How to Cite Author with Two First Names
In academic writing, it is essential to properly cite authors, especially when they have two first names. Proper citation not only gives credit to the original source but also ensures that readers can easily locate the original work. This article will guide you through the process of citing an author with two first names in various citation styles, such as APA, MLA, and Chicago.
APA Citation Style
When citing an author with two first names in APA style, you should list both first names followed by the last name. For example, if the author’s name is John Michael Smith, you would write “Smith, J. M.” in the in-text citation. In the reference list, include the author’s full name with the last name first, followed by the publication date and the title of the work.
In-text citation: (Smith, J. M., 2021)
Reference list: Smith, J. M. (2021). The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities. Journal of Environmental Studies, 23(2), 45-58.
MLA Citation Style
In MLA style, you should also list both first names followed by the last name in the in-text citation. However, when formatting the reference list, you will only include the last name and the first initial of the first name. For the example above, the in-text citation would be “Smith, J., 2021,” and the reference list entry would be as follows:
In-text citation: (Smith, J., 2021)
Reference list: Smith, J. “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities.” Journal of Environmental Studies, vol. 23, no. 2, 2021, pp. 45-58.
Chicago Citation Style
In Chicago style, you will follow a similar format for both in-text citations and reference list entries. The in-text citation should include the author’s full name, and the reference list entry should also include the full name. For the example above, the in-text citation would be “Smith, John Michael, 2021,” and the reference list entry would be as follows:
In-text citation: (Smith, John Michael, 2021)
Reference list: Smith, John Michael. The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities. Journal of Environmental Studies, vol. 23, no. 2, 2021, pp. 45-58.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are correctly citing authors with two first names in various citation styles. Proper citation not only demonstrates academic integrity but also helps readers locate the original source of information.
