How to Cite with Multiple Authors in MLA: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you struggling to properly cite sources with multiple authors in MLA format? Fear not! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps and banish your citation worries.
1. Determine the Number of Authors
The first step is to identify the number of authors listed for the source. If there are:
- One or Two Authors: Cite both names in the in-text citation and on the Works Cited page.
- Three or More Authors: Cite only the first author’s last name followed by "et al." in the in-text citation.
2. In-Text Citations
- Parenthetical Citations: In the text, include the first author’s last name and the page number(s) within parentheses: (Smith 123).
- Narrative Citations: If you mention the author’s name in the sentence, follow it with the page number(s) within parentheses: According to Smith, this discovery (123).
3. Works Cited Page Entries
- One or Two Authors: List both authors’ last names, followed by their first names, and then the rest of the citation information.
- Three or More Authors: List only the first author’s last name, followed by "et al." and the rest of the citation information.
4. Hanging Indent
For all Works Cited entries with more than one line, indent all lines after the first by five spaces.
5. Specific Examples
One Author:
- In-text: (Smith 123)
- Works Cited: Smith, John. The History of Science. Oxford University Press, 2020.
Two Authors:
- In-text: (Smith and Jones 123)
- Works Cited: Smith, John, and Mary Jones. The Evolution of Technology. Cambridge University Press, 2021.
Three or More Authors:
- In-text: (Smith et al. 123)
- Works Cited: Smith, John, et al. The Future of Education. Routledge, 2022.
6. Comparison Table: MLA vs. Other Citation Styles
| Feature | MLA | APA | Chicago |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Authors | Cite all | Cite first author + "et al." | Cite all |
| In-Text Citation Format | (Smith 123) | (Smith, 2023) | Smith (2023) |
| Hanging Indent | Yes | Yes | No |
| Page Numbers | Included in parentheses | Included in parentheses | Included in footnotes |
7. Additional Tips
- If a source has no known authors, use the title of the work in place of the author’s name.
- If a source has multiple authors with the same last name, include their first initials to distinguish them.
- When citing multiple sources with the same authors, order them alphabetically by the first author’s last name.
- Always double-check your citations against the official MLA guidelines to ensure accuracy.
Conclusion
Now that you have mastered the art of citing with multiple authors in MLA format, you can confidently navigate the world of academic writing without the fear of citation mishaps. Remember, the key is to be consistent and follow the guidelines carefully. If you ever find yourself stumped, don’t hesitate to consult the MLA handbook or other credible sources for further assistance.
And while you’re here, be sure to check out our other articles on essential writing skills. From mastering grammar to crafting persuasive essays, we’ve got you covered! 😊
FAQ about How to Cite with Multiple Authors in MLA
How do I cite a work with two authors?
- P: Include both authors’ last names and a comma before the year.
- A: [Smith and Jones, 2023]
How do I cite a work with three or more authors?
- P: List the first author’s last name followed by "et al." (Latin for "and others") and a comma before the year.
- A: [Brown et al., 2021]
Do I need to include all the authors’ first names?
- P: No, use only the last names.
- A: [Garcia and Lopez, 2020] not [Garcia, Maria and Lopez, Juan, 2020]
How do I cite a work with the same authors but different years?
- P: List the works chronologically by year, separated by semicolons.
- A: [Williams and Jackson, 2019; Williams and Jackson, 2022]
How do I cite a work with authors who have the same last name?
- P: Use first initials to distinguish between authors.
- A: [J. Smith and R. Smith, 2023]
How do I cite a work that has no author?
- P: Use the title of the work in place of the author’s name.
- A: ["The History of the Internet," 2023]
How do I cite a corporate author?
- P: Use the full name of the corporation.
- A: [Microsoft Corporation, 2022]
Do I need to include page numbers in my in-text citations?
- P: Yes, include page numbers when citing a specific page or pages from a work.
- A: [Garcia and Lopez, 2020, p. 123]
How do I cite a work with multiple editions?
- P: Include the edition number after the title.
- A: [Jones, 2018, 5th ed.]
How do I cite a work that is available online?
- P: Include the URL or DOI (digital object identifier) in addition to the other citation information.
- A: [Smith and Jackson, 2023, https://example.com/article]
