Mastering Multiple Author Citations- A Comprehensive Guide to MLA Formatting

How to Cite with More Than One Author MLA

Citing sources with multiple authors in MLA format can sometimes be confusing, especially for students who are new to academic writing. However, understanding the proper format for citing multiple authors is essential for maintaining academic integrity and providing readers with accurate references. In this article, we will discuss the steps to follow when citing a source with more than one author in MLA format.

Step 1: Identify the Authors

The first step in citing a source with multiple authors is to identify all the authors involved. In MLA format, you should list the authors’ last names followed by their first initials. If there are three or more authors, you should list only the first author followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”). For example:

– Smith, J., & Doe, J.
– Smith, J., Doe, J., & Johnson, L.
– Smith, J., Doe, J., Johnson, L., & Smith, M. et al.

Step 2: Include the Title of the Source

After listing the authors, include the title of the source in quotation marks. If the source is a book, the title should be italicized. For example:

– “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities”
– Smith, J., Doe, J., Johnson, L., & Smith, M. et al. (2020). The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities.

Step 3: Provide the Publication Information

Next, include the publication information for the source. This includes the publisher, publication date, and page numbers (if applicable). For example:

– Smith, J., Doe, J., Johnson, L., & Smith, M. et al. (2020). The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities. New York: ABC Publishing, 45-60.

Step 4: Format the In-text Citation

When citing a source with multiple authors in your text, follow the same format as above, but omit the publication information. For example:

– According to Smith, Doe, Johnson, and Smith (2020), coastal cities are at a higher risk of flooding due to climate change (45-60).

Step 5: Create the Works Cited Entry

Finally, create a Works Cited entry for the source. This entry should include the authors’ names, the title of the source, the publication information, and any other relevant details. For example:

– Smith, J., Doe, J., Johnson, L., & Smith, M. et al. (2020). The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities. New York: ABC Publishing, 45-60.

In conclusion, citing a source with more than one author in MLA format involves identifying the authors, including their names and the title of the source, providing publication information, and following the proper in-text citation and Works Cited entry format. By following these steps, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and adhere to MLA guidelines.