Are you tired of constantly second-guessing yourself when it comes to formatting short story titles? Do you find yourself wondering whether you should be underlining them or not?
Well, wonder no more! In this article, we’ll finally put this question to rest and provide you with a definitive answer.
Gone are the days of flipping through grammar books and style guides to find the answer to this age-old question. With our guide, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to confidently format your short story titles.
So, sit back, relax, and get ready to learn the simple rule that will save you time and confusion.
Key Takeaways
- Underlining titles was used before italics were available to indicate emphasis and distinguish titles from regular text.
- Italics are now widely used instead of underlining to indicate emphasis as they are easier to read and don’t interrupt the flow of text.
- Short story titles should be enclosed in quotation marks, and the first word and any subsequent words that are not articles or prepositions should be capitalized.
- If the short story is part of a larger work, the title of the larger work should be italicized or underlined, while the short story title should be enclosed in quotation marks.
Understanding the History of Underlining Titles
You’ll want to know the history of underlining titles if you’re wondering whether to underline short story titles.
The practice of underlining titles originated during the time of typewriters, when italics weren’t an option. Underlining was used to indicate emphasis, and it was a practical way to distinguish titles from regular text.
It was a common typographical practice for many years and was accepted by most style guides. However, with the evolution of underlining, modern alternatives have emerged. Nowadays, italics are widely used instead of underlining to indicate emphasis.
This is because italics are easier to read, and they don’t interrupt the flow of text like underlining does. In addition, many style guides now recommend the use of italics instead of underlining, making it the preferred method of indicating titles.
So, if you’re wondering whether to underline short story titles, it’s best to use italics instead.
Common Formatting Styles for Short Story Titles
There are various formatting styles that are commonly used when referring to the titles of short stories. One of the most important aspects of formatting short story titles is punctuating them correctly.
In general, short story titles should be enclosed in quotation marks, rather than underlined or italicized. This is true for most style guides, including APA citation for short stories.
When punctuating short story titles, it’s important to remember a few key rules. First, the title should be enclosed in quotation marks, with the first word and any subsequent words that are not articles or prepositions capitalized. For example, ‘The Lottery’ or ‘A Rose for Emily.’
Additionally, if the short story is part of a larger work, such as an anthology or collection, the title of the larger work should be italicized or underlined, while the short story title should be enclosed in quotation marks.
By following these simple rules, you can ensure that your short story titles are properly formatted and easy to read.
The General Rule for Underlining Short Story Titles
If you want to emphasize the title of a short story, it’s generally accepted to underline it. However, this practice is becoming less common as more people switch to using italics instead. Underlining titles is a remnant of the typewriter era when italics weren’t an option, and it’s now considered old-fashioned by some.
It’s important to note that when underlining short story titles, you should only underline the title itself and not any accompanying subtitles. Subtitles should be separated from the title by a colon and should not be underlined or italicized.
Additionally, proper capitalization of short story titles is crucial. The first word of the title and any other important words should be capitalized, while articles, prepositions, and conjunctions should be left lowercase unless they are the first word of the title.
Exceptions to the Rule
Although it’s becoming less common to underline short story titles, it’s worth noting that certain style guides, such as MLA, still recommend underlining them.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. In the modern literature of the digital age, it’s more common to italicize short story titles instead of underlining them. This is due to the ease of digital formatting and the fact that underlining can be mistaken for hyperlinks in online publications.
Another exception to the rule is when the short story is published as part of a larger work, such as an anthology or a collection of short stories. In this case, it’s more appropriate to use quotation marks to set the short story title apart from the larger work.
It’s important to note that different style guides may use different methods of formatting short story titles, so it’s always best to consult the specific guide being used for a particular piece of writing.
As language and technology continue to evolve, it’s likely that the rules for underlining or italicizing short story titles will also continue to change.
Conclusion
So, there you have it! The answer to the question of whether or not you should underline short story titles is a resounding ‘no.’
While underlining was once a common practice, it has since been replaced by italicizing or using quotation marks. Knowing the history and common formatting styles for short story titles can help you avoid making any formatting mistakes in your writing.
Overall, the rules for formatting short story titles may seem trivial, but they play an important role in making your writing professional and accessible.
Remember to always check the formatting guidelines for the specific publication you’re submitting to and never hesitate to seek clarification if you’re unsure.
