Where Do Numbers Go in Alphabetical Order MLA Works Cited?
If you’re working on an MLA Works Cited page and are wondering where to place numbers in alphabetical order, this guide will help you understand the process. Alphabetizing your citations correctly is crucial in MLA formatting to ensure clarity and consistency. Whether you’re using Google Docs to write your paper or another word processor, these steps will help you achieve a properly formatted Works Cited page.
In MLA style, the Works Cited page lists your sources alphabetically by the author's last name. However, the process changes slightly when numbers are involved. In this post, we’ll walk through where numbers should be placed in alphabetical order on your Works Cited page and how to handle references with numerical titles.
Step 1: Understand MLA Alphabetizing Rules
According to MLA guidelines, alphabetizing is based on the first letter of the author's last name or the first significant word in the citation. This can be the title of the work if no author is listed. In instances where a citation begins with a number (e.g., a title starting with a year or a numeral), the number should be treated as if it were spelled out.
Step 2: Treat Numbers as Though They Are Spelled Out
When a title begins with a number, treat that number as if it were written out. For example, if you are citing the book “100 Years of Solitude” , you would alphabetize it by the number "One." So, it would go under the letter “O” in the alphabetical list, not the number "1."
Step 3: Order Based on the First Letter After the Number
If your source’s title starts with a number, after spelling the number out, look at the first letter of the title. For instance, “21 Lessons for the 21st Century” would be alphabetized under “T” (for "Twenty-one Lessons"), not under “2.” This keeps your Works Cited page organized and maintains consistency in how sources are listed.
Step 4: Treat Roman Numerals and Abbreviations
In cases where the title contains Roman numerals (e.g., The Great War, Vol. II), you should alphabetize it based on the first letter after the numeral. The same rule applies to titles with abbreviations. For example, “U.S. History: An Overview” should be alphabetized under the letter "U," not “H” for “History.”
Step 5: Use Docswrite for Formatting Assistance
As you work through your MLA Works Cited page in Google Docs, you can visit Docswrite.com to ensure your citations are formatted correctly. Docswrite offers tools and templates for MLA, making it easier for you to align your citations with the standard MLA formatting style. Visit Docswrite to get more tips on citation formatting.
Step 6: Double-Check Your Work
Once you’ve alphabetized all your entries, double-check for consistency. Ensure that each citation is properly formatted according to MLA guidelines. This will save you time and help prevent any mistakes in your citation list.
FAQ: Where Do Numbers Go in Alphabetical Order on MLA Works Cited?
Q: How do I alphabetize sources that start with numbers? A: In MLA format, treat the number as if it were written out. For instance, “100 Years of Solitude” would be alphabetized under the letter “O” (for One Hundred Years).
Q: What if I have Roman numerals in a title? A: Roman numerals are treated as the letter that comes after them. For example, The Great War, Vol. II would be alphabetized under "G" for "Great."
Q: Can Docswrite help with my MLA citations? A: Yes! Docswrite.com provides helpful tools and templates for MLA formatting, ensuring your citations are always accurate and up to standard.
Q: What if the author’s name is listed as a number or abbreviation? A: If an author’s name is an abbreviation or number (e.g., U.S. for United States), alphabetize it based on the first letter of the abbreviation, such as “U” for U.S.
Q: Do I need to alphabetize sources that don’t have an author? A: Yes. If there is no author, alphabetize the source by the first significant word in the title (ignoring articles like "A," "An," or "The").