How to Cite Two Authors in MLA
Knowing how to correctly cite sources is crucial for academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism. This guide focuses specifically on how to cite works with two authors using the MLA (Modern Language Association) style guide. Mastering this will significantly improve your research papers and overall academic writing.
Understanding MLA Citation Basics
Before diving into two-author citations, let's briefly cover fundamental MLA principles:
- Author-Page Method: MLA uses an author-page method for in-text citations, meaning you include the author's last name and the page number where you found the information.
- Works Cited Page: All cited sources must be listed alphabetically on a separate "Works Cited" page at the end of your paper. This provides complete bibliographic information.
- Consistency is Key: Maintain consistency throughout your paper – both in your in-text citations and your Works Cited page.
Citing Two Authors in Your Text (In-Text Citations)
When citing a work with two authors in the body of your paper, you generally include both authors' last names. Here's how:
Example:
As Smith and Jones argue, "the impact of social media on political discourse is undeniable" (123).
Important Considerations:
- And vs. &: Use "and" in the text of your paper. The ampersand (&) is used only in the Works Cited entry.
- Multiple Citations: If you cite the same two authors multiple times in a paragraph, you only need to include the authors' last names the first time. Subsequent citations can simply list the page number.
Creating the Works Cited Entry
The Works Cited entry for two authors requires specific formatting. Here's a sample:
Example:
Smith, John, and Jane Jones. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.
Explanation of elements:
- Author Names: List authors' last names first, followed by their first names (or initials). Use a comma to separate the authors' names. Place a period after the second author's name.
- Title of Book: Italicize the title of the book.
- Publisher: Include the name of the publishing company.
- Year: Provide the year of publication.
Example with specific details:
Smith, John, and Jane Jones. The Impact of Social Media on Politics. Oxford University Press, 2023.
Handling Different Source Types
While the core principle remains consistent, slight variations exist depending on the source type.
Journal Articles:
Smith, John, and Jane Jones. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. number, no. number, year, pages. Database Name, DOI.
Website:
Smith, John, and Jane Jones. "Title of Article." Website Name, Date of Publication, URL.
Troubleshooting Common Mistakes
- Incorrect punctuation: Pay close attention to commas and periods within your citations.
- Inconsistent formatting: Maintain consistency in italics, capitalization, and spacing.
- Missing information: Ensure you include all the necessary elements in your Works Cited entry.
By following these guidelines, you'll be able to accurately cite sources with two authors in MLA format, enhancing the credibility and professionalism of your academic work. Remember to always consult the official MLA Handbook for the most up-to-date guidelines.
