How to MLA Cite a Journal Article with Multiple Authors
In academic writing, it is essential to properly cite sources to give credit to the original authors and to avoid plagiarism. One common type of source that researchers often need to cite is a journal article. When citing a journal article with multiple authors in MLA format, it is important to follow the correct structure to ensure accuracy and consistency. This article will guide you through the process of how to MLA cite a journal article with multiple authors.
The basic structure for citing a journal article with multiple authors in MLA format is as follows:
1. Author’s Last Name, First Name(s). “Article Title.” Journal Name, vol. Issue Number, Year, pages. Database Name, URL.
For example, if you were citing an article with three authors, the citation would look like this:
Smith, John, Jane Doe, and Emily Johnson. “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities.” Environmental Science, vol. 5, no. 2, 2020, pp. 45-58. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/123456789.
Here are some key points to remember when citing a journal article with multiple authors in MLA format:
1. Start with the author’s last name followed by their first name(s). If there are two authors, list both names separated by a comma. For three or more authors, list the first author’s name followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”).
2. Include the article title in quotation marks. Capitalize the first word, the last word, and any other major words in the title.
3. Provide the name of the journal in italics. Capitalize the first word and any other major words in the journal name.
4. Include the volume and issue number of the journal, separated by a comma. If the journal does not have an issue number, leave it out.
5. Mention the year of publication, followed by a comma.
6. Include the page numbers of the article, separated by a hyphen.
7. Finally, include the database name and URL where the article can be accessed.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you correctly MLA cite a journal article with multiple authors in your academic writing. Remember, proper citation not only gives credit to the original authors but also helps your readers locate the source material.
