How to Cite a Source with Three Authors in MLA Format
Citing a source with three authors in MLA format can sometimes be confusing, especially for those who are new to the style. However, with a clear understanding of the guidelines, you can easily include a citation in your work. In this article, we will discuss the proper way to cite a source with three authors in MLA format.
Understanding the MLA Format
MLA (Modern Language Association) format is a widely used citation style in the humanities, particularly in English literature, cultural studies, and other language-related fields. It provides guidelines for formatting papers, in-text citations, and the Works Cited page. The MLA format emphasizes the use of parenthetical citations and a Works Cited list to give proper credit to the authors of the sources you use.
Citing a Source with Three Authors
When citing a source with three authors in MLA format, you should follow these steps:
1. Begin with the author’s last name followed by a comma and the first name.
2. Add a comma after the first name.
3. Repeat the process for the second and third authors.
4. Include the title of the source in quotation marks.
5. Place a period after the title.
6. Provide the publication information, including the publisher and publication date.
Here’s an example of how to cite a source with three authors in MLA format:
Smith, John, Jane Doe, and Emily Johnson. “Title of the Article.” Journal of Humanities, vol. 5, no. 2, 2020, pp. 45-56.
In-Text Citation
In your paper, you will need to include an in-text citation whenever you quote or paraphrase information from the source. For a source with three authors, the in-text citation should follow this format:
(Smith, Doe, and Johnson 45)
If you quote or paraphrase the entire source, you can also include the page number after the author names:
(Smith, Doe, and Johnson 45-56)
Works Cited Page
On the Works Cited page, you will need to provide the full citation for the source. The format remains the same as the in-text citation, but with additional details such as the title of the journal, volume, issue, and page numbers:
Smith, John, Jane Doe, and Emily Johnson. “Title of the Article.” Journal of Humanities, vol. 5, no. 2, 2020, pp. 45-56.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively cite a source with three authors in MLA format. Remember to always double-check the guidelines provided by your instructor or institution, as there may be slight variations in formatting requirements.
