How to Write the Date in MLA Format

The Modern Language Association how to write the date in mla format is a widely used style for writing and citing research papers, particularly in the humanities and liberal arts. One of the key aspects of MLA format is the correct way to write the date, as this can impact the clarity and consistency of academic work. In this guide, we will discuss the correct way to write the date in MLA format, its significance, and various formatting scenarios in which dates are used.

Basic Date Format in MLA

When writing the date in MLA format, the order is Day Month Year without commas. The month is always written in full, and numbers should not be ordinal (e.g., “3rd” or “21st” is incorrect). Instead, use simple numerical values.

Correct Format:

• 12 January 2024
• 5 March 2022
• 25 September 2019

Incorrect Format:

• January 12, 2024 (Incorrect because of the comma and wrong order)
• 12th January 2024 (Incorrect due to the ordinal number)
• 01/12/2024 (Incorrect as MLA does not use numerical-only date formatting)

Where to Use Dates in MLA Format

Dates appear in various places in an how to write the date in mla format document, including the header, in-text citations, and the works cited page. Each placement has specific rules.

1. Date in the Header

In MLA format, the date appears in the top-left corner of the first page of the document, aligned with the author’s name, instructor’s name, course, and due date. It follows this structure:

Example:

John Doe  

Professor Smith  

English 101  

12 January 2024 

This date represents the submission date of the assignment.

2. Date in In-Text Citations

In-text citations may require a date if referencing a time-sensitive source such as a newspaper article, blog post, or social media update. The date format follows the Day Month Year format.

Example:

• (Doe 12 January 2024)
• According to Smith, “the findings were groundbreaking” (5 March 2022).

3. Date in the Works Cited Page

On the Works Cited page, the date is an important element of the citation for books, journal articles, websites, and more. The formatting depends on the type of source.

Books and Print Sources:

For books and other printed sources, the publication date appears at the end of the citation in Day Month Year format (if applicable) or just the year if only that is available.

Example: Smith, John. The Art of Writing. Oxford University Press, 2019.

Newspaper and Magazine Articles:

When citing a newspaper or magazine, include the how to write the date in mla format of publication in Day Month Year format.

Example: Doe, Jane. “The Future of Technology.” The New York Times, 12 Jan. 2024, p. A1.

Web Sources:

For websites, the date of publication (or last update) should be included. If no date is available, use “Accessed” followed by the retrieval date.

Example: Smith, Alex. “Understanding MLA Formatting.” Online Writing Lab, 5 Mar. 2022, www.owlwritinglab.com.

or

Brown, Lisa. “History of Art Movements.” Art Scholars Network. Accessed 10 May 2023, www.artscholarsnetwork.org.

Special Cases in Date Formatting

While how to write the date in mla format primarily follows the Day Month Year format, there are some special cases where dates should be adjusted to fit certain contexts.

1. Date Ranges

For date ranges, how to write the date in mla format uses an en dash (–) without spaces to separate years, months, or days.

Examples:

• 12 January–15 March 2024
• 2018–2022

2. Abbreviating Months

When writing the Works Cited page, months with more than four letters should be abbreviated, using the first three letters followed by a period.

Examples:

• Jan.
• Feb.
• Mar.
• Apr.
• Aug.
• Sept.
• Oct.
• Nov.
• Dec.

Shorter months (May, June, and July) remain unchanged.

3. Using Dates in Quotes

If quoting a source that uses a different date format (such as MM/DD/YYYY), maintain the original formatting within the quotation marks. However, when integrating it into your own writing, convert it to MLA format.

Example: Original text: “The event took place on 01/12/2024.”

MLA format in an essay: Smith stated that “the event took place on 12 January 2024” (45).

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using U.S. Date Format (Month-Day-Year): Many students mistakenly use the American date format (January 12, 2024) in MLA, but the correct format is 12 January 2024.
2. Using Ordinal Numbers (1st, 2nd, 3rd): MLA does not use ordinal numbers in dates.
3. Including Commas in the Date: MLA format does not use commas in dates unless they are part of a sentence structure that requires them.
4. Forgetting to Abbreviate Months in Works Cited Entries: Always abbreviate longer months in citations.
5. Using Incorrect Date Order in Citations: Ensure that the format remains consistent in all references.

Conclusion

Correctly formatting dates in how to write the date in mla format style is a small but essential detail that ensures clarity, professionalism, and adherence to academic standards. Whether placing a date in the header, an in-text citation, or a works cited entry, always follow the Day Month Year format without commas. By maintaining consistency and avoiding common mistakes, writers can present their research in a polished and credible manner.