MLA and Chicago: The Great Citation Showdown
So, you're staring at a blinking cursor, ready to embark on the epic quest of writing a paper, and then bam – the dreaded question hits you: MLA or Chicago? Is it like choosing between a cat and a dog? Or maybe more like picking between pizza and tacos? Let's dive into this academic abyss together.
 |
| Is Mla And Chicago Style The Same |
Are MLA and Chicago Even Related?
Short answer: Nope. They're like oil and water, peanut butter and jelly – they just don't mix. MLA, the child of the Modern Language Association, is all about the humanities. Think literature, philosophy, and other subjects where expressing your inner poet is encouraged. Chicago, on the other hand, is the brainchild of the University of Chicago Press and is preferred by the history, business, and science folks. It’s more like a strict accountant compared to MLA’s free-spirited artist.
QuickTip: Pause before scrolling further.
The Battle of the Citations
This is where things get really interesting. MLA is all about in-text citations and a Works Cited page at the end. It's like whispering the author's last name and page number in the text, and then spilling all the juicy details in the back. Chicago, however, offers two styles: author-date and notes-bibliography. Author-date is similar to MLA, but Chicago's notes-bibliography is like having a secret diary where you can gossip about your sources in footnotes or endnotes.
QuickTip: Re-reading helps retention.
 |
So, Which One Should You Choose?
The short answer is: whatever your professor tells you. But if you have a choice, consider your subject matter. If you’re writing a passionate love letter to Shakespeare, MLA might be your jam. If you’re dissecting a company's financial report, Chicago could be the way to go. And remember, consistency is key. Don't switch styles halfway through your paper unless you want to confuse your readers (and probably your professor).
Tip: Read slowly to catch the finer details.
The Bottom Line
While MLA and Chicago may seem like polar opposites, they both serve an important purpose: giving credit where credit is due. So, next time you're faced with this daunting decision, take a deep breath, consult your style guide, and remember: as long as you're consistent and accurate, you'll be golden.
QuickTip: A careful read saves time later.
How To Questions
- How to choose between MLA and Chicago? Check with your professor or instructor. They'll usually specify which style they prefer.
- How to format in-text citations in MLA? Generally, include the author's last name and page number in parentheses.
- How to create a Works Cited page in MLA? List all sources alphabetically by author's last name.
- How to use footnotes in Chicago style? Place a superscript number at the end of the sentence, and then provide the full citation at the bottom of the page.
- How to differentiate between author-date and notes-bibliography Chicago style? Author-date uses in-text citations like MLA, while notes-bibliography uses footnotes or endnotes.
 |
💡 This page may contain affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
