How do you in-text cite three authors? Citing multiple authors in an academic paper can sometimes be confusing, especially when you need to include the names of three different individuals. In this article, we will guide you through the process of in-text citation for three authors, ensuring that your paper adheres to proper citation rules and avoids plagiarism.
In-text citations are essential for giving credit to the original authors of the information you use in your paper. When citing three authors, there are specific guidelines to follow, depending on the citation style you are using, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. Let’s explore how to in-text cite three authors in each of these styles.
APA Style
In APA style, when you cite three authors in the text, you list all three names in the parentheses, separated by commas. If you reference the same source multiple times, you can use a shortened version of the citation to avoid repetition. Here’s an example:
– (Smith, Johnson, & Brown, 2020) found that…
– (Smith, Johnson, & Brown, 2020) argue that…
– (Smith et al., 2020) conducted a study…
If you need to mention the authors’ names in the text, you can do so as follows:
– According to Smith, Johnson, and Brown (2020),…
– The research conducted by Smith, Johnson, and Brown (2020)…
MLA Style
In MLA style, when citing three authors, you list all three names in the parentheses, separated by commas. Similar to APA style, you can use a shortened version of the citation if you reference the same source multiple times. Here’s an example:
– Smith, Johnson, and Brown (2020) argue that…
– The findings of Smith, Johnson, and Brown (2020) suggest that…
– According to Smith, Johnson, and Brown (2020),…
When mentioning the authors’ names in the text, you can do so as follows:
– According to Smith, Johnson, and Brown (2020),…
– The research conducted by Smith, Johnson, and Brown (2020)…
Chicago Style
In Chicago style, when citing three authors, you list all three names in the parentheses, separated by commas. If you reference the same source multiple times, you can use a shortened version of the citation. Here’s an example:
– Smith, Johnson, and Brown (2020) assert that…
– The results presented by Smith, Johnson, and Brown (2020) suggest that…
– According to Smith, Johnson, and Brown (2020),…
When mentioning the authors’ names in the text, you can do so as follows:
– According to Smith, Johnson, and Brown (2020),…
– The research conducted by Smith, Johnson, and Brown (2020)…
In conclusion, citing three authors in your academic paper is an essential aspect of proper citation and avoiding plagiarism. By following the guidelines for APA, MLA, and Chicago styles, you can ensure that your paper is well-cited and meets the requirements of your academic institution.
