How to In-Text Cite with Multiple Authors
In academic writing, citing sources is a crucial aspect that helps maintain integrity and give credit to the original authors. One common scenario that arises is when you need to cite a source that has multiple authors. Properly in-text citing with multiple authors is essential to avoid plagiarism and ensure that readers can easily locate the original source. This article will guide you through the process of how to in-text cite with multiple authors.
Formatting Multiple Authors in APA Style
When citing a source with multiple authors in APA style, you should list all the authors’ last names and initials in the text. If there are three or fewer authors, include all of them. However, if there are more than three authors, list only the first author followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) after the first author’s name. For example:
– (Smith, Johnson, & Williams, 2020)
– (Smith et al., 2020)
If the source has a subtitle, include it in parentheses after the authors’ names, separated by a comma. For instance:
– (Smith, Johnson, & Williams, 2020, “Title of the Article”)
Formatting Multiple Authors in MLA Style
In MLA style, the process of citing multiple authors is similar to APA style. When citing a source with three or fewer authors, list all their names in the text. If there are more than three authors, include only the first author followed by “et al.” Here’s an example:
– Smith, Johnson, and Williams (2020)
– Smith et al. (2020)
When including a subtitle, place it in parentheses after the authors’ names, separated by a comma. For example:
– Smith, Johnson, and Williams (“Title of the Article,” 2020)
Formatting Multiple Authors in Chicago Style
In Chicago style, the format for citing multiple authors depends on the type of source. For a book with multiple authors, list all their names in the text. If there are more than three authors, use “et al.” after the first author’s name. For example:
– Smith, Johnson, Williams, et al. (2020)
For a journal article with multiple authors, follow the same format:
– Smith, Johnson, Williams, et al. (2020)
When including a subtitle, place it in parentheses after the authors’ names, separated by a comma. For example:
– Smith, Johnson, Williams, et al. (“Title of the Article,” 2020)
Conclusion
In-text citing with multiple authors is an essential skill for academic writers. By following the appropriate formatting guidelines for APA, MLA, and Chicago styles, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and give credit to the original authors. Remember to always double-check the specific requirements of your academic institution or publication to ensure you are adhering to the correct citation style.
