How to Narrative Cite Multiple Authors
In academic writing, it is not uncommon to come across sources that have multiple authors. Citing these sources correctly is essential for maintaining academic integrity and giving proper credit to the original authors. This article will guide you through the process of how to narrative cite multiple authors in your work.
Understanding the Basics
When citing multiple authors in a narrative format, it is important to follow a specific structure. The basic format includes the authors’ names, the publication date, and the title of the source. If the source has three or fewer authors, you should list all of their names in the text. For sources with more than three authors, you can use the first author’s name followed by “et al.” (which means “and others” in Latin).
Example with Three or Fewer Authors
Let’s say you are referencing a source with two authors. If the source is a book, you would write:
“In their groundbreaking book, Smith and Johnson (2020) argue that…”
If the source is an article, you would write:
“According to Smith and Johnson (2020), the findings suggest that…”
Example with More Than Three Authors
Now, consider a source with four authors. In this case, you would write:
“In a recent study, Brown, Davis, Green, and Smith (2020) found that…”
For articles, the format would be similar:
“Brown et al. (2020) concluded that…”
Formatting the Reference List
When creating your reference list, you should still include all the necessary information for each source. For sources with multiple authors, the format will be the same as for single-author sources. However, make sure to alphabetize the list by the authors’ last names.
Additional Tips
1. Pay attention to punctuation: When listing multiple authors, use commas to separate their names, and use an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name.
2. Use the correct tense: When citing a source in the narrative format, use the present tense for works that are still relevant and the past tense for works that are no longer current.
3. Be consistent: Ensure that your narrative citations are consistent throughout your work, as this will help maintain the flow of your writing.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively narrative cite multiple authors in your academic writing. Remember that proper citation is not only a matter of academic integrity but also a way to show respect for the original authors and their work.
