How to in-text cite a source with two authors
In academic writing, it is crucial to give credit to the original authors of the sources you use. One common situation is when you need to cite a source that has two authors. Properly citing such sources is essential for maintaining academic integrity and allowing readers to locate the original material. This article will guide you on how to in-text cite a source with two authors correctly.
Formatting the In-text Citation
When citing a source with two authors in-text, you should list both authors’ last names, separated by an ampersand (&). The format typically follows this structure: (Author1 & Author2, Year). For example, if you are citing a source by Smith and Johnson (2020), your in-text citation would be: (Smith & Johnson, 2020).
Capitalization and Punctuation
Ensure that you capitalize the first letter of each author’s last name and the first letter of the year. Do not use any additional punctuation marks, such as commas or periods, between the authors’ names or the year.
Placing the In-text Citation
The in-text citation should be placed directly after the quote or paraphrase you are referencing. If the quote or paraphrase is part of a longer sentence, the citation should come at the end of the sentence. For example:
According to Smith and Johnson (2020), “The study found that [insert relevant information here].” (Smith & Johnson, 2020)
If the quote or paraphrase is a standalone sentence, the citation should come at the end of the sentence, followed by a period. For example:
Smith and Johnson (2020) found that [insert relevant information here]. (Smith & Johnson, 2020)
Formatting the Reference List Entry
When you include the source in your reference list, follow the appropriate citation style guide (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) for formatting the entry. Here is an example of how to format a reference list entry for a source with two authors using APA style:
Smith, J., & Johnson, L. (2020). Title of the article or book. Journal Name, 10(2), 123-145.
For MLA style:
Smith, John, and Lisa Johnson. “Title of the article or book.” Journal Name, vol. 10, no. 2, 2020, pp. 123-145.
For Chicago style:
Smith, John, and Lisa Johnson. “Title of the article or book.” Journal Name, vol. 10, no. 2, 2020, pp. 123-145.
Conclusion
In-text citing a source with two authors is a straightforward process. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your in-text citations and reference list entries are accurate and consistent with the chosen citation style. Remember that proper citation is essential for maintaining academic integrity and giving credit to the original authors of the sources you use.
