In MLA style, footnotes are used to provide additional information or citations at the bottom of the page. They are typically used in academic writing, especially for longer papers or research articles. When using footnotes in MLA, there are specific guidelines to follow regarding their placement in a sentence.
Footnotes should be inserted at the end of a sentence, after the punctuation mark. For example:
“The author argues that technology has greatly impacted our lives.”^1
In this example, the superscript number (^1) indicates that a footnote follows the sentence. The corresponding footnote will then appear at the bottom of the page, providing more information or a citation related to the statement made in the sentence.
It is important to note that footnotes should not disrupt the flow of the sentence. They should be placed in a way that allows the sentence to remain coherent and grammatically correct. Therefore, it is essential to position the footnote after any necessary punctuation marks, such as periods, commas, or question marks.
When writing a sentence that includes a footnote, it is crucial to make sure the footnote is relevant and adds value to the sentence. Footnotes should provide additional information or clarification that enhances the reader’s understanding of the topic. They can also be used to cite sources or provide references for specific statements or claims made in the text.
To format footnotes in MLA style, they should be single-spaced and aligned with the left margin. Each footnote should begin with a superscript number, followed by the corresponding information or citation. If a footnote continues onto the next page, a solid line is added across the page to indicate the continuation of the footnote.
Footnotes in MLA style should be placed at the end of a sentence, after the punctuation mark. They should not disrupt the flow of the sentence and should provide relevant information or citations. Following the proper format and guidelines for footnotes in MLA will help ensure clarity and accuracy in academic writing.