How to Cite an Author with Three Names
When citing an author with three names in academic writing, it is important to follow the proper formatting guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to correctly cite an author with three names, including examples for both in-text citations and reference lists.
Formatting the Author’s Name
The first step in citing an author with three names is to format the name correctly. Typically, the author’s last name should be followed by a comma and then the first and middle initials. For example, if the author’s name is John Michael Smith, it should be formatted as “Smith, J. M.” in the reference list.
In-Text Citations
When citing an author with three names in the text, it is important to maintain consistency with the formatting used in the reference list. Here are some examples of how to cite an author with three names in-text:
– “Smith (2020) argues that…”
– “According to Smith (2020),…”
– “Smith and colleagues (2020) conducted a study…”
– “Smith et al. (2020) found that…”
In these examples, the author’s last name is followed by the year of publication and the page number (if applicable). If the author’s name is mentioned in the text, only the last name is used.
Reference List Entries
When creating a reference list entry for an author with three names, follow these guidelines:
– Start with the author’s last name, followed by a comma and the first and middle initials.
– Next, include the author’s first name, followed by a period.
– After the author’s name, include the publication year, followed by a period.
– Then, provide the title of the work, capitalized according to the source.
– Include the source type (e.g., book, journal article, website) and the publisher or website name.
– Finally, provide the publication date and page numbers (if applicable).
Here is an example of a reference list entry for an author with three names:
Smith, J. M. (2020). The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems. Journal of Environmental Science and Policy, 54, 1-10.
Conclusion
Citing an author with three names in academic writing requires following specific formatting guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can correctly format the author’s name in both in-text citations and reference list entries. Always refer to the specific citation style guide you are using (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) for any additional formatting requirements.
