How to Do In-Text Citation of Two Authors
In academic writing, it is crucial to give proper credit to the authors whose work you have referenced. One common scenario is when you need to cite the work of two authors in your text. Properly formatting in-text citations for two authors can be a bit tricky, but with the right guidelines, you can ensure accuracy and consistency. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to do in-text citation of two authors.
Step 1: Identify the Authors
First and foremost, identify the two authors you wish to cite. This can be done by looking at the source material or by searching for the authors’ names in the bibliography or reference list.
Step 2: Use the Author’s Last Names
When citing two authors in the text, always use their last names. Separate the names with an ampersand (&) symbol, and do not use commas or other punctuation marks between the names.
Step 3: Use the Author’s Last Name and the Year of Publication
After mentioning the authors’ last names, include the year of publication in parentheses. This helps readers quickly identify the source and its relevance to your work.
Example: (Smith & Johnson, 2020)
Step 4: Use the Author’s Last Name and the Page Number
If you are referencing a specific part of the source, such as a quote or a particular piece of data, include the page number in parentheses after the year of publication.
Example: (Smith & Johnson, 2020, p. 25)
Step 5: Use the Author’s Last Name and the Source Title
In some cases, you may need to mention the source title in the in-text citation. This is particularly relevant when the source is a journal article, book chapter, or a specific work within a larger collection.
Example: (Smith & Johnson, 2020, “The Impact of Climate Change”)
Step 6: Use the Author’s Last Name and the Source Title with Page Number
When citing a specific part of a source, include the page number in parentheses after the source title.
Example: (Smith & Johnson, 2020, “The Impact of Climate Change,” p. 25)
Conclusion
Properly citing two authors in your text is essential for maintaining academic integrity and giving credit where it is due. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your in-text citations are accurate, consistent, and easy to understand. Remember to always consult your institution’s or publisher’s guidelines for specific citation style requirements.