How to Cite Something with Multiple Authors in MLA Format
Citing sources with multiple authors in MLA format can sometimes be confusing, but with a few simple guidelines, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent. MLA (Modern Language Association) format is commonly used in the humanities, particularly in English literature, to document sources and provide proper credit to the authors of the works you reference. This article will guide you through the process of citing sources with multiple authors in MLA format.
Formatting the In-text Citation
When citing a source with multiple authors in MLA format, the in-text citation should include the author’s last name and the page number where the information is found. If there are three or more authors, you can list only the first author followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”). Here’s an example:
> According to Smith, Johnson, and Lee (45), the impact of globalization on culture is undeniable.
In this example, “Smith, Johnson, and Lee” are the authors, and “45” is the page number where the information is found.
Formatting the Works Cited Entry
The Works Cited list provides the full citation for each source you referenced in your paper. When citing a source with multiple authors, follow these guidelines:
1. Start with the author’s last name, followed by a comma and the first name.
2. If there are two authors, include both names in the order they appear on the source.
3. For three or more authors, list only the first author followed by “et al.” and the year of publication.
4. Include the title of the source, the title of the container, other contributors, version or edition, numbers, publisher, publication date, and location (if applicable).
Here’s an example of a Works Cited entry for a source with multiple authors:
> Smith, John, et al. “The Effects of Globalization on Culture.” Journal of Cultural Studies, vol. 3, no. 2, 2019, pp. 45-58.
In this example, “Smith, John, et al.” are the authors, “The Effects of Globalization on Culture” is the title of the article, “Journal of Cultural Studies” is the title of the journal, “vol. 3, no. 2” indicates the volume and issue numbers, “2019” is the year of publication, and “pp. 45-58” indicates the page numbers.
Remembering the Guidelines
To ensure accuracy and consistency when citing sources with multiple authors in MLA format, remember these key points:
1. Use the author’s last name and the page number in the in-text citation.
2. Follow the guidelines for formatting the Works Cited entry, including listing the authors, title, and other relevant information.
3. Be consistent with punctuation and capitalization throughout your paper.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively cite sources with multiple authors in MLA format and provide proper credit to the authors of the works you reference.
