Guide to the Difference Between Harvard and MLA Referencing Styles

Writing an academic essay can at times be a challenge, and one of them is citing sources. All universities and instructors have a preferred citing format, and a wrong format can affect your grade level. Two of the most used forms of citing sources are Harvard citing and the MLA format. Difficulty in citing, format, and even essay writing, in general, can be resolved with an assignment service such as OZ Assignments to make your work correct and academic-level approved.

This guide will allow you to understand most of the key discrepancies between these two forms of citation and how our assignment writing service can help you achieve academic success.
 

Why Are Referencing Styles Needed?

Referencing styles help students and researchers in:
 

• Avoid plagiarising and give proper sources for any work
• Make them academically sound and academically credible work
• Allow sources to be readily accessible

Universities strictly abide by protocols for citing, and incorrect format can have penalties. In case you're not sure about citing, don't have any hesitation in getting guidance through our assignment service for accuracy.
 

Harvard vs. MLA: What's the Difference?

Both Harvard and MLA citation formats require citing sources, but they do so differently. Let's explore the key differences.
 

1. In-Text Citations

How sources in your essay will be referenced varies with the style:

• Harvard Referencing: Uses the author’s last name and the year of publication.

Example: (Smith, 2022)

• MLA Format: Uses the author’s last name and page number.

Example: (Smith 45)

If you're not sure about appropriately utilizing these styles, then utilize our assignment writing service to get expert guidance
 

2. Reference List and Works Cited Page

At the end of your essay, you must have complete information regarding your sources:

Harvard Referencing:
 

• The reference list is titled “References.”
• Sources are arranged alphabetically by the author’s last name.
• The format includes the author’s name, year, title, and publisher.

Example: Smith, J. (2022). The Art of Writing. Oxford University Press.

MLA Format:
 

• The reference list is called “Works Cited.”
• Sources are listed alphabetically, but the format is different.
• The author’s name appears first, followed by the title, publisher, and year.

Example: Smith, John. The Art of Writing. Oxford University Press, 2022

Formatting these citations can become a tedious activity, and therefore, most students seek out our assignment service for expert guidance.
 

3. Formatting Differences
 

Apart from citing, both Harvard and MLA differ in overall paper format.

Feature	Harvard Referencing	MLA Referencing Format
Title Page	Usually required	Not required
Header	Not mandatory	Student’s last name and page number (top right)
Font Style	Times New Roman or Arial, 12 pt	Times New Roman, 12 pt
Line Spacing	Double-spaced	Double-spaced
Indentation	Hanging indent for references	Hanging indent for works cited

 

How OZ Assignments Can Help

If you're struggling with Harvard and MLA referencing, then our experts can assist you. How can we help?

Accurate References: All sources will be referenced accurately in your university's preferred format
Proper Style: Regardless of whether it’s in Harvard style or MLA citation format, we format your work according to academic standards.
Plagiarism-Free Content: Our assignment service ensures proper work with proper references to have plagiarism-free work.
Proofreading & Editing: If you have already written your paper but need citation checks, we offer editing services to refine your work.
Customized Assistance: Require help with assignments, an essay, or a research paper? We have our service tailor-made according to your academic needs.

If you ever think, “I need someone to write my paper with perfect citations,” we are here to help!
 

When Should I use Harvard or MLA?

If your teacher hasn't instructed in a specific style, use these general guidelines:

Use Harvard Referencing when:
 

• You are writing for social sciences, business, or medicine
• Your institution prefers an author-date format
• You want citations with a publication date included

Use MLA referencing format when:
 

• You are writing for students in literature, philosophy, and humanities
• Your institution conforms to the MLA Handbook.
• You prefer a simple author-page system of citing

If you’re not yet convinced about your desired style, then our professionals can guide you according to your university and subject requirements.
 

Common Mistakes Made By Students in Referencing

Even with a deep understanding of these styles, students commit a range of errors, such as:
 

• Mixing both Harvard and MLA styles in one essay 
• Forgetting to include a works cited page (MLA) or a reference list (Harvard). 
• Using incorrect punctuation in quotations 
• Incorrectly formatting hanging indents.

If you don't want such errors, have your work referenced by our assignment writing service.
 

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between Harvard and MLA format is important for academic success. There are certain requirements for both formats, and failure to comply with them can affect your grade level. 

Need format, citing, and general assignment preparation guidance? Let our professionals at OZ Assignments help you out. Whether you need a full essay or even just guidance for citing, your work will pass academic standards with ease. 

In case you ever have a query, "Can I have my essay with proper citing?" don't stress, we're with you! Ready to submit a well-formatted and well-referenced paper? Let OZ Assignments help you today!