How do I do in-text citations with multiple authors?
In academic writing, it is crucial to properly cite sources to avoid plagiarism and give credit to the original authors. When dealing with in-text citations that involve multiple authors, it is important to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to format in-text citations with multiple authors.
Firstly, it is essential to understand the different types of in-text citation formats. The most common formats are APA, MLA, and Chicago. Each format has its own rules for citing multiple authors. Let’s explore how to do in-text citations with multiple authors in each of these formats.
APA Format
In APA format, when citing a source with two authors, simply list both authors’ last names in the text, followed by the year of publication in parentheses. For example: “Smith and Johnson (2020) argue that…”. If the source has three or more authors, list the first author’s last name, followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) and the year of publication. For instance: “Smith, Johnson, and et al. (2020) found that…”.
If you need to mention the authors’ names within the text, you can use “Smith and Johnson (2020) suggest that…” or “According to Smith, Johnson, and et al. (2020),…”.
MLA Format
In MLA format, the process is similar to APA. When citing a source with two authors, list both authors’ last names, followed by the year of publication in parentheses. For example: “Smith and Johnson (2020) claim that…”. For three or more authors, use the first author’s last name, followed by “et al.” and the year of publication. For instance: “Smith, Johnson, et al. (2020) argue that…”.
When mentioning the authors’ names within the text, you can say “Smith and Johnson (2020) suggest that…” or “According to Smith, Johnson, et al. (2020),…”.
Chicago Format
In Chicago format, the rules for in-text citations with multiple authors are slightly different. When citing a source with two authors, list both authors’ last names, followed by the year of publication in parentheses. For example: “Smith and Johnson (2020) contend that…”. For three or more authors, use the first author’s last name, followed by “et al.” and the year of publication. For instance: “Smith, Johnson, et al. (2020) argue that…”.
When mentioning the authors’ names within the text, you can say “Smith and Johnson (2020) assert that…” or “According to Smith, Johnson, et al. (2020),…”.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your in-text citations with multiple authors are formatted correctly according to the chosen citation style. Remember to always double-check the specific requirements of your academic institution or publisher to ensure compliance with their guidelines.
