How to Cite if There Are Many Authors
In academic writing, it is not uncommon to come across sources with multiple authors. Citing such sources correctly is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and giving proper credit to the original authors. This article will guide you through the process of citing sources with many authors, ensuring that your references are accurate and consistent.
Formatting the Reference List
When citing a source with multiple authors, the format may vary depending on the citation style you are using. Here are some common citation styles and their guidelines for formatting references with many authors:
APA (American Psychological Association)
In APA style, if a source has more than 20 authors, you should list only the first 20 authors followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”). For example:
> Smith, J., Doe, J., Smith, J., Doe, J., Smith, J., Doe, J., …, Doe, J. (Year). Title of the article. Journal Name, volume(issue), page numbers.
MLA (Modern Language Association)
In MLA style, if a source has more than three authors, you should list only the first author followed by “et al.” For example:
> Smith, John, et al. “Title of the article.” Journal Name, volume(issue), year, page numbers.
Chicago
In Chicago style, if a source has more than 20 authors, you should list only the first 15 authors followed by “et al.” For example:
> Smith, John, et al. “Title of the article.” Journal Name, volume(issue), year, page numbers.
Handling In-text Citations
When citing a source with many authors in-text, the format also depends on the citation style you are using. Here are some guidelines for in-text citations:
APA
In APA style, if you are citing a source with more than 20 authors, you should use the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” For example:
> (Smith et al., 2020)
MLA
In MLA style, if you are citing a source with more than three authors, you should use the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” For example:
> (Smith et al., 2020)
Chicago
In Chicago style, if you are citing a source with more than 20 authors, you should use the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” For example:
> (Smith et al., 2020)
Conclusion
Citing sources with many authors can be challenging, but following the guidelines for your chosen citation style can help ensure that your references are accurate and consistent. Always double-check the specific requirements of your academic institution or publication to ensure compliance with their citation standards.
