How to Cite Two Authors in MLA Format
When writing a research paper or academic assignment, it is essential to correctly cite sources to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original authors. One common situation is when you need to cite two authors in your work. In MLA format, there are specific guidelines to follow to ensure accurate citation. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cite two authors in MLA format.
1. Basic Format
To cite two authors in MLA format, you need to follow a basic structure. When citing a source with two authors, list both names in the text of your paper, separated by an ampersand (&). For example:
> According to Smith and Johnson, the impact of climate change on agriculture is significant (12).
In the Works Cited list, you will list both authors’ names alphabetically, separated by an ampersand.
2. Works Cited Entry
In the Works Cited list, the entry for a source with two authors should be formatted as follows:
> Author, First Name Last Name. “Title of Source.” Title of Container, Other Contributors, Version, Numbers, Publisher, Publication Date, Location.
For example:
> Smith, John, and Jane Johnson. “The Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture.” Environmental Studies, vol. 5, no. 2, 2020, pp. 12-25.
3. Parenthetical Citation
When citing a source with two authors in the text of your paper, you can use either the author’s name and the page number or the title of the source and the page number. Here are two examples:
> According to Smith & Johnson (12), the impact of climate change on agriculture is significant.
>
> The study by Smith and Johnson (12) indicates that climate change is a major threat to agriculture.
4. Quotation with Two Authors
If you are quoting a source with two authors, you need to include both names in the quotation and in the Works Cited entry. For example:
> “The rapid melting of polar ice caps is causing sea levels to rise at an alarming rate,” said Smith and Johnson (12).
In the Works Cited entry, the format remains the same:
> Smith, John, and Jane Johnson. “The Effects of Climate Change on Agriculture.” Environmental Studies, vol. 5, no. 2, 2020, pp. 12-25.
5. Addressing the Authors
When addressing the authors in your paper, use the appropriate title or honorific. For example:
> In their study, Smith and Johnson (12) argue that…
Or:
> According to Smith and Johnson (12),…
Remember to maintain consistency in your usage of titles and honorifics throughout your paper.
In conclusion, citing two authors in MLA format is a straightforward process. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and professional. Always refer to the MLA Handbook for additional information and specific examples.
