How to Cite Two Authors in Parenthetical MLA Format
Citing two authors in a parenthetical citation in MLA format can sometimes be confusing, especially for those who are new to the style. However, with a clear understanding of the rules and guidelines, it becomes much easier to format your citations correctly. In this article, we will discuss the proper way to cite two authors in parenthetical MLA format.
When citing two authors in a parenthetical citation, you need to include both authors’ last names followed by a comma. The first author’s last name should be followed by an ampersand (&) before the second author’s last name. This format is commonly used when referencing a single source with two authors.
For example, if you are citing a source with two authors, like this:
Smith, John, and Jane Doe. “Title of the Article.” Journal Name, vol. 10, no. 2, 2020, pp. 45-58.
In your parenthetical citation, you would write:
(Smith & Doe 45)
If you are referencing a source with two authors in a single sentence, you can include the authors’ names in the sentence itself, followed by the page number in parentheses. For instance:
According to Smith and Doe (45), the research indicates that…
If the source has three or more authors, you should list the first author followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) and the year of publication. For example:
(Johnson, Smith, Doe, & Brown 23)
In this case, you would use the format:
(Johnson et al. 23)
It’s important to note that when citing two or more authors from the same source, you should use a shortened title for the source in your parenthetical citation. The shortened title should be in quotation marks and should not exceed four words. For example:
(Title of the Source 45)
Remember to always check the specific guidelines provided by your instructor or institution, as there may be variations in how to cite two authors in parenthetical MLA format.
In conclusion, citing two authors in parenthetical MLA format involves listing both authors’ last names, separating them with an ampersand, and including the page number in parentheses. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and adhere to MLA style requirements.
