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MLA Writing Style

Italics

Italics in prose are used to indicate when emphasis is being used, or when words and letters are used to refer to other words and letters. As a general rule, use italics for emphasis sparingly.

Words and phrases referred to as words:

     Ex.: The word albatross probably derives from the Spanish and Portuguese word alcatraz.

Letters referred to as letters:

     Ex.: Shaw spelled Shakespeare without the e. 

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