How to Do Two Authors in MLA
Formatting a paper in MLA style can sometimes be challenging, especially when it comes to citing sources with multiple authors. If you’re wondering how to properly cite two authors in MLA format, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we will guide you through the process of citing two authors in MLA style, ensuring that your paper is both accurate and compliant with MLA guidelines.
Formatting the In-text Citation
When citing a source with two authors in MLA format, you should include both authors’ last names in the in-text citation. The format for an in-text citation with two authors is as follows:
– Author1 Last Name, Author2 Last Name. “Title of Source.” Title of Container, other contributors, version, numbers, publisher, publication date, location.
For example:
– Smith, John, and Jane Doe. “The Impact of Climate Change.” Environmental Studies, vol. 5, no. 2, 2020, pp. 50-65.
In this example, “Smith” and “Doe” are the authors’ last names, and the rest of the citation provides additional information about the source.
Formatting the Works Cited Entry
When creating a Works Cited entry for a source with two authors, you should follow the standard MLA format. The entry should include the authors’ last names, first names, the title of the source, the title of the container, other contributors, version, numbers, publisher, publication date, and location. Here’s an example:
– Doe, Jane, and John Smith. “The Impact of Climate Change.” Environmental Studies, vol. 5, no. 2, 2020, pp. 50-65.
In this example, “Doe” and “Smith” are the authors’ last names, and the rest of the entry provides the necessary information about the source.
Formatting a Source with Two Authors and a Group Author
If a source has two individual authors and a group author, you should still include both individual authors’ last names in the in-text citation. The format for this type of citation is as follows:
– Author1 Last Name, Author2 Last Name, and Group Author. “Title of Source.” Title of Container, other contributors, version, numbers, publisher, publication date, location.
For example:
– Smith, John, Jane Doe, and the Environmental Protection Agency. “The Effects of Air Pollution on Public Health.” Journal of Environmental Health, vol. 10, no. 3, 2019, pp. 78-89.
In this example, “Smith,” “Doe,” and “the Environmental Protection Agency” are the authors, and the rest of the citation provides additional information about the source.
Conclusion
Citing sources with two authors in MLA format can be a bit tricky, but with a little practice, you’ll be able to do it correctly. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you’ll ensure that your paper is well-formatted and meets MLA standards. Happy writing!
