Handling Titles Beginning with An or The on Works Cited Pages
When creating a works cited page, proper organization and alphabetization of titles are crucial for clarity and consistency. Titles that begin with “An” or “The” can pose a challenge when determining their placement within an alphabetical list. This article provides expert guidance on how to handle titles beginning with “An” or “The” in works cited pages, following the guidelines set by the Modern Language Association (MLA) formatting style.
Alphabetizing Titles
Titles on a works cited page should be alphabetized letter by letter, disregarding any initial articles such as “A,” “An,” or “The” (SNHU Library). This rule applies when there are multiple titles by the same author or when no author is specified, and the entry begins with a title (SNHU Library). For example, if the title is “The Civil War in American Literature,” it would be alphabetized under “Civil” rather than “The.”
Treating Numbers in Titles
When alphabetizing titles that start with a number, it is important to treat the number as if it were spelled out (MLA Style Center). For instance, if the titles are “1984” or “2 + 2 = 5,” they should be treated as “Nineteen Eighty-Four” and “Two plus Two Equals Five,” respectively (MLA Style Center). By treating numbers as spelled-out words, titles can be accurately sorted within the alphabetical order.
Alphabetical Order
The works cited list should be arranged in alphabetical order (Otis College LibGuides). Generally, titles are sorted based on the first word in the citation. If the author’s name is unknown, the first word in the title should be used for alphabetization, disregarding the words “a,” “an,” or “the” (Otis College LibGuides). This practice ensures consistency and uniformity in the organization of the works cited page.
Conclusion
Effectively handling titles that begin with “An” or “The” in works cited pages requires following specific guidelines. By alphabetizing titles letter by letter, ignoring initial articles, treating numbers as spelled-out words, and arranging entries in alphabetical order, writers can create well-organized and properly formatted works cited pages in accordance with the MLA style.
Sources:
- SNHU Library Frequently Asked Questions. “How do I handle articles like ‘the’ when alphabetizing titles in my MLA Works Cited list?” Retrieved from https://libanswers.snhu.edu/faq?qid=214424.
- MLA Style Center. “Alphabetizing Numeric Titles.” Retrieved from https://style.mla.org/alphabetizing-numeric-titles/.
- Otis College LibGuides. “Works Cited List – Citation Guide (MLA 9th Edition) UNDER CONSTRUCTION.” Retrieved from https://otis.libguides.com/mla_citations/works_cited.
FAQs
Handling Titles Beginning with “An” or “The” on Works Cited Pages
How should titles beginning with “An” or “The” be alphabetized on a works cited page?
Titles beginning with “An” or “The” should be alphabetized based on the word following the initial article. The articles themselves are disregarded for the purpose of alphabetization. For example, the title “The Catcher in the Rye” would be alphabetized under “C” for “Catcher.”
What should I do when there are multiple titles by the same author that begin with “An” or “The”?
In cases where there are multiple titles by the same author that begin with “An” or “The,” alphabetize them based on the word following the initial article. If the titles have the same following word, use the next significant word in the title to determine their alphabetical order.
How do I handle titles that start with a number on a works cited page?
When alphabetizing titles that start with a number, treat the number as if it were spelled out. For example, the title “1984” would be treated as “Nineteen Eighty-Four” for alphabetization purposes.
What if the title starts with a number and includes additional words?
For titles that start with a number and include additional words, alphabetize based on the spelled-out version of the number. Ignore any initial articles such as “A,” “An,” or “The” when determining the alphabetical order. For example, the title “2 + 2 = 5: Exploring Mathematical Concepts” would be alphabetized as “Two plus Two Equals Five: Exploring Mathematical Concepts.”
How should titles be arranged if the author’s name is unknown?
If the author’s name is unknown, titles should be alphabetized by the first significant word in the title, disregarding any initial articles such as “A,” “An,” or “The.” This ensures consistency in the alphabetical order of titles on the works cited page.
Can I ignore the articles “A,” “An,” or “The” in all cases when alphabetizing titles?
No, the practice of ignoring articles “A,” “An,” or “The” for alphabetizing titles applies specifically to works cited pages in MLA style. In other contexts or formatting styles, the treatment of articles may differ, so it is essential to follow the specific guidelines of the style being used.
Are there any exceptions to the rule of ignoring initial articles for alphabetizing titles?
The rule of ignoring initial articles applies consistently to alphabetizing titles on works cited pages. However, it is important to be aware of any specific exceptions or variations specified by the formatting style guide being followed. Always consult the appropriate style guide for any exceptional cases.
How can I ensure consistency when alphabetizing titles on a works cited page?
To ensure consistency when alphabetizing titles, it is recommended to use a style guide such as the MLA Handbook or consult reliable online resources. These resources provide detailed guidelines and examples for properly organizing titles, including those that begin with “An” or “The,” or numbers.