How to Do In-Text Citations for Two Authors
In academic writing, proper citation is crucial to give credit to the original authors of the ideas and information you use. When citing sources with two authors, it is important to follow a specific format to ensure accuracy and consistency. This article will guide you on how to do in-text citations for two authors.
1. Basic Format
When citing a source with two authors in the text, you typically include both authors’ last names followed by the publication date in parentheses. For example:
Smith and Johnson (2020) argue that…
This format is simple and straightforward, but there are variations depending on the context and the style guide you are following.
2. APA Style
In APA style, when citing a source with two authors, you follow the basic format mentioned above. However, if you quote directly from the source, you must include the page number after the parentheses. For example:
Smith and Johnson (2020, p. 45) state that…
If you are paraphrasing the information, you can omit the page number:
Smith and Johnson (2020) argue that…
3. MLA Style
In MLA style, the format is similar to APA style, but with a slight difference. When citing a source with two authors, you include both authors’ last names followed by the publication date in parentheses. If you quote directly from the source, you must include the page number after the parentheses:
Smith and Johnson (2020, 45) claim that…
When paraphrasing, you can omit the page number:
Smith and Johnson (2020) argue that…
4. Chicago Style
In Chicago style, the format for citing a source with two authors is similar to APA and MLA. You include both authors’ last names followed by the publication date in parentheses:
Smith and Johnson (2020) note that…
When quoting directly, include the page number:
Smith and Johnson (2020, 45) mention that…
For paraphrasing, you can omit the page number:
Smith and Johnson (2020) note that…
5. Citing Two Authors with Different Last Names
If the two authors have different last names, you can list them in alphabetical order when citing in the text. For example:
Johnson and Smith (2020) suggest that…
Remember to maintain consistency throughout your document.
In conclusion, knowing how to do in-text citations for two authors is essential for academic writing. By following the appropriate format for the style guide you are using, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and professional. Always double-check the guidelines provided by your institution or publisher to ensure you are following the correct format.
