How to Parenthetically Cite Multiple Authors
Citing multiple authors in a parenthetical citation can be a bit tricky, especially when it comes to following the specific guidelines of different citation styles. However, with a clear understanding of the rules and some practice, you’ll be able to format your citations correctly. In this article, we’ll explore how to parenthetically cite multiple authors in various citation styles, including APA, MLA, and Chicago.
APA Style
In APA style, when you have two authors, simply list both names in the parentheses, separated by an ampersand (&). For example: (Smith & Johnson, 2020). If you have three to five authors, list all names in the same way. For example: (Smith, Johnson, Doe, Lee, & Brown, 2020). However, when you have more than five authors, you should list only the first author followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) and the year of publication. For example: (Smith et al., 2020).
MLA Style
In MLA style, the process is similar to APA, but with a few differences. When you have two authors, list both names in the parentheses, separated by “and.” For example: (Smith and Johnson 2020). If you have three to five authors, list all names in the same way. For example: (Smith, Johnson, Doe, Lee, and Brown 2020). When you have more than five authors, follow the same pattern as APA, listing only the first author followed by “et al.” and the year of publication. For example: (Smith et al. 2020).
Chicago Style
In Chicago style, the process for citing multiple authors is similar to APA and MLA, but with some variations. When you have two authors, list both names in the parentheses, separated by “and.” For example: (Smith and Johnson 2020). If you have three to five authors, list all names in the same way. For example: (Smith, Johnson, Doe, Lee, and Brown 2020). When you have more than five authors, you should list only the first author followed by “et al.” and the year of publication. For example: (Smith et al. 2020).
Conclusion
Citing multiple authors in a parenthetical citation can be challenging, but by following the guidelines of the specific citation style you’re using, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent. Remember to practice these rules, and don’t hesitate to consult the official style guides for more detailed information. With time, you’ll become proficient in parenthetically citing multiple authors in any citation style.
