How to Cite if There Are Two Authors
Citing sources is an essential aspect of academic writing, as it gives credit to the original authors and helps avoid plagiarism. When referencing a work with two authors, it’s important to follow a specific format to ensure accuracy and consistency. In this article, we will discuss the proper way to cite a source with two authors, including in-text citations and the reference list.
In-text citations
When citing a source with two authors in the text, there are a few different formats you can use, depending on the citation style you are following. Here are some common examples:
– APA style: (Smith & Johnson, 2020)
– MLA style: (Smith and Johnson 2020)
– Chicago style: (Smith and Johnson 2020)
It’s important to note that the year of publication is included after the authors’ names, regardless of the citation style. Additionally, when using APA style, you can also include the page number if you are quoting a specific part of the source.
Reference list entries
The reference list entry for a source with two authors will vary depending on the citation style. Here are some examples:
– APA style:
> Smith, J., & Johnson, L. (2020). Title of the work. Publisher.
– MLA style:
> Smith, John, and Lisa Johnson. Title of the Work. Publisher, 2020.
– Chicago style:
> Smith, John, and Lisa Johnson. Title of the Work. Publisher, 2020.
In each of these examples, the authors’ names are listed in the order they appear on the source, followed by the year of publication and the title of the work. The publisher’s name is included at the end of the entry.
Formatting author names
When formatting author names in your citations, it’s important to follow the guidelines of the specific citation style you are using. Here are some general rules:
– Use the last name followed by the first initial of the first name.
– Separate the authors’ names with a comma and a space.
– In APA style, if the source has more than two authors, you can use “et al.” after the first author’s name and initials.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent, helping you avoid plagiarism and maintain the integrity of your academic work.
