How to Write Name of Author in Reference
Writing a reference in academic or professional settings often requires following specific formatting guidelines. One of the most crucial elements in a reference is the author’s name. Properly formatting the author’s name is essential for maintaining consistency and clarity in your work. In this article, we will discuss the different ways to write the name of the author in a reference, depending on the citation style you are using.
APA Style
In APA (American Psychological Association) style, the author’s name is written in the following format: Last name, First initial. For example, if the author’s full name is John Smith, you would write it as “Smith, J.” This format is used for both in-text citations and the reference list.
MLA Style
In MLA (Modern Language Association) style, the author’s name is written in the same format as APA: Last name, First initial. However, MLA style requires the author’s name to be followed by a period and then the page number in parentheses for in-text citations. For example, “Smith, J. 12.” This format is also used for the Works Cited list.
Chicago Style
In Chicago style, the author’s name is written in the following format: Last name, First name. For example, if the author’s full name is John Smith, you would write it as “Smith, John.” This format is used for both in-text citations and the bibliography.
Chicago Style with Author-Date System
When using the author-date system in Chicago style, the author’s name is written in the same format as the previous example: Last name, First name. However, the author’s name is followed by a comma and the publication year in parentheses. For example, “Smith, John, 2020.” This format is used for in-text citations.
Chicago Style with Notes-Bibliography System
In the notes-bibliography system of Chicago style, the author’s name is written in the same format as the previous example: Last name, First name. However, the author’s name is followed by a period and then the page number in parentheses for notes. For the bibliography, the author’s name is followed by a period and then the publication year. For example, “Smith, John. 2020.” This format is used for both notes and the bibliography.
Conclusion
Properly formatting the author’s name in a reference is an essential aspect of academic and professional writing. By following the guidelines of the specific citation style you are using, you can ensure that your references are consistent and clear. Remember to check the specific requirements of your citation style to ensure you are using the correct format for the author’s name.
