How to Cite Three Authors in Text
When writing academic papers or research articles, it is essential to provide proper citations for the sources you use. One common scenario is when you need to cite three authors in your text. This can be done in a few different ways, depending on the citation style you are using. In this article, we will discuss how to cite three authors in text using the APA, MLA, and Chicago styles.
APA Style
In APA style, when you have three authors, you list all three names in the text, separated by commas. For example:
According to Smith, Johnson, and Brown (2020), the impact of climate change on sea levels is a significant concern (p. 45).
If you need to mention the authors’ names again later in the text, you can use the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) to avoid repetition. For instance:
As Smith et al. (2020) mentioned, the consequences of global warming are becoming increasingly evident.
MLA Style
In MLA style, when you have three authors, you list all three names in the text, separated by commas. The format is similar to APA style. For example:
Smith, Johnson, and Brown argue that climate change is a pressing issue (45).
If you need to mention the authors’ names again later in the text, you can use the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” For instance:
As Smith et al. (2020) state, the world is facing a climate crisis.
Chicago Style
In Chicago style, when you have three authors, you list all three names in the text, separated by commas. The format is also similar to APA and MLA styles. For example:
Smith, Johnson, and Brown assert that the effects of climate change are severe (45).
If you need to mention the authors’ names again later in the text, you can use the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” For instance:
As Smith et al. (2020) explain, the issue of climate change is of great importance.
Conclusion
Citing three authors in text is an essential aspect of academic writing. By following the guidelines of APA, MLA, and Chicago styles, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent. Always remember to double-check the specific requirements of your institution or publication when formatting your citations.
