How to Do a Parenthetical Citation with Multiple Authors
In academic writing, it is essential to provide proper citations when referencing the work of other authors. When dealing with multiple authors, the parenthetical citation format can sometimes be confusing. This article will guide you on how to do a parenthetical citation with multiple authors, ensuring that your citations are accurate and adhere to the appropriate citation style.
Understanding the Basics
A parenthetical citation typically includes the author’s last name, the year of publication, and the page number(s) where the referenced information is found. When dealing with multiple authors, the format can vary depending on the citation style you are using, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. Here are the general guidelines for each style:
APA Style
In APA style, when citing a source with three or more authors, you should only list the first author followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”). For example:
> (Smith, Jones, & Brown, 2020, p. 25)
If you need to include more than one source with multiple authors in your text, you can separate them with semicolons:
> (Smith, Jones, & Brown, 2020, p. 25; Thompson, Johnson, & Davis, 2019, p. 40)
MLA Style
In MLA style, you should list all the authors’ last names when citing a source with multiple authors. For example:
> (Smith, Jones, Brown, Thompson, & Johnson, 2020, p. 25)
If you need to include more than one source with multiple authors in your text, you can separate them with semicolons:
> (Smith, Jones, Brown, Thompson, & Johnson, 2020, p. 25; Thompson, Johnson, & Davis, 2019, p. 40)
Chicago Style
In Chicago style, the format for citing a source with multiple authors is similar to APA style. You should list the first author followed by “et al.” For example:
> (Smith et al., 2020, p. 25)
If you need to include more than one source with multiple authors in your text, you can separate them with semicolons:
> (Smith et al., 2020, p. 25; Thompson et al., 2019, p. 40)
Conclusion
Citing sources with multiple authors can be challenging, but by following the guidelines for your chosen citation style, you can ensure that your parenthetical citations are accurate and consistent. Always double-check the specific requirements of your academic institution or publication to ensure compliance with their preferred citation style.
