How to Cite Multiple Authors in MLA Style with Practical Examples
Want to cite multiple authors in MLA style but not sure how? Here's a quick guide:
- Two Authors: Use both last names in in-text citations (e.g., Smith and Jones 45) and list both in the Works Cited (e.g., Smith, John, and Jane Jones).
- Three or More Authors: Use the first author's last name followed by et al. in in-text citations (e.g., Smith et al. 45) and in the Works Cited (e.g., Smith, John, et al.).
Why it matters: Proper MLA citations ensure your work is credible, clear, and avoids plagiarism. Follow these simple rules for books, journal articles, and online sources to get it right every time. Let’s break it down further.
Rules for Citing Multiple Authors in MLA
In-Text Citation Rules
MLA style provides clear guidelines for citing works with multiple authors. The format changes based on the number of authors.
For works with two authors, include both last names connected by "and" in your citation:
- Example: (Moore and Patel 37)
- When introducing a quote or paraphrase in the text: "Moore and Patel argue that this approach is effective" (37).
For works with three or more authors, include only the first author's last name followed by "et al.":
- Example: (Moore et al. 37)
- In a sentence: "Moore et al. demonstrate that..." (37).
| Number of Authors | In-Text Citation Format | Signal Phrase Example |
|---|---|---|
| Two Authors | (Smith and Jones 45) | Smith and Jones state that... (45) |
| Three or More Authors | (Smith et al. 45) | Smith et al. explain that... (45) |
| Multiple Works, Same Author | (Smith, "Title A" 23) | Smith discusses in "Title A"... (23) |
Works Cited Formatting
The Works Cited page has its own set of rules under MLA 9th edition guidelines [1][2].
-
For two authors: Write the first author's name inverted, followed by a comma, "and", and the second author's name in standard order.
Example: Moore, Jason W., and Raj Patel. -
For three or more authors: List the first author's name inverted, followed by "et al."
Example: Moore, Jason W., et al.
Be sure to use proper punctuation for "et al." and between author names. The MLA 9th edition continues to apply "et al." for both in-text citations and Works Cited entries [1][2][3].
Now that these basics are covered, let’s dive into examples for citing books, journal articles, and online sources.
How to Cite Multiple Authors in MLA Style
Examples of MLA Citations for Multiple Authors
Now that we've gone over the rules, let's see how they work for different types of sources. Below are practical examples to guide you.
Citing Books with Multiple Authors
Books follow MLA's standard rules for citing works by two authors or three or more authors.
In-text citations:
"The environmental impact of industrial agriculture has reached critical levels" (Moore and Patel 37).
"Modern farming practices require significant reform" (Gullion et al. 13).
Works Cited entries:
Moore, Jason W., and Raj Patel. _Environmental Economics: A Global Perspective_.
Oxford UP, 2023.
Gullion, Jessica, et al. _Agricultural Systems and Sustainability_.
Cambridge UP, 2024.
Citing Journal Articles with Multiple Authors
For journal articles, MLA format includes additional details like volume, issue number, and page range, while keeping the same author formatting.
In-text citations:
"Recent studies show significant shifts in citation patterns" (Johnson and Tuite 110).
"Digital literacy impacts research methodology" (Gullion et al. 13).
Works Cited entries:
Johnson, John, and Michael Tuite. "Evolution of Academic Citation Practices."
Journal of Academic Writing, vol. 15, no. 2, 2024, pp. 110-125.
Gullion, Jessica, et al. "Digital Literacy in Academic Research."
Research Quarterly, vol. 8, no. 4, 2024, pp. 13-28.
Citing Online Sources with Multiple Authors
Online sources often lack page numbers, so you might need to use alternative locators like paragraph numbers or section headings.
In-text citations:
"Digital transformation has revolutionized academic publishing" (Moore and Patel).
"Open access publishing continues to grow" (Gullion et al.).
Works Cited entries:
Moore, Jason W., and Raj Patel. "The Future of Academic Publishing."
Digital Scholar, 15 Dec. 2024, www.digitalscholar.org/future-publishing.
Gullion, Jessica, et al. "Open Access Publishing Trends." Academic
Research Today, 1 Dec. 2024, www.academicresearch.org/trends.
If no page numbers are available, use paragraph numbers or section headings to help readers find the cited material.
| Source Type | Two Authors | Three+ Authors |
|---|---|---|
| Book | (Moore and Patel 37) | (Gullion et al. 13) |
| Journal Article | (Johnson and Tuite 110) | (Gullion et al. 13) |
| Online Source | (Moore and Patel) | (Gullion et al.) |
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Avoiding Mistakes and Tips for MLA Citations
Getting MLA citations right not only avoids errors but also boosts the professionalism and trustworthiness of your academic work.
Common Errors to Avoid
One frequent mistake is misusing et al. for two-author sources. For example, writing (Smith et al.) instead of (Smith and Jones) is incorrect [1]. Another issue is inconsistency between in-text citations and Works Cited entries. For instance, citing (Johnson and Tuite) but listing only Johnson in the Works Cited section can confuse readers and undermine your work's credibility [2].
| Common Error | Incorrect Example | Correct Example |
|---|---|---|
| Misusing et al. | (Smith et al.) for two authors | (Smith and Jones) |
| Inconsistent citations | In-text: (Johnson et al.) Works Cited: Only Johnson listed |
Both must match exactly |
| Missing page numbers | (Moore and Patel) | (Moore and Patel 37) |
Avoiding these errors is a great start, but ensuring accuracy requires a few more strategies.
Tips for Accurate MLA Citations
To improve citation accuracy:
- Double-check the number of authors to use et al. correctly (only for three or more authors) [4].
- Make sure in-text citations and Works Cited entries match perfectly [4].
"Expert insights emphasize the importance of consistency and accuracy in MLA citations. For instance, experts recommend using citation tools and consulting the MLA Handbook to ensure that citations are correctly formatted" [4].
Consider using a citation tracking system, like a spreadsheet, to keep track of authors, source details, page numbers, and in-text formats. Tools like Sourcely can also help manage sources with varying author counts and ensure everything stays consistent [4].
Summary and Additional Resources
Key Points to Remember
When citing sources in MLA format with multiple authors, here’s the rule of thumb: list both names for two authors. For three or more authors, use the first author's name followed by "et al." in both in-text citations and Works Cited entries [1][2]. Sticking to these guidelines ensures your citations are accurate and consistent.
How Sourcely Simplifies Citations
Sourcely leverages AI to make MLA citations straightforward and error-free. It automatically applies the "et al." rule, aligns in-text citations with Works Cited entries, and keeps your formatting consistent throughout your document. This tool is a game-changer for students and researchers looking to streamline their citation process.
If you prefer more hands-on resources, there are plenty of traditional guides available to help you master MLA citation techniques.
Recommended Resources for MLA Citations
For a deeper understanding of MLA citation rules, check out these trusted resources:
- MLA Handbook (9th edition): Pay special attention to Chapter 5 ("Citing Sources in the Text") and Chapter 6 ("Works Cited").
- Scribbr's MLA Citation Guide: A practical, easy-to-follow guide.
- University Writing Center Websites: Many universities provide free, detailed MLA guides.
- Western Oregon University MLA Guide: A helpful resource specifically for multi-author citations.
Since citation guidelines can change over time, it’s always a good idea to stay updated with the latest MLA standards to keep your academic work polished and professional.
FAQs
This section answers common questions about citing multiple authors in MLA style, offering clear examples and practical tips based on the latest guidelines.
How do you cite multiple authors in MLA?
The format depends on how many authors you’re citing:
For two authors:
"According to Moore and Patel, 'sustainable agriculture requires systemic change' (37)" [1][2]
For three or more authors:
"Research indicates that 'climate change impacts agricultural sustainability' (Moore et al. 42)" [1][2]
How do you cite 3 authors in MLA?
For three or more authors, MLA uses "et al." after the first author's name:
In-text citation:
- (Moore et al. 37)
Works Cited entry:
Moore, Jason W., et al. Title of Work. Publisher, Year.
This approach ensures consistency and proper attribution throughout your paper.
How does MLA 9 handle multiple authors?
The 9th edition of MLA provides straightforward rules for citing multiple authors:
- Use both names for two authors.
- Use "et al." for three or more authors.
For more detailed examples across different source types, refer to the "Examples of MLA Citations for Multiple Authors" section above. Tools like Sourcely or the MLA Handbook can also help streamline the process. Always ensure consistency between in-text citations and your Works Cited entries.
