The question of whether to underline or italicize book titles, like Nineteen Eighty-Four (often styled as 1984), is a common one, particularly for those navigating the shifting sands of modern formatting rules. The simple answer is: underlining is largely outdated in modern publishing and writing. Italics are the preferred method.
However, understanding the history and the nuances of these formatting choices provides a clearer picture of why italics reign supreme today.
Why Underlining Was Used (Historically)
Before the widespread adoption of word processors with readily available italics functionality, underlining served as a visual substitute for italics in typewritten documents. Think typewriters—no italics key! Underlining was a convenient way to signal the same emphasis and stylistic distinction that italics provide.
Why Italics Are Now Preferred
The primary reason italics are preferred over underlining is consistency and readability. Italics are a universally recognized method for indicating titles of books, films, plays, and other longer works across various digital and print mediums. Underlining, on the other hand, can sometimes be confused with hyperlinks, especially in digital documents.
Furthermore, italics generally offer a cleaner and more aesthetically pleasing visual representation compared to underlining, which can appear heavy or disruptive to the flow of text.
Modern Style Guides and Their Recommendations
Major style guides, like the Chicago Manual of Style, the Associated Press Stylebook, and the MLA Handbook, all recommend using italics for titles of books and other long-form works. Adherence to these style guides ensures consistency and professionalism in your writing.
What About Other Titles?
The rule of italics for titles applies broadly. Here’s a quick recap:
- Books: Nineteen Eighty-Four, To Kill a Mockingbird, Pride and Prejudice
- Films: Citizen Kane, Casablanca, The Godfather
- Plays: Hamlet, A Midsummer Night's Dream, Death of a Salesman
- *Journals (periodicals): The New Yorker, Time, Scientific American
- Long musical works: The Nutcracker Suite, West Side Story, Abbey Road
Shorter works, like articles, poems, songs, and chapters within a larger work are typically enclosed in quotation marks.
How to Format 1984 Correctly
To answer the initial question directly: You should italicize 1984. Underlining is obsolete and considered improper in most modern writing contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What if I'm writing a handwritten document?
Even in a handwritten document, you should strive to emulate the standard formatting. You can use a slightly slanted script or underline (though italics are preferred, if possible).
What about older texts?
In older texts, you might encounter underlining for titles. This is understandable in its historical context. However, when referencing or reproducing such texts in modern works, it's best to update the formatting to italics for consistency.
Are there any exceptions to the rule?
While rare, there might be very specific circumstances or style guides that deviate from this standard. Always check the specific style guide recommended for your work. But for general writing and publishing, italics are the safe and consistent choice.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure your formatting is correct, professional, and enhances readability. Remember, clarity and consistency are key to effective communication.
