How to Cite When There Are 3 Authors
Citing sources correctly is an essential aspect of academic writing, as it helps to give credit to the original authors and avoids plagiarism. When dealing with a reference that includes three authors, it is important to follow the proper citation format. This article will guide you through the process of citing when there are three authors involved.
Formatting the Citation
The format for citing a source with three authors varies depending on the citation style you are using. Here are some common citation styles and their respective formats for a reference with three authors:
1. APA Style:
– In-text citation: (Smith, Johnson, & Williams, 2020)
– Reference list: Smith, J., Johnson, J., & Williams, W. (2020). Title of the article or book. Journal Name, volume(issue), page numbers.
2. MLA Style:
– In-text citation: (Smith, Johnson, & Williams 12)
– Works Cited list: Smith, John, Jane Johnson, and William Williams. “Title of the Article.” Journal Name, volume(issue), year, page numbers.
3. Chicago Style:
– In-text citation: (Smith et al., 2020)
– Bibliography entry: Smith, John, Jane Johnson, and William Williams. 2020. “Title of the Article.” Journal Name, volume(issue), page numbers.
4. Harvard Style:
– In-text citation: Smith, Johnson, & Williams (2020)
– Reference list: Smith, J., Johnson, J., & Williams, W. (2020). Title of the article or book. Journal Name, volume(issue), page numbers.
Additional Notes
When citing a source with three authors, keep the following points in mind:
1. Always use the last name of each author followed by their first initial, separated by commas.
2. In APA style, if there are more than three authors, use “et al.” after the first three authors.
3. In MLA style, if there are more than three authors, include all three names in the in-text citation, but list only the first author followed by “et al.” in the Works Cited list.
4. In Chicago style, if there are more than three authors, use “et al.” after the first three authors.
5. Pay attention to punctuation and capitalization as specified by the chosen citation style.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your citations for sources with three authors are accurate and consistent with the chosen citation style. This will help you maintain academic integrity and provide proper credit to the original authors.
