How to Do In-Text Citations MLA for Multiple Authors
In-text citations are an essential part of academic writing, especially when using the Modern Language Association (MLA) citation format. One common scenario in MLA citations is dealing with works by multiple authors. This article will guide you on how to do in-text citations MLA for multiple authors, ensuring that your citations are accurate and consistent.
Understanding MLA In-Text Citations for Multiple Authors
When citing a source with multiple authors in MLA format, it is crucial to follow the correct structure. The MLA style typically requires you to include the author’s last name and the page number where the information is found. For sources with two authors, the process is straightforward. However, when dealing with three or more authors, the format becomes slightly different.
Citing Two Authors in MLA In-Text Citations
For works with two authors, you should list both authors’ last names in the in-text citation. For example:
> According to Smith and Johnson, the impact of climate change on coastal communities is significant (23).
In this example, “Smith” and “Johnson” are the authors’ last names, and “23” indicates the page number where the information is found.
Citing Three or More Authors in MLA In-Text Citations
When citing a source with three or more authors, you should list only the first author’s last name, followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) and the page number. For example:
> The study reveals that social media usage has increased dramatically among teenagers (Smith et al., 45).
In this example, “Smith” is the first author’s last name, “et al.” indicates that there are additional authors, and “45” is the page number.
Formatting In-Text Citations for Multiple Authors
It is important to note that when formatting in-text citations for multiple authors, you should pay attention to punctuation and capitalization. Here are some key points to remember:
1. Separate the authors’ last names with commas.
2. Capitalize the first letter of the last name for the first author and the first letter of the first word in the title.
3. Use quotation marks around the title of the work being cited.
4. Include the page number after the citation.
Conclusion
In-text citations MLA for multiple authors can be challenging, but following the correct format will ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent. By understanding the rules for citing two or more authors, you can effectively incorporate in-text citations into your academic writing. Remember to always consult the MLA Handbook for the most up-to-date guidelines and rules.
