How to Write Citation with Multiple Authors
Writing a citation with multiple authors can sometimes be confusing, especially when you are not sure about the proper format. However, following a few simple guidelines can help you create a well-structured citation. In this article, we will discuss the different methods of citing a source with multiple authors and provide you with examples to illustrate the process.
1. Basic Format
When citing a source with multiple authors, the basic format is as follows:
Author(s). (Year). Title of the work. Source.
For example:
Smith, J., Johnson, L., & Brown, M. (2020). The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities. Journal of Environmental Studies, 12(3), 45-58.
2. APA Format
In APA format, when you have three or more authors, you list only the first author followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) for the remaining authors. The format is as follows:
Author(s). (Year). Title of the work. Source.
For example:
Smith, J., et al. (2020). The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities. Journal of Environmental Studies, 12(3), 45-58.
3. MLA Format
In MLA format, you list all the authors in the order they appear on the source. The format is as follows:
Author(s). “Title of the Work.” Source, Year.
For example:
Smith, John, et al. “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities.” Journal of Environmental Studies, vol. 12, no. 3, 2020, pp. 45-58.
4. Chicago Format
In Chicago format, you have two options for citing a source with multiple authors:
– Author-Date System: Similar to APA format, you list only the first author followed by “et al.” for the remaining authors.
Author(s). (Year). Title of the work. Source.
For example:
Smith, J., et al. (2020). The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities. Journal of Environmental Studies, 12(3), 45-58.
– Notes-Bibliography System: You list all the authors in the order they appear on the source, followed by the page number.
Smith, John, et al. 45-58. “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities.” Journal of Environmental Studies, vol. 12, no. 3, 2020.
5. Conclusion
Writing a citation with multiple authors may seem daunting at first, but by following these guidelines and using the appropriate format for your citation style, you can create accurate and well-structured citations. Always remember to double-check the formatting rules for your specific citation style and consult your instructor or reference guide for additional guidance.
