Although they are most commonly used as a citation format, style guides help a writer and an audience communicate effectively. Common formats include MLA, APA, AP Style, and more. An example of these would be the importance of referencing page numbers in APA style. So why would we have so many variations of a commonly required style system?

People often use these style guides to create uniformity and simple communication throughout a body of text or body of work, specifically relating to a specific industry or audience. A great example would be the use of AP Style in journalism and media versus APA style in the social science concentrations. This consistency across similar industries helps the specific audience or reader understand the work fluidly without struggling to understand the context or citations that are included. It helps keep the work organized and simple to reference when needed.

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