What Are Fundamental Differences between MLA vs Chicago?

MLA and Chicago are two widely used citation formats. Different professionals, such as academics and lawyers, recognize and appreciate their work. While the use of MLA style is wide in the United States, Chicago may be better for some writers. However, many people do not really understand the differences between them or which one of them to use. This blog will look at the differences between MLA vs Chicago. Also, this blog will help you understand the two styles and help you decide which one you should use.

What is MLA?

The Modern Language Association, or MLA, the format is a method of citing sources while writing a paper. English composition as well as other communication subjects, often require the use of this format for research papers.

The Modern Language Association produces The Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, which specifies the structure and style of papers published in the humanities. It comprises formatting guidelines for paper layout as well as citations within. It also includes instructions for punctuation and language, as well as regulations for using footnotes and endnotes.

Moreover, MLA is prevalent in many humanities subjects, particularly language. This writing style is popular among literature and language students. This is the third of the several sorts of writing formats.

Features of MLA

There are many features of MLA; some of them are as follows:

• The MLA format employs the Times New Roman typeface at a font size of 12.
• Set the margins to one inch on both sides.
• Italicize the titles in MLA style.
• Double-space essays in MLA style.
• Make certain that the title is in the centre.
• Indent each new paragraph by one and a half inches.

What is Chicago?

The University of Chicago Press published the Chicago style or CMS in 1906. In addition, it is used to structure scholarly articles and make references. Actually, the Chicago style is less widespread than the APA or MLA styles.

Moreover, the use of the Chicago style is commonly in humanities, literature, the arts, and history. Outside of Chicago, the use of this style is rare.

CMS is another name for this design ( Chicago Manual Style ). This is the first of several writing forms.

Humanities and history papers often use the Chicago style. The first page is generally a title page, on which the student provides the title of the paper, their full name, the topic or course number, the name of the professor, and the work’s submission date.

General Format of Chicago Style:

• The standard-sized paper should be printed (8.5 X 11 inches).
• The paper’s body text should be double spaced in Chicago style.
• Set the paper margins to be no less than 1 inch on all sides and no more than 1.5 inches on all sides.
• On the document, use legible typefaces.
• Font size should be at least 10 points. However, 12 points is preferable.
• A number should appear in the upper right-hand corner of the paper header.

Differences between MLA vs Chicago

There are many differences between MLA and Chicago writing styles; some of them are as follows:

Discipline

English or literary papers use the MLA format.

On the other hand, history and humanities use the Chicago style.

Title page

You need to know the title page in the difference between MLA vs Chicago.

In MLA, a title page does not require.

Whereas Chicago requires a title page.

Heading

There should be a double space between the conclusion of one section and the header.

On the other hand, the heading should be typed on a new line in the upper left corner.

Thesis statement

It is an important factor in the differences between MLA vs Chicago.

In MLA, the thesis statement should include the topic’s title.

Whereas, in Chicago, a thesis statement is not necessary.

Bibliography

The next difference between the MLA and Chicago is a bibliography.

In MLA, a new page is dedicated to the bibliography.

On the other hand, Chicago is not necessary include a separate bibliography. It might be noted at the bottom of the page.

Use

The use of MLA writing style for English writings.

Whereas the common use of the Chicago writing style for history papers. However, It is possible to produce papers for the humanities using both types of writing.

Require

The next factor is require in the comparison between MLA vs Chicago.

The Chicago writing style demands a title page.

On the other hand, the MLA writing style does not require.

Conclusion

We hope you enjoyed our blog on when to use MLA vs Chicago citation styles. This blog post aims to give you more information about these two citation styles and help you choose which one will work best for your assignment.

MLA and Chicago’s citations are widely used worldwide to offer consistency to research papers.

While both are equally acceptable and desirable for varied compositions, some papers require a distinct style. MLA and Chicago have distinct structures that make them ideal for a given subject or discipline.