do not italicize the titles of articles in MLA. You place the article title in quotes.

Here are two examples:

Wrong: 5 Signs He’s Too Tall For You

Right: “5 Signs He’s Too Tall For You”

Here’s an example of a complete MLA citation from a real article:

Kokoski, Christopher. “How To Become a Fortune Cookie Writer.” Christopher Kokoski, 16 Apr. 2021, www.writingbeginner.com/how-to-become-a-fortune-cookie-writer.

MLA , by the way, stands for Modern Language Association. The MLA Handbook is basically a stylebook for how to write information, format documents, and cite sources.

Do You Italicize Article Titles in APA?

You do not italicize article titles in APA. You place double quotation marks around the titles of articles.

Wrong: Will Ferrell Loves Baby Jesus

Right: “Will Ferrell Loves Baby Jesus”

APA stands for the American Psychological Association . APA is another style of writing, formatting, and citing information.

Do You Italicize Article Titles in APA References?

No, you do not italicize article titles in APA references or citation lists. You also don’t need to underline the title or put the title in quotes. You simply write the article title without any special formatting.

I understand the confusion when it comes to referencing sources in a list of citations at the end of a paper or article. The rule on titles is still “No, don’t italicize article titles,” but that doesn’t tell you WHAT to do.

The answer is that you don’t need to do anything at all. You simply list the title. Note that this is the ONLY exception to the answer in the answer box image at the beginning of this post.

Still, you don’t italicize the article title.

Wrong: Kokoski, C. (2021, April 16). How To Become a Fortune Cookie Writer . Christopher Kokoski. https://www.writingbeginner.com/how-to-become-a-fortune-cookie-writer/

Right: Kokoski, C. (2021, April 16). How To Become a Fortune Cookie Writer . Christopher Kokoski. https://www.writingbeginner.com/how-to-become-a-fortune-cookie-writer/

Keep in mind that style handbooks, like APA, tend to change over time. It’s a good idea to always check with the latest version of the APA style guide.

Do Journal Article Titles Get Italicized?

You do not italicize journal articles. You place double quotation marks around the title of journal articles in MLA and do not format the title of the journal articles at all in APA.

The confusion with scholarly journals is that you italicize the name of the journal, but you place quotes around the title of the articles in the journal. There is also a difference between the rules for MLA and APA-style reference lists.

However, in all cases, you do not italicize the title of journal articles.

Here are examples from MLA:

Wrong: Shamblen, Stephen & Kokoski, Christopher & Collins, David & Strader, Ted & Mckiernan, Patrick. (2017). Implementing Creating Lasting Family Connections with reentry fathers: A partial replication during a period of policy change . Journal of Offender Rehabilitation. 56. 1-13. 10.1080/10509674.2017.1327917.

Right: Shamblen, Stephen & Kokoski, Christopher & Collins, David & Strader, Ted & Mckiernan, Patrick. (2017). “Implementing Creating Lasting Family Connections with reentry fathers: A partial replication during a period of policy change.” Journal of Offender Rehabilitation. 56. 1-13. 10.1080/10509674.2017.1327917.

Do You Italicize Article Titles in Chicago Style?

What about Chicago Style? This is a good question since some of the “rules” are different between the style guides. However, the rule for italicizing article titles is the same.

You do not italicize article titles in Chicago Style. You place the title of the article in quotation marks.

Here are a few examples of Chicago Style :

Wrong: His article, Writing Love Squares: 13 Things You Need To Know , made some fascinating points!

Right: His article, “Writing Love Squares: 13 Things You Need To Know,” made some fascinating points!

Do Newspaper Article Titles Get Italicized?

You do not italicize the title of articles in newspapers. You place the title in double quotation marks. However, you do italicize the name of the newspaper.

Here are examples:

Wrong: Her article, Salvation by Dessert , appeared in The New York Times .

Right: Her article, “Salvation by Dessert,” appeared in The New York Times .

Note that, in these examples, the title of the specific article is in quotes but the title of the newspaper is italicized.

Should Any Article Titles Be Italicized?

You never italicize any entire article titles. You might, however, italicize unfamiliar foreign words or the titles of books you mention within an article title. But you do not italicize the entire article title under any circumstance.

I know this is somewhat of a repeat of the first question in the article, but sometimes I find it helpful to ask (and answer) the silly questions that summarize the information in a blog post.

Hopefully, this slight repeat helps you as it might help others.

For the sake of clarity, here are more examples of how to format article titles:

Wrong: The Problem With Smurfette

Right: “The Problem With Smurfette”

Since we’re about to look at a few rare scenarios you might face, here is a short video from Khan Academy to really nail down how to use quotation marks in titles:

Do You Italicize Foreign Words in Article Titles?

What about foreign words within the title of your article?

The Chicago Manual of Style says:

Italicize individual foreign words or short phrases that readers might not understand. Therefore, you should italicize only the unfamiliar foreign word or phrase within the title. Place quotation marks around the complete title of the article.

How do you know if a foreign word will confuse readers?

You check the English dictionary. If a foreign word or short phrase appears in the English dictionary, you probably don’t need to italicize it. If the word or phrase doesn’t appear in the English dictionary, then you can safely italicize it.

Just remember to place double quotation marks around the entire article title.

Wrong: The Best Teachers Embrace Juegos in the Classroom

Right: “The Best Teachers Embrace Juegos in the Classroom”

Do You Italicize the Title of Books in Your Article Title?

This is another very special circumstance.

You do not italicize article titles. If you name a book in the title of your article, you italicize only the name of the book. The entire article title is placed in quotation marks.

Here is an example:

Wrong: How Wicker Hollow Changed the Way I View Thriller Fiction

Right: “How Wicker Hollow Changed the Way I View Thriller Fiction”

Note: Wicker Hollow is the title of a book (in this case, it’s a book I wrote).

Do You Italicize the Title of Other Articles in Your Article Title?

This is a somewhat confusing question to ask, but I’ll try to clarify.

Sometimes you include the title of another article inside your article title. For example, imagine that you want to write an article about another, separate article.

When you reference another article in your article title, you italicize only the other, referenced article. However, the overall title of your article is not italicized. Rather, you place your article title in quotes.

Let’s look at a concrete example. Perhaps you read an article titled, “Fan Fiction 101,” and want to write about it. You decide to write your own article that references, “Fan Fiction 101”.

Here is the wrong and right way to format your article title:

Wrong: “My Take on the ‘Fan Fiction 101’ Viral Trend”

Right: “My Take on the Fan Fiction 101 Viral Trend”

Automatic Citation Generator

By the way, even though we already answered the question “Do you italicize article titles?”, I thought you might like a quick shortcut I use for citing sources.

My favorite automatic citation generator is made by Scribbr . It’s not perfect, but it usually works like a charm when I need a quick, accurate citation.

Best of all, it is free and generates:

• MLA citations
• APA citations
• Chicago Style citations

Final Thoughts: Do You Italicize Article Titles?

Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found all the answers you wanted (and then some).

If you enjoyed this post, you might also like these other articles:

• Why Do Writers Hate Adverbs (The Final Answer)
• Is Social Media Good or Bad For Writers? (The Final Answer)
• My Most Recommended Tools for Writers

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Reference List: Basic Rules

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This resourse, revised according to the 7 th  edition APA Publication Manual, offers basic guidelines for formatting the reference list at the end of a standard APA research paper. Most sources follow fairly straightforward rules. However, because sources obtained from academic journals  carry special weight in research writing, these sources are subject to special rules . Thus, this page presents basic guidelines for citing academic journals separate from its "ordinary" basic guidelines. This distinction is made clear below.

Note:  Because the information on this page pertains to virtually all citations, we've highlighted one important difference between APA 6 and APA 7 with an underlined note written in red.  For more information, please consult the   Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association , (7 th  ed.).

Formatting a Reference List

Your reference list should appear at the end of your paper. It provides the information necessary for a reader to locate and retrieve any source you cite in the body of the paper. Each source you cite in the paper must appear in your reference list; likewise, each entry in the reference list must be cited in your text.

Your references should begin on a new page separate from the text of the essay; label this page "References" in bold, centered at the top of the page (do NOT underline or use quotation marks for the title). All text should be double-spaced just like the rest of your essay.

Basic Rules for Most Sources

• All lines after the first line of each entry in your reference list should be indented one-half inch from the left margin. This is called hanging indentation.
• All authors' names should be inverted (i.e., last names should be provided first).
• For example, the reference entry for a source written by Jane Marie Smith would begin with "Smith, J. M."
• If a middle name isn't available, just initialize the author's first name: "Smith, J."
• Give the last name and first/middle initials for all authors of a particular work up to and including 20 authors ( this is a new rule, as APA 6 only required the first six authors ). Separate each author’s initials from the next author in the list with a comma. Use an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name. If there are 21 or more authors, use an ellipsis (but no ampersand) after the 19th author, and then add the final author’s name.
• Reference list entries should be alphabetized by the last name of the first author of each work.
• For multiple articles by the same author, or authors listed in the same order, list the entries in chronological order, from earliest to most recent.
• Note again that the titles of academic journals are subject to special rules. See section below.
• Italicize titles of longer works (e.g., books, edited collections, names of newspapers, and so on).
• Do not italicize, underline, or put quotes around the titles of shorter works such as chapters in books or essays in edited collections.

Basic Rules for Articles in Academic Journals

• Present journal titles in full.
• Italicize journal titles.
• For example, you should use  PhiloSOPHIA  instead of  Philosophia,  or  Past & Present   instead of  Past and Present.
• This distinction is based on the type of source being cited. Academic journal titles have all major words capitalized, while other sources' titles do not.
• Capitalize   the first word of the titles and subtitles of   journal articles , as well as the   first word after a colon or a dash in the title, and   any proper nouns .
• Do not italicize or underline the article title.
• Deep blue: The mysteries of the Marianas Trench.
• Oceanographic Study: A Peer-Reviewed Publication

Please note:  While the APA manual provides examples of how to cite common types of sources, it does not cover all conceivable sources. If you must cite a source that APA does not address, the APA suggests finding an example that is similar to your source and using that format. For more information, see page 282 of the   Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association , 7 th  ed.

Do You Italicize Book Titles? Essay Secrets Revealed

• April 17, 2024

Table of Contents Hide

Do you italicize book titles, do you italicize book titles in ap style, do you italicize book titles in apa style, exceptions to the above rule do you italicize book titles, do you italicize book titles or put them in quotes when to use quotations instead, examples of how to use italics, what if the title ends with a punctuation mark, recommendation.

As a writer, I have used italics, bold, and underline to emphasize some text, especially titles, without knowing why.

A deeper delve revealed I couldn’t just use any as I deemed fit.

What I learned is exactly what I have written in this easy-to-read guide.

Read and ask questions if you find any confusing terms.

Yes, we italicize book titles.

Short works like songs, articles, and poems have their titles in quotation marks, while longer works like movie albums, movies, and books have their titles in italics.

Full work titles, like books and newspapers, are in italics.

Titles of short stories, poems, essays, or chapters are in quotation marks.

Bear in mind that styles have different standards for either italicizing their titles or using quotation marks.

Book titles that form a large body of work can be put in quotation marks if the name of the book is in italics.

Read also: 14+ Types of Poem to Know With Practical Examples

The AP Stylebook says that you use quotation marks for the titles of books.

Do you italicize book titles in AP style? No.

You do not follow this rule for the Bible and catalogs of reference material, such as dictionaries and almanacs. These should not be styled, actually.

So, if you write for a publication that adheres to AP style, use quotation marks to reference book titles. For example, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows.”

dD you italicize book titles in APA?

The APA style neither uses quotation marks nor italics for short works. Instead, they are written as normal text.

Generally, APA style does not italicize titles, they are only written as normal text.

Do you italicize book titles in MLA?

In the MLA style, titles are either written in italics or enclosed in quotation marks.

Titles that are independent and self-contained, like books, and titles of containers, like anthologies, should be in italics. However, titles of larger works like short stories, essays, chapters, poems webpages, songs and speeches should be in quotations.

I believe you have an answer to the question: do you italicize book titles in MLA?.

There are times when titles also contain other titles. An example Is a journal article about a short story or film.

In this case, if the main title is in italics, then the other titles within should also be in italics.

For example;  “Unbearable Weight of Authenticity: Zora Neale Hurston’s Their Eyes Were Watching God and Theory of ‘Touristic Reading’.”

However, if the title is in double quotation marks, put the titles within in a single quotation mark.

An example is “Individualism in O’Connor’s ‘A Good Man is Hard to Find’.”

The general rule for italicizing titles is to use quotation marks for short titles and italics for long titles. However, this rule is not followed in the following scenarios:

• Scripture (Genesis, Bible, Gospels, Upanishads, Old Testament, Talmud, e): Titles of individual scripture writings should be in italics and should follow the same rule as other published work.
• Names of laws, acts, and political documents; for instance, the Bill of Rights, Declaration of Independence, Magna Carta, and Treaty of Marseilles.
• Musical compositions identified by form, number, and key.
• Series titles
• Conferences, seminars, workshops, and courses like MLA Annual Convention, English 110.

There are specific times when you must use quotation marks for the titles of works as opposed to italics.

Use quotations for the following:

• Articles in journals or magazines
• Short stories
• Book chapters
• Television episodes

Read also: 41+ Homographs Examples for Writers

• Dawn of the Planet of the Apes  (movie title, notice that articles are lower case)
• The Cat in the Hat  (book title)
• “Mary Had a Little Lamb” (song title)
• “How Pandemics End” (article title)
• The  New York Times  (newspaper title)
• “The Tell-Tale Heart” (a short story)

If the title of a work ends with a punctuation mark, include them within the quotation mark.

The punctuation mark, which can be a comma, period at the end of the title, should be inside the quotation mark. If the punctuation mark is a question mark or an exclamation, it will be outside the punctuation mark.

For example; In Little Women, Beth March dies in Chapter 40, 

“The Valley of the Shadow.”

“The Valley of the shadow of death”!

Similarly, if the punctuation is part of the title, write it in italics.

The general rule is; if the punctuation mark is part of the title, write it inside the italics or quotation mark. If it is not part of it, write it outside.

READ ALSO:  When to Use Italics: When and Why to Use Italics

It is important to know when to use italics and when to use quotation marks. 

Well, this depends on the writing format.

The general rule is to italicize longer works and quote smaller works. Are there exceptions? This article has all the answers.

Lib guides  – do you italicize book titles?

IRSC  – do you italicize book titles

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Do You Italicize Movie Titles? Become An Essay Pro

Updated: January 4, 2024

Published: May 16, 2021

Do you italicize movie titles? How many times have you been writing an essay, and suddenly you can’t remember whether to use italics, quotation marks, or other formats?

The short answer is that movie titles are always italicized. Read on to find out more about italics, and other important formatting tools in order to become an essay pro.

By the end of this article, you’ll know exactly when to use italics and quotations whenever you’re writing about movies and TV shows.

What Is Considered A Movie?

First, let’s get our definitions straightened up. What’s the difference between a movie, and let’s say, a clip on YouTube or a short film?

In general, most of us know what a movie is when we see it, but for the sake of clarification, movies do not include YouTube clips, short movies (such as Pixar’s shorts), or TV show episodes.

Movie Titles: Formatting In The Past

Before computers became commonplace, italicizing, underlining, and putting titles in “quotations” were considered to be equal and interchangeable, as long as you were consistent throughout your paper. This is because these tools were used for emphasis, as opposed to specific grammar rules. Typewriters, for example, did not have the ability to italicize or underline, and so there weren’t any strict rules.

Movie Titles Now

With the invention and increased use of computers, you’ll find that the rules concerning emphasis are much stricter, and it will be very important to know the difference if you’re writing a paper in college.

Now with the computer’s ability to format with the click of a button, movie titles are always italicized.

The only exception is when you are writing by hand, in which case the movie title would be underlined.

Below are some example sentences to demonstrate the different emphasis put on movie and TV show titles.

• Matilda was an all-time favorite movie in my home.
• Disney’s Alice in Wonderland is based on the books, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass, by Lewis Carroll.
• The Netflix series, Workin’ Moms, is based on Catherine Reitman’s experiences as a working mother of two children.
• The TV show, Young Sheldon, centers around the early life of Sheldon Cooper, an eccentric character in The Big Bang Theory.
• Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone was published in June of 1997.

Some More Rules You May Want To Know

Although the titles of movies and TV shows are always italicized, it’s important to note that the titles of specific scenes or episodes, as well as short films, are treated as shorter works, and are therefore put in “quotations.”

Though movie scenes rarely have titles, this rule is more relevant to TV show episodes and scenes from plays.

Below are some example sentences to demonstrate the different emphasis put on movie and TV show titles in comparison with specific scenes or episodes.

• My favorite Friends episode is “The One With the Holiday Armadillo.”
• The first episode of The Big Bang Theory, entitled “Pilot,” aired on September 24, 2007.
• The Pixar short, “Bao,” which appeared in the initial release in Incredibles 2, won an Oscar Award for Best Animated Short Film.
• The jumping desk lamp that became Pixar’s famous icon was originally introduced in a Pixar short called “Luxo Jr.”
• In the episode, “The Pitch,” Seinfeld and George propose a TV show about nothing, which was the show’s way of poking fun at Seinfeld’s original premise.

Why Is Proper Formatting Important?

College essays.

No matter what you study in college, most students write a lot of essays during their school years. While some degrees may put more of an emphasis on writing proper essays , most teachers and professors will expect a certain level of basic grammar and formatting knowledge.

Before you even step foot into college, you’ll most likely be expected to write an application essay . It’s important to put your best foot forward, and small formatting rules can go a long way in making a good first impression.

Landing Your Dream Job

In addition to college essays, prospective employers and job positions will require and look for basic (or advanced, depending on the position) writing skills. Whether you think your dream job requires writing skills or not, writing is a part of everyday life and work, from emails and text messages, to presentations and reports. Having good writing skills will help you make a good first impression, land your dream job, and do your best work.

Having A Successful Career

Though different students earn a degree for different reasons, many are hoping to work toward a successful career. In order to do this, the right preparation is key. Preparation may be earning a degree, gaining specific skills, or having the right guidance along the way.

University of the People prepares our students for successful careers by providing program advising , mentorship , and an emphasis on career development . We know that these extra details, much like formatting in an essay, make a big difference for the future success of our students. University of the People is a tuition-free online university that offers degree programs in business administration, computer science, health science, and education.

Cheat Sheet

Titles in italics.

• Title of a movie or play
• Titles of a TV or radio series
• Title of a book
• Titles of magazines, journals, or newspapers
• Title of music album
• Title of a long poem
• Title of an opera
• Titles of paintings or sculptures

Titles In “Quotations”

• Title of a chapter in a book
• Title of an TV or radio series episode
• Name of an act or scene in a movie/play
• Title of a song
• Title of a short poem
• Title of an article or paper

The Bottom Line

So, do you italicize movie titles? In short, yes. Movie titles, as well as TV show titles, are italicized. We hope you learned a little bit about the history of italics, when to use italics and quotations, and the reasons why proper formatting is important for your education and career.

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