How to Cite MLA with More Than Two Authors
When citing sources in MLA format, it can sometimes be confusing to know how to handle works with more than two authors. The Modern Language Association (MLA) provides specific guidelines to ensure that citations are accurate and consistent. In this article, we will explore how to cite MLA with more than two authors, including the proper formatting for in-text citations and the Works Cited page.
Formatting In-Text Citations
When citing a source with more than two authors in MLA format, you have a few options for in-text citations. The first option is to list all the authors’ last names in the parentheses, separated by commas. For example:
> (Smith, Johnson, and Brown 23)
This format is suitable for shorter works with a limited number of authors. However, if the work has more than three authors, MLA recommends using only the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) to avoid cluttering the text. For example:
> (Smith et al. 45)
It’s important to note that when using “et al.,” you should still include the first author’s last name in the Works Cited entry.
Formatting Works Cited Entries
When creating a Works Cited entry for a source with more than two authors, you should list all the authors’ last names, followed by their first names, and then the title of the work. If the work is part of a larger publication, include the title of the larger work in quotation marks and the title of the specific work in italics. Here’s an example:
> Smith, John, Jane Johnson, and Emily Brown. “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities.” Environmental Studies, vol. 3, no. 2, 2020, pp. 23-45.
In this example, the authors are listed in alphabetical order by their last names. If the work has more than three authors, you can use the same format as in the in-text citation, with “et al.” following the first author’s last name.
Additional Considerations
When citing MLA with more than two authors, it’s essential to pay attention to punctuation and capitalization. Always use commas to separate authors’ names and periods to end the citation. Additionally, ensure that the title of the work is properly capitalized and that the formatting is consistent throughout your document.
In conclusion, citing MLA with more than two authors can be a bit challenging, but by following the guidelines provided by the Modern Language Association, you can create accurate and consistent citations. Remember to format in-text citations correctly and include all necessary information in the Works Cited entry. With practice, you’ll become proficient in citing MLA with multiple authors and will be able to enhance the credibility of your research.
