How to Cite a Journal with Two Authors in MLA Format
Citing a journal with two authors in MLA format is an essential skill for students and researchers who need to provide accurate references for their academic work. MLA, or Modern Language Association, is a widely-accepted citation style used in the humanities. Properly citing sources not only gives credit to the original authors but also helps readers locate the sources for further reading. In this article, we will discuss the guidelines for citing a journal with two authors in MLA format.
Formatting the In-text Citation
When citing a journal with two authors in MLA format, the in-text citation should include the authors’ last names and the page number where the cited information is found. The format for in-text citations is as follows:
– (Author1 & Author2, page number)
– (Author1 & Author2, page number)
For example, if you are citing a journal article by John Smith and Jane Doe, your in-text citation would be:
– (Smith & Doe, 23)
If you need to mention the author’s name in the sentence, you can do so without the page number:
– According to Smith and Doe (23), the research indicates…
Formatting the Works Cited Entry
The Works Cited list provides the full citation for each source cited in the text. When citing a journal with two authors in MLA format, the Works Cited entry should include the following information:
1. Author(s) – List the authors’ last names followed by their first initials. Separate the authors with a comma and use an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name.
2. Article Title – Place the article title in quotation marks.
3. Journal Title – Italicize the journal title.
4. Volume and Issue Number – Include the volume and issue number, separated by a comma.
5. Publication Date – Provide the publication date in the format of month, day, and year.
6. Page Numbers – Include the page numbers where the article is located.
For example, the Works Cited entry for a journal article with two authors would look like this:
– Smith, John, and Jane Doe. “Title of the Article.” Journal Title, vol. Issue Number, month day, year, pp. page numbers.
If the journal article has a DOI (Digital Object Identifier), include it at the end of the entry:
– Smith, John, and Jane Doe. “Title of the Article.” Journal Title, vol. Issue Number, month day, year, pp. page numbers. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1234/example.doi
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are citing a journal with two authors correctly in MLA format. Proper citation not only demonstrates academic integrity but also helps readers locate the sources you have referenced in your work.
