Do You Underline Short Story Titles? This is the Answer

Are you tired of constantly guessing when it comes to formatting short story titles? Do you wonder whether you should underline them or not?

Well, wonder no more! In this article, we will finally answer this question and give you 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 will have all the knowledge you need to confidently format your short story titles.

So, sit back, relax, and get ready to learn the simple rules that will save you time and confusion.

Key Points

• Underlined titles were used before italics were available to indicate emphasis and differentiate titles from regular text.
• Italics are now widely used as a substitute for underlining to indicate emphasis because they are easier to read and do not disrupt 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 in quotation marks.

Understanding the History of Underlined Titles

You might want to know the history of underlining titles if you're wondering whether to underline the title of a short story.

The practice of underlining titles began in the era of typewriters when italics were not an option. Underlining was used to indicate emphasis and was a practical way to differentiate titles from regular text.

It was a common typographic practice for many years and was accepted by most style guides. However, as underlining evolved, modern alternatives emerged. Today, italics are widely used as a substitute for underlining to indicate emphasis.

This is because italics are easier to read and do not disrupt the flow of text as underlining does. Additionally, many style guides now recommend using italics instead of underlining, making it the preferred method for indicating titles.

So, if you're wondering whether to underline the title of a short story, it's best to use italics instead.

Common Formatting Styles for Short Story Titles

There are various common formatting styles when referring to short story titles. One of the most important aspects of formatting a short story title is proper punctuation.

Generally, short story titles should be enclosed in quotation marks, not underlined or italicized. This applies to most style guides, including APA citations 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 a collection, the title of the larger work should be italicized or underlined, while the short story title should be in quotation marks.

By following these simple rules, you can ensure that your short story titles are properly formatted and easy to read.

General Rules for Underlining Short Story Titles

If you want to emphasize a short story title, it is generally acceptable to underline it. However, this practice has become less common as more people shift to using italics. Underlining titles is a remnant from the typewriter era when italics were not an option, and it is now considered outdated by some.

It's important to note that when underlining a short story title, 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 in the title and other important words should be capitalized, while articles, prepositions, and conjunctions should be in lowercase unless they are the first word in the title.

Exceptions to the Rule

While underlining short story titles is becoming increasingly rare, it is worth noting that certain style guides, such as MLA, still suggest underlining them.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. In modern literature in the digital era, short story titles are more commonly italicized than underlined. This is due to the ease of digital formatting and the fact that underlining can be mistaken for a hyperlink 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 is more appropriate to use quotation marks to differentiate the short story title from the larger work.

It is important to note that different style guides may use different methods for formatting short story titles, so it is best to consult the specific guide being used for a particular piece of writing.

As language and technology continue to evolve, the rules for underlining or italicizing short story titles will likely continue to change as well.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! The answer to the question of whether you should underline short story titles is 'no.'

While underlining was once a common practice, it has now been replaced by italics or quotation marks. Knowing the history and common formatting styles for short story titles can help you avoid any formatting mistakes in your writing.

Overall, the rules for formatting short story titles may seem trivial, but they play a crucial role in making your writing professional and accessible.

Remember to always check the formatting guidelines for the specific publication you are submitting to and don't hesitate to ask for clarification if you are unsure.