Knowing how to properly cite sources is crucial for academic integrity. This guide will walk you through the simple process of citing two authors in MLA format, both in your in-text citations and your Works Cited page. Mastering this will help you avoid plagiarism and strengthen your research credibility.
In-Text Citations with Two Authors
When citing two authors within the text of your paper, always include both authors' last names. There are two main ways to do this, depending on how you integrate the citation into your sentence:
1. Parenthetical Citation: If you're mentioning the authors' work indirectly, place the authors' last names and the year of publication in parentheses at the end of the sentence. Use an ampersand (&) to separate the authors' names.
Example: Research suggests that social media significantly impacts mental health (Smith & Jones 2023).
2. Narrative Citation: If you're directly mentioning the authors' names in your sentence, only include the year of publication in parentheses.
Example: Smith and Jones (2023) argue that the effects of social media on mental health are complex and multifaceted.
Works Cited Page: Two Authors
The Works Cited page, appearing at the end of your paper, requires a slightly different format. Here's how to format an entry for two authors:
Author Information: List the authors' last names followed by their first names (or initials). Separate the authors' names with a comma, and use an ampersand (&) before the last author's name.
Publication Information: Include the title of the work (italicized), the publication information (e.g., journal title, publisher, website), and the date of publication. Always follow the standard MLA formatting guidelines for the specific type of source you are citing (book, journal article, website, etc.).
Example:
Smith, John, and Jane Jones. The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Well-being. Journal of Adolescent Psychology, vol. 15, no. 2, 2023, pp. 123-145.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect Punctuation: Ensure you use the correct punctuation: a comma between the authors' names and an ampersand (&) before the last author's name in both in-text and Works Cited entries.
- Missing Information: Double-check that you have included all necessary information, such as the year of publication and page numbers (for journal articles or book chapters).
- Inconsistent Formatting: Maintain consistent formatting throughout your paper, following the MLA style guidelines.
Mastering MLA Citation: Beyond Two Authors
While this guide focuses on two authors, remember that the rules adapt slightly as the number of authors increases. For three or more authors, you typically use the first author's last name followed by "et al." (meaning "and others") for both in-text and Works Cited entries. For more complex citation scenarios, consult the official MLA Handbook or Purdue OWL's website for comprehensive guidance.
Conclusion
Successfully citing two authors in MLA format is a cornerstone of academic writing. By diligently following these guidelines, you'll create accurate and credible research papers. Remember to always double-check your citations for accuracy and consistency. Proper citation not only avoids plagiarism but also showcases your understanding of research ethics and your commitment to academic excellence.
