How to Cite Two or More Authors
In academic writing, it is common to reference multiple authors when citing sources. Properly citing two or more authors is essential for giving credit to the original authors and avoiding plagiarism. This article will guide you through the process of citing two or more authors in different citation styles, such as APA, MLA, and Chicago.
APA Style
When citing two or more authors in APA style, you should list all the authors’ last names and initials in the order they appear in the source. Separate the authors’ names with commas, and use an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name. Here’s an example:
> According to Smith, Johnson, & Brown (2020), the study found that…
If you need to include the publication date, place it in parentheses after the authors’ names:
> According to Smith, Johnson, & Brown (2020, p. 10), the study found that…
If you need to reference a source with more than three authors, list the first author followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”):
> According to Smith et al. (2020), the study found that…
MLA Style
In MLA style, you should list all the authors’ last names and first initials in the order they appear in the source. Separate the authors’ names with commas, and use an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name. Here’s an example:
> Smith, Johnson, and Brown. “The Impact of Technology on Education.” Journal of Education, vol. 5, no. 2, 2020, pp. 10-20.
If you need to include the publication date, place it in parentheses after the authors’ names:
> Smith, Johnson, and Brown. “The Impact of Technology on Education.” Journal of Education, vol. 5, no. 2, 2020, pp. 10-20.
When referencing a source with more than three authors, list the first author followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”):
> Smith et al. (2020) found that…
Chicago Style
In Chicago style, you should list all the authors’ last names and first initials in the order they appear in the source. Separate the authors’ names with commas, and use an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name. Here’s an example:
> Smith, J., Johnson, L., & Brown, M. “The Impact of Technology on Education.” Journal of Education, vol. 5, no. 2, 2020, pp. 10-20.
If you need to include the publication date, place it in parentheses after the authors’ names:
> Smith, J., Johnson, L., & Brown, M. (2020). “The Impact of Technology on Education.” Journal of Education, vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 10-20.
When referencing a source with more than three authors, list the first author followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”):
> Smith et al. (2020) conducted a study on the impact of technology on education.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are properly citing two or more authors in your academic writing. Remember to always check the specific requirements of your institution or publication for any variations in citation styles.
