How to Do In-Text Citations with Multiple Authors in MLA Format
In MLA format, in-text citations are essential for acknowledging the sources of information used in your research paper. When citing multiple authors, it is crucial to follow the correct guidelines to ensure accuracy and proper attribution. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to do in-text citations with multiple authors in MLA format.
Understanding MLA Format
MLA (Modern Language Association) is a widely used citation style in the humanities and liberal arts. It requires in-text citations to provide readers with the necessary information to locate the source material. When citing multiple authors, the format varies depending on the number of authors involved.
Citing Two Authors
When citing two authors in MLA format, you should list both authors’ last names in the parentheses, separated by a comma. Place the page number after the citation. For example:
(Johnson, Smith 56)
If you quote directly from the source, include the author’s last name and page number before the quote:
Johnson and Smith (56) argue that…
If you paraphrase the information, you can omit the quote and still include the author’s last name and page number:
According to Johnson and Smith (56),…
Citing Three or More Authors
When citing three or more authors, you should list the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) and the page number. For example:
(Johnson et al. 78)
If you quote directly from the source, include the author’s last name and page number before the quote:
Johnson et al. (78) state that…
If you paraphrase the information, you can omit the quote and still include the author’s last name and page number:
According to Johnson et al. (78),…
Citing Works by the Same Author
If you cite works by the same author, include the author’s last name and the title of the work in parentheses, followed by the page number. Use a shortened title if it is lengthy. For example:
(Johnson, “The Impact of Technology” 23)
If you are citing multiple works by the same author, include the year of publication in parentheses after the author’s name to differentiate between the works. For example:
(Johnson, “The Impact of Technology” 2020 23)
Formatting In-Text Citations
When formatting in-text citations, pay attention to the following guidelines:
1. Use parentheses around the author’s last name and page number.
2. Separate the author’s last name and page number with a comma.
3. Capitalize the first letter of the author’s last name.
4. Use a comma to separate multiple authors.
5. Use “et al.” to indicate that there are more than two authors.
6. Use a shortened title for works by the same author.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your in-text citations with multiple authors are accurate and properly formatted in MLA style.
