How to Cite 4 Authors MLA
When citing sources in MLA format, it is important to follow the guidelines for referencing multiple authors. If you have a source with four authors, there are specific rules to follow to ensure your citation is accurate and complete. In this article, we will discuss how to cite 4 authors in MLA format.
Formatting the In-text Citation
When citing a source with four authors in your text, you should include all four names in the in-text citation. The format for in-text citations with four authors is as follows:
> (Smith, Jones, Doe, and Brown 23)
In this example, “Smith, Jones, Doe, and Brown” are the names of the four authors, and “23” represents the page number where the information is found. If you are citing a source with more than four authors, you can use an ellipsis (…) to indicate that there are additional authors, but only include the first author followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”):
> (Smith et al. 45)
Formatting the Works Cited Entry
The Works Cited entry for a source with four authors follows a specific format. The entry should include the authors’ names, the title of the source, the title of the container, other contributors, version or edition, numbers, publisher, publication date, and location. Here is an example of how to format a Works Cited entry for a source with four authors:
> Brown, Smith, Doe, and Jones. “Title of the Source.” Title of the Container, edited by Jane Doe, publisher, publication date, location.
If the source is an article or a chapter in a book, you may also need to include the volume and issue numbers, as well as the date of the issue. Here is an example:
> Brown, Smith, Doe, and Jones. “Title of the Source.” Journal of Example Studies, vol. 12, no. 3, 2020, pp. 45-60.
Remembering the MLA Guidelines
When citing sources with four authors in MLA format, it is crucial to remember the following guidelines:
1. Always include all four authors’ names in the in-text citation.
2. Use the correct format for the Works Cited entry, including all necessary information.
3. Pay attention to punctuation and capitalization, as MLA has specific rules for these aspects.
4. Proofread your citations to ensure accuracy and consistency.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively cite sources with four authors in MLA format and maintain the integrity of your academic work.
