How to Verbally Cite a Source with Multiple Authors
In academic writing, it is crucial to give proper credit to the sources you use. One common scenario is citing a source that has multiple authors. Properly verbally citing a source with multiple authors is essential to avoid plagiarism and to give credit where it is due. This article will guide you through the process of how to verbally cite a source with multiple authors in a clear and concise manner.
Understanding the Basics
When citing a source with multiple authors, it is important to follow a specific format. The general rule is to list all the authors’ last names in the order they appear in the source. If there are three or fewer authors, you should list all their names. However, if there are more than three authors, you can list only the first author followed by “et al.” (which means “and others” in Latin).
Example with Three or Fewer Authors
Let’s say you are citing a source with two authors. If the source is a book, you would say, “According to Smith and Johnson (2020), the findings indicate that…”. If the source is an article, you would say, “Smith and Johnson (2020) argue that…”.
Example with More Than Three Authors
If the source has more than three authors, you would still list the first author followed by “et al.” For example, “According to Smith, Johnson, Brown, and Davis (2020), the research suggests that…”. In this case, you can also mention the year of publication, as it provides context for the reader.
Formatting the In-text Citation
When citing a source with multiple authors in the text, it is important to format the in-text citation correctly. The format should include the authors’ last names, the year of publication, and the page number (if applicable). For example, “Smith et al. (2020, p. 45) state that…”.
Remembering the Rules
To ensure you are citing sources with multiple authors correctly, it is helpful to remember the following rules:
1. List all authors’ last names in the order they appear in the source.
2. If there are three or fewer authors, list all their names.
3. If there are more than three authors, list only the first author followed by “et al.”
4. Include the year of publication and page number (if applicable) in the in-text citation.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively verbally cite a source with multiple authors in your academic writing. Remember, proper citation is not only a matter of academic integrity but also a way to show respect for the original authors and their work.
