Citing multiple authors in MLA style can seem tricky, but it's straightforward once you understand the rules. This guide will walk you through the correct formatting for various scenarios, ensuring your citations are accurate and consistent. Mastering MLA citation is crucial for academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism. Let's dive in!
Understanding MLA In-Text Citations with Multiple Authors
The key to citing multiple authors in MLA style lies in how you present the authors' names in your in-text citations and your Works Cited page. The approach varies slightly depending on the number of authors.
One to Three Authors
For works with one to three authors, you list all authors' last names in the order they appear on the source's title page in every in-text citation. Separate the names with "and" if it's an in-text parenthetical citation. Use a comma and "and" to separate the last names if the names are in a sentence.
Examples:
- In-text citation (parenthetical): (Smith, Jones, and Williams 2023, 15).
- In-text citation (sentence): Smith, Jones, and Williams (2023) argue that...
Four or More Authors
When a work has four or more authors, you only need to include the first author's last name followed by "et al." (meaning "and others") in both your in-text citations and your Works Cited entry.
Example:
- In-text citation: (Brown et al. 2022, 20).
Mastering MLA Works Cited Entries for Multiple Authors
Your Works Cited page requires more detailed information than in-text citations. Here's how to handle multiple authors:
One to Three Authors
List all authors' last names followed by their first initials. Separate the names with commas. Place a period after the last author's name.
Example:
Smith, John, Jane Doe, and Robert Williams. 2023. Title of Book. Publisher, Publication City.
Four or More Authors
For works with four or more authors, list the first author's name followed by "et al." This applies for both in-text and your Works Cited page.
Example:
Brown, Emily et al. 2022. Title of Article. Journal Title, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 15-30.
Handling Different Source Types
The basic principles remain consistent across different source types (books, articles, websites), but the formatting of the Works Cited entry will vary.
Books with Multiple Authors
Remember to include the edition number if it isn't the first edition.
Example:
Smith, John, and Jane Doe. 2023. Title of Book. 2nd ed., Publisher, Publication City.
Journal Articles with Multiple Authors
Include volume number, issue number, and page range for journal articles.
Example:
Doe, Jane, et al. 2022. "Title of Article." Journal Title, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 15-30.
Websites with Multiple Authors
If possible, identify all authors. If only one author is listed, cite only that author. If no author is listed, use the website name or a shortened version.
Example (with authors):
Smith, John, and Robert Williams. "Article Title." Website Name, Date of Publication, URL.
Example (no author listed):
"Article Title." Website Name, Date of Publication, URL.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
- Inconsistent formatting: Maintain consistency in how you format authors' names throughout your paper.
- Missing publication information: Always include relevant publication details such as publication year, publisher, and journal information (for articles).
- Incorrect use of "et al.": Use "et al." only when there are four or more authors.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately cite multiple authors in your MLA papers. Remember to consult the official MLA Handbook for the most up-to-date information and detailed examples. Consistent and accurate citation is essential for academic success!
