How to Cite an Article with Two Authors in Text
Citing an article with two authors in text is an essential skill for academic writing, as it helps to give credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism. Proper citation also allows readers to locate the source material easily. In this article, we will guide you through the process of citing an article with two authors in text, using both APA and MLA formats.
APA Format
When citing an article with two authors in APA format, you should include both authors’ last names and the year of publication in parentheses. If the article is cited within a sentence, the authors’ names should be included in the sentence itself. Here’s an example:
According to Smith and Johnson (2020), the impact of climate change on coastal communities is a significant concern.
If the article is cited in a separate sentence, you can use the following format:
Smith and Johnson (2020) conducted a study on the effects of climate change on coastal communities.
MLA Format
In MLA format, the process is similar to APA, but the authors’ names are separated by a comma and the year of publication is included in parentheses. When citing the article within a sentence, you should include the authors’ names in the sentence. Here’s an example:
Smith and Johnson (2020) argue that climate change poses a significant threat to coastal communities.
If the article is cited in a separate sentence, you can use the following format:
In a recent study, Smith and Johnson (2020) examined the impact of climate change on coastal communities.
Additional Notes
1. If you are citing a source with more than two authors, you can use “et al.” after the first author’s name to indicate that there are additional authors. For example: “Smith, Johnson, and et al. (2020) found that…”
2. When citing an article with two authors in a block quote, include the authors’ names and the year of publication before the quote, followed by a period. For example:
Smith and Johnson (2020) state, “The impact of climate change on coastal communities is a significant concern” (p. 10).
By following these guidelines, you can effectively cite an article with two authors in text, ensuring that you give proper credit to the original authors and maintain academic integrity in your writing.
