How to Cite When There Are Multiple Authors in MLA Format
In academic writing, it is common to have multiple authors contributing to a single work. When citing such sources in MLA format, it is important to follow the proper guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to cite when there are multiple authors in MLA format.
Basic Format for Citing Multiple Authors
When citing a source with multiple authors in MLA format, the basic format is as follows:
Author(s). “Title of Source.” Title of Container, Other Contributors, Version, Number, Publisher, Publication Date, Location.
For example:
Smith, John, Jane Doe, and Mark Johnson. “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities.” Environmental Studies, vol. 3, no. 2, 2020, pp. 45-58.
Formatting the In-text Citation
When citing a source with multiple authors in the text, follow these guidelines:
1. If you quote or paraphrase a source with three or more authors, list only the first author followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”).
2. For in-text citations, use the author’s last name and the page number, separated by a comma.
For example:
Smith et al. (56) argue that…
Formatting the Works Cited Entry
When listing the source in the Works Cited page, follow these guidelines:
1. List all authors’ names in alphabetical order by the last name.
2. If there are more than two authors, list only the first author followed by “et al.”
3. Use a period after each author’s name and before the title of the source.
4. Follow the standard MLA format for titles and other publication details.
For example:
Smith, John, et al. “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities.” Environmental Studies, vol. 3, no. 2, 2020, pp. 45-58.
Formatting the Works Cited Entry for Online Sources
When citing an online source with multiple authors in MLA format, follow these guidelines:
1. Include the authors’ names, the title of the source, the title of the container, other contributors, version, number, publisher, publication date, and location (URL or DOI).
2. Use the standard MLA format for titles and other publication details.
For example:
Smith, John, Jane Doe, and Mark Johnson. “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities.” Environmental Studies, vol. 3, no. 2, 2020, pp. 45-58. Environmental Studies Journal, https://www.environmentalstudiesjournal.com/article/123456789.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you correctly cite sources with multiple authors in MLA format. Remember to always double-check the specific requirements of your instructor or publication to ensure accuracy.
