How to Write Reference if There are Multiple Authors
Writing a reference for a source with multiple authors can sometimes be confusing, especially for those who are new to academic writing. The reference format varies depending on the citation style you are using, such as APA, MLA, Chicago, or Harvard. In this article, we will guide you on how to write a reference for a source with multiple authors, ensuring that you follow the appropriate citation style guidelines.
APA Style
When using APA style, if a source has two authors, list both names in the reference. For example:
Smith, J., & Johnson, L. (2020). The impact of climate change on coastal cities. Journal of Environmental Studies, 12(3), 45-58.
If the source has three to five authors, list all names in the order they appear in the source. For example:
Garcia, A., Lee, B., Martinez, C., Nguyen, D., & Wang, E. (2019). The effects of social media on teenagers. Journal of Communication, 69(2), 123-145.
For sources with more than five authors, list the first author followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) after the first author’s name. For example:
Brown, J., et al. (2018). The role of technology in education. Journal of Educational Technology, 38(1), 78-92.
MLA Style
In MLA style, the format for a reference with multiple authors is similar to APA style. For two authors, list both names in the order they appear in the source. For example:
Smith, John, and Lisa Johnson. “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities.” Journal of Environmental Studies, vol. 12, no. 3, 2020, pp. 45-58.
For three to five authors, list all names in the order they appear in the source. For example:
Garcia, Ana, et al. “The Effects of Social Media on Teenagers.” Journal of Communication, vol. 69, no. 2, 2019, pp. 123-145.
When there are more than five authors, list the first author followed by “et al.” For example:
Brown, John, et al. “The Role of Technology in Education.” Journal of Educational Technology, vol. 38, no. 1, 2018, pp. 78-92.
Chicago Style
In Chicago style, the format for a reference with multiple authors is also similar to APA and MLA. For two authors, list both names in the order they appear in the source. For example:
Smith, John, and Lisa Johnson. “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities.” Journal of Environmental Studies, vol. 12, no. 3, 2020, pp. 45-58.
For three to five authors, list all names in the order they appear in the source. For example:
Garcia, Ana, et al. “The Effects of Social Media on Teenagers.” Journal of Communication, vol. 69, no. 2, 2019, pp. 123-145.
When there are more than five authors, list the first author followed by “et al.” For example:
Brown, John, et al. “The Role of Technology in Education.” Journal of Educational Technology, vol. 38, no. 1, 2018, pp. 78-92.
Harvard Style
In Harvard style, the format for a reference with multiple authors is similar to APA and MLA. For two authors, list both names in the order they appear in the source. For example:
Smith, J. & Johnson, L. (2020). The impact of climate change on coastal cities. Journal of Environmental Studies, 12(3), 45-58.
For three to five authors, list all names in the order they appear in the source. For example:
Garcia, A., Lee, B., Martinez, C., Nguyen, D., & Wang, E. (2019). The effects of social media on teenagers. Journal of Communication, 69(2), 123-145.
When there are more than five authors, list the first author followed by “et al.” For example:
Brown, J., et al. (2018). The role of technology in education. Journal of Educational Technology, 38(1), 78-92.
In conclusion, writing a reference for a source with multiple authors may seem daunting, but by following the appropriate citation style guidelines, you can ensure that your references are accurate and consistent. Remember to check the specific requirements of your academic institution or publication to ensure you are using the correct format.
