How do you cite more than one author in MLA? Citing multiple authors in MLA format can be a bit tricky, but with a clear understanding of the rules, you can ensure your citations are accurate and consistent. This article will guide you through the process of citing more than one author in MLA format, including how to format in-text citations and works cited entries.
In MLA format, when you cite more than one author, you have two options: listing all authors’ last names in the text or using a shortened form. The choice depends on the number of authors and the context of your citation.
When listing all authors’ last names, separate them with commas and use the word “and” before the last author. For example:
> “Smith, Johnson, and Brown (2020) argue that the impact of climate change is more significant than previously thought.”
However, if you have three or more authors, you can use a shortened form to make your citation more concise. To do this, list the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) and the year of publication. For example:
> “Smith et al. (2020) suggest that the use of renewable energy sources is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
In your works cited entry, you will need to format the entry differently depending on whether you listed all authors or used the shortened form. If you listed all authors, the entry will look like this:
> Smith, John, Jane Johnson, and Emily Brown. “The Impact of Climate Change.” Journal of Environmental Studies, vol. 12, no. 3, 2020, pp. 45-58.
On the other hand, if you used the shortened form, the entry will look like this:
> Smith, John, et al. “The Impact of Climate Change.” Journal of Environmental Studies, vol. 12, no. 3, 2020, pp. 45-58.
Remember that when citing more than one author in MLA format, it’s essential to pay attention to punctuation and capitalization. Use commas to separate authors, periods to end sentences, and capital letters for the first word in the title and the author’s last name.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively cite more than one author in MLA format. Always double-check your citations to ensure they are accurate and adhere to MLA style guidelines. Happy writing!
