How to Do MLA with Multiple Authors
Writing a paper in MLA format can be challenging, especially when it comes to citing sources with multiple authors. The Modern Language Association (MLA) provides specific guidelines for formatting in-text citations and works cited pages when dealing with sources that have more than one author. In this article, we will discuss how to do MLA with multiple authors, ensuring that your paper is properly formatted and meets the requirements of MLA style.
Formatting In-Text Citations
When citing a source with multiple authors in MLA format, you have two options for in-text citations: the author-date method or the author-title method. Here’s how to format both:
1. Author-Date Method:
– If you mention the author’s name in your sentence, include the page number after the quote or paraphrase.
– Example: According to Smith, Johnson, and Brown (34), the data indicates a significant increase in the number of participants (Smith et al., 34).
– If you do not mention the author’s name in your sentence, include the author’s last name, followed by a comma, the year of publication, and the page number.
– Example: The data indicates a significant increase in the number of participants (Smith et al., 34).
2. Author-Title Method:
– If you mention the author’s name in your sentence, include the title of the source after the quote or paraphrase, followed by the page number.
– Example: According to Smith, Johnson, and Brown, the data indicates a significant increase in the number of participants (“The Impact of Technology,” 34).
– If you do not mention the author’s name in your sentence, include the title of the source, followed by the year of publication, and the page number.
– Example: The data indicates a significant increase in the number of participants (“The Impact of Technology,” 34).
Formatting the Works Cited Page
When listing a source with multiple authors on the Works Cited page, follow these guidelines:
1. Start with the author’s last name, followed by a comma and the first name.
2. If there are two authors, list them in the order they appear on the source.
3. If there are three or more authors, list the first author’s name, followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”).
4. Include the title of the source, formatted as a title in MLA style (italicized for books and articles).
5. Provide the publication information, including the publisher and publication date (for books) or the name of the journal, volume, issue, and page numbers (for articles).
Example:
Smith, John, Jane Johnson, and Emily Brown. “The Impact of Technology on Society.” Journal of Technology, vol. 5, no. 2, 2020, pp. 34-45.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your paper is properly formatted for MLA with multiple authors. Remember to always double-check the latest MLA guidelines for any updates or changes to the formatting rules.
