MLA style, commonly used in humanities, requires precise citation methods. Knowing how to cite multiple authors correctly is crucial for academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions, ensuring you confidently handle any multi-author source.
Understanding MLA's Multi-Author Citation Rules
The key difference lies in how you handle the authors' names within the in-text citation and the Works Cited entry.
In-Text Citations (Parenthetical Citations):
One to Two Authors: List both authors' last names every time you cite the source.
- Example: (Smith and Jones 123).
Three or More Authors: Only use the first author's last name followed by "et al." (meaning "and others" in Latin). This applies to both the first and subsequent citations.
- Example: (Smith et al. 45).
Works Cited Entries:
The Works Cited page lists all sources used. Formatting differs depending on the number of authors.
One Author: Last name, First name. Title of Work. Publisher, Year.
Two Authors: Last name, First name, and First name Last name. Title of Work. Publisher, Year.
Three or More Authors: List all authors in the order they appear on the source, separated by commas. The last author's name is preceded by an ampersand (&).
- Example: Smith, John, Jane Doe, and Robert Jones. Title of Work. Publisher, Year.
Step-by-Step Guide: Citing Multiple Authors in MLA
Let's break down the process with a practical example. Imagine you're citing the book "The Power of Habit" by Charles Duhigg.
Step 1: Identify the Author(s) and Publication Information:
- Author: Charles Duhigg (single author example)
- Title: The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business
- Publisher: Random House
- Year: 2012
Step 2: Create the In-Text Citation (Parenthetical Citation):
Since this is a single-author source, your in-text citation would look like this:
- "(Duhigg 123)" (replace '123' with the page number)
Now let's add a hypothetical second author:
Step 3: Modified Author Information:
Let's imagine a second author is added, becoming: Charles Duhigg and Jane Doe
Step 4: Updated In-Text Citation (Parenthetical Citation):
Now the in-text citation would include both authors:
- "(Duhigg and Doe 123)"
Step 5: Updated Works Cited Entry:
The Works Cited entry would also change to reflect the two authors:
- Duhigg, Charles, and Jane Doe. The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business. Random House, 2012.
Step 6: Handling Three or More Authors:
Let’s introduce two more authors: Richard Roe and Mary Green
Step 7: In-Text Citation (Three or More Authors):
The in-text citation now uses "et al.":
- "(Duhigg et al. 123)"
Step 8: Works Cited Entry (Three or More Authors):
Your Works Cited entry now lists all authors:
- Duhigg, Charles, Jane Doe, Richard Roe, and Mary Green. The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business. Random House, 2012.
Mastering MLA Citations: Key Takeaways
- Consistency is key. Use the same citation format throughout your work.
- Accuracy is paramount. Double-check author names, publication details, and page numbers.
- Use a citation management tool (like Zotero or Mendeley) to streamline the process, especially for numerous sources.
By following these steps, you'll master the art of citing multiple authors in MLA, ensuring your academic work is both credible and well-organized. Remember, proper citation demonstrates your academic integrity and enhances the overall quality of your writing.
