How to Cite Multiple Authors in Text Citation MLA
In the realm of academic writing, citing sources correctly is essential to uphold academic integrity and provide readers with accurate references. One common scenario that arises is citing works with multiple authors. For those adhering to the MLA (Modern Language Association) citation style, understanding how to cite multiple authors in text citations is crucial. This article will guide you through the process, ensuring that your citations are both accurate and consistent.
Formatting Multiple Authors in MLA Text Citations
When citing a source with multiple authors in MLA format, there are specific rules to follow. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to format these citations correctly:
1. First Mention: List all authors’ last names followed by a comma, then the first initial of their first names, separated by commas. If there are three or more authors, list only the first author followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”). For example: “Smith, Jones, and Smith (2020)” or “Smith, Jones, et al. (2020).”
2. Subsequent Mentions: In subsequent mentions of the same source, use only the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” For example: “Smith et al. (2020) argue that…” or “According to Smith et al. (2020),…”
3. Page Numbers: When citing a specific part of a source, include the page number(s) after the year. For example: “Smith et al. (2020, p. 15) emphasize the importance of…”
4. Multiple Sources with the Same Author: If you have multiple sources by the same author, include the author’s name in each citation, along with the year of publication. For example: “Smith (2018) discusses the role of technology in education, while Smith (2020) focuses on its impact on communication.”
Example of Citing Multiple Authors in MLA Text Citations
Here’s an example to illustrate the process:
Suppose you’re writing a paper and come across the following quote from two different sources:
> “The importance of collaboration in the workplace cannot be overstated. As technology advances, the need for teamwork has become even more critical (Smith, 2020, p. 45). Moreover, the ability to communicate effectively is essential for success in today’s world (Jones & Smith, 2021, p. 20).”
In your text, you would cite the first source as follows:
> According to Smith (2020), the importance of collaboration in the workplace cannot be overstated.
And the second source as follows:
> Jones and Smith (2021) also emphasize the importance of effective communication.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your citations are both accurate and consistent with MLA format. Remember, proper citation not only upholds academic integrity but also allows readers to locate and verify the sources you’ve used in your research.
