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Should I use underlining or italics in my research paper?

Most word-processing programs and computer printers permit the reproduction of italic type. In material that will be graded or edited for publication, the type style of every letter and punctuation mark must be easily recognizable. Italic type is sometimes not distinctive enough for this purpose. In printed material submitted for grading and editing, therefore, words that would be italicized in a publication are often underlined to avoid ambiguity. The examples in the MLA Handbook follow this practice. If you wish to use italics rather than underlining, check your instructor's or editor's preferences. Choose a type font in which the italic style contrasts clearly with the regular style.

 

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© 2008 Modern Language Association. Last updated 04/28/2008.