The Modern Language Association (MLA) style guide, widely adopted in academic writing, has specific guidelines for formatting research papers. While much attention is given to in-text citations, works cited pages, and the overall structure of an essay, the choice of font can sometimes be overlooked. However, adhering to MLA’s font recommendations is crucial for maintaining a professional and compliant academic presentation. This article delves into the rationale behind MLA’s font suggestions and provides a comprehensive guide to selecting the most appropriate typeface for your scholarly work.
Understanding MLA’s Font Guidelines
The MLA Handbook, in its most recent editions, emphasizes legibility and accessibility above all else. The core principle is to ensure that the reader can comfortably and easily process the information presented. This focus on readability directly impacts the choice of font. Unlike some other style guides that might mandate a specific font, MLA offers a degree of flexibility, but this flexibility is tempered by the overarching need for clarity.
The Emphasis on Legibility
The primary reason for MLA’s font recommendations is to guarantee that every word on the page is clear and distinct. This means avoiding overly stylized, decorative, or condensed fonts that can hinder comprehension. A font that is too thin, too thick, or has unusual letterforms can fatigue the reader’s eyes, especially over extended reading sessions common in academic papers. The goal is for the reader’s attention to be fully on the content, not on deciphering the text itself.
Why Font Choice Matters in Academia
In academic writing, the presentation of your work is an extension of your scholarly effort. A well-formatted paper demonstrates attention to detail and respect for the reader. When instructors and reviewers encounter papers that are difficult to read due to poor font choices, it can inadvertently create a negative impression, even if the content itself is strong. The font is the visual vehicle for your ideas; it should be a transparent and effective conduit, not an impediment.
Historical Context and Evolution of Guidelines
Historically, academic style guides, including MLA, have leaned towards serif fonts. Serif fonts, characterized by small decorative strokes (serifs) at the end of the main strokes of letters, were traditionally considered more readable in print. This is because the serifs help guide the eye along the line of text, creating a continuous flow. However, with the widespread adoption of digital reading and the increasing sophistication of sans-serif fonts, guidelines have evolved. Modern sans-serif fonts, which lack these decorative strokes, are now often considered equally, if not more, legible on screens. MLA’s current guidelines reflect this evolution, acknowledging the validity of both well-chosen serif and sans-serif options.
Recommended Fonts for MLA Papers
MLA’s guidelines suggest using a font that is easily readable and consistently styled. While specific names aren’t mandated, the characteristics of acceptable fonts are clearly outlined. The key is to select a typeface that offers clear distinctions between uppercase and lowercase letters, has adequately spaced characters, and maintains a uniform weight throughout.
Serif Font Options
Serif fonts have long been the standard in academic publishing, and they continue to be excellent choices for MLA papers. Their inherent readability, particularly for longer blocks of text, makes them a safe and professional option.
Times New Roman
Perhaps the most ubiquitous font in academic settings, Times New Roman is a classic serif font that meets MLA’s criteria for legibility. Its widespread availability on virtually all operating systems and word processing software makes it an incredibly convenient choice. The moderate stroke width and clear serifs make it easy to read both in print and on screen. While some find it overly common, its familiarity and adherence to established readability standards make it a perennially safe bet for MLA papers.
Garamond
Another highly regarded serif font, Garamond offers a more elegant and slightly more traditional feel than Times New Roman. It is known for its excellent readability due to its open counters (the enclosed or partially enclosed areas of letters) and balanced proportions. Garamond can lend a sophisticated air to a paper. Like Times New Roman, it is widely available, though its rendering can sometimes vary slightly between different software and operating systems.
Georgia
Georgia was specifically designed for readability on computer screens. As a result, it boasts slightly larger x-heights (the height of lowercase letters like ‘x’) and thicker serifs compared to many other serif fonts. This makes it exceptionally clear and easy to read, even at smaller point sizes. If you are primarily submitting your work digitally, Georgia is an excellent choice that directly addresses screen readability concerns.
Cambria
Cambria is another font that was developed with on-screen readability in mind, particularly for word processing and digital publishing. It is a robust serif font with clear letterforms and good spacing. Its design ensures that it remains legible even when rendered at lower resolutions. Cambria is often the default font in some modern word processing suites, making it another accessible and suitable option for MLA papers.
Sans-Serif Font Options
The rise of digital text has made sans-serif fonts increasingly popular and accepted in academic contexts. When chosen carefully, sans-serif fonts can be just as, if not more, readable than their serif counterparts, especially for contemporary digital readers.
Arial
Arial is a ubiquitous sans-serif font that is a common default in many word processors. It is known for its clean lines and clear letterforms. Its generous spacing and consistent stroke width contribute to its legibility. While it can sometimes be perceived as a bit generic, its widespread availability and straightforward design make it a perfectly acceptable and easily readable choice for MLA formatting.
Calibri
Calibri is the default font for Microsoft Office applications and has become incredibly prevalent. It is a modern, friendly sans-serif font with a slightly rounded quality. Calibri is designed for excellent readability across various media, including screens. Its clarity and open letterforms make it easy to scan and read, making it a strong contender for MLA papers, especially those intended for digital submission.
Helvetica
Helvetica is a legendary sans-serif font renowned for its neutrality and clarity. It has been a cornerstone of graphic design for decades due to its timeless appeal and exceptional legibility. While it might not be a default in all word processors, its universal recognition for readability makes it a sophisticated and professional choice for academic work. Its clean, geometric forms ensure that each character is distinct and easily identifiable.
Verdana
Verdana was specifically designed for on-screen reading, similar to Georgia. It features a large x-height, wide letterforms, and generous spacing, all of which contribute to its exceptional clarity and legibility, particularly at smaller sizes and on lower-resolution displays. If maximizing screen readability is a priority, Verdana is an outstanding sans-serif choice.
Practical Application: Formatting Your MLA Paper
Beyond simply choosing a font, the way you implement it within your document significantly impacts its overall presentation and adherence to MLA standards.
Font Size and Consistency
MLA guidelines typically recommend a font size of 12-point. This size is universally legible and strikes a good balance between occupying sufficient space on the page and not appearing overly large or small. Crucially, consistency in font size is paramount. Do not use different font sizes for headings, body text, or footnotes unless explicitly instructed to do so. The entire document should maintain a uniform font size.
Double-Spacing
Another fundamental MLA formatting requirement that directly interacts with font choice is double-spacing. All text in your paper, including the heading, body paragraphs, block quotations, and the Works Cited list, should be double-spaced. This increased line spacing works in tandem with a legible font to enhance readability, providing ample white space between lines of text and preventing them from appearing cramped.
Avoiding Stylistic Embellishments
When selecting and using your font, resist the temptation to employ italics, bolding, or underlining for emphasis unless the MLA guidelines specifically require it (e.g., for titles of works in the Works Cited list or for specific grammatical constructions). The font itself, when chosen appropriately, should convey professionalism. Overuse of stylistic embellishments can detract from the clarity and academic tone of your paper.
Headings and Subheadings
While the main body of your paper should use a consistent font and size, MLA allows for the use of headings and subheadings to organize your work. These should also adhere to the chosen font and size. If you choose to visually differentiate headings (e.g., through bolding), ensure it is done consistently and according to any specific instructions provided by your instructor. The key is that the underlying font and size remain the same.
Choosing the Right Font for Your Needs
Ultimately, the “best” font for an MLA paper is one that aligns with the guidelines while also suiting the specific context of your submission and your personal preference for readability.
Instructor Preferences
Always check if your instructor or institution has specific font requirements. Some professors may have a strong preference for a particular font or font type (serif vs. sans-serif) based on their own experiences or pedagogical goals. If there are no explicit instructions, the general MLA guidelines apply.
Digital vs. Print Submission
Consider how your paper will be read. For purely digital submissions, fonts specifically designed for screen readability, like Georgia or Verdana, can be excellent choices. For papers that might also be printed, more traditional options like Times New Roman or Garamond remain strong contenders. However, modern fonts like Cambria and Calibri perform well in both formats.
Personal Readability and Comfort
Engage with different fonts yourself. Read sample text in various suggested fonts to see which one you find most comfortable and easiest to read. If you find a particular font easier to work with and more visually appealing while still meeting MLA standards, it can contribute to a more positive writing experience.
Consistency is Key
Regardless of your final font choice, the most critical aspect of MLA font usage is consistency. Once you select a font and size, stick with it throughout the entire document. This unwavering adherence to a single, legible typeface reinforces the professionalism and meticulousness of your academic work, ensuring that your ideas are presented clearly and effectively.