How to Do a Narrative Citation with Multiple Authors
Narrative citations are a crucial aspect of academic writing, especially when citing sources with multiple authors. Properly formatting a narrative citation with multiple authors is essential to maintain academic integrity and provide readers with accurate information about the source. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to do a narrative citation with multiple authors.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into the specifics of formatting a narrative citation with multiple authors, it’s important to understand the basic structure of a narrative citation. A narrative citation typically includes the author’s name, the publication date, and the title of the source. When citing sources with multiple authors, the formatting can vary depending on the number of authors and the citation style you are using.
Formatting a Narrative Citation with Two Authors
When citing a source with two authors, the format remains relatively straightforward. Simply list both authors’ names followed by the publication date and the title of the source. For example:
> “Smith and Johnson (2020) argue that…”
In this example, “Smith and Johnson” are the authors, “2020” is the publication date, and the rest of the sentence provides context for the citation.
Formatting a Narrative Citation with Three or More Authors
When citing a source with three or more authors, you have two options: including all authors’ names in the text or using a shortened form. Here’s how to do both:
1. Including all authors’ names in the text:
> “According to Brown, Davis, and Green (2021), the study found that…”
In this example, all three authors’ names are included in the narrative citation.
2. Using a shortened form:
> “Brown, Davis, and Green (2021) conducted a study that…”
In this example, the shortened form “Brown, Davis, and Green” is used, and the rest of the sentence provides context for the citation.
Formatting a Narrative Citation with Subsequent Citations
When citing the same source multiple times, it’s important to use subsequent citations correctly. Here’s how to format them:
1. For the first citation:
> “According to Brown, Davis, and Green (2021), the study found that…”
2. For subsequent citations:
> “Brown, Davis, and Green (2021) also noted that…”
In subsequent citations, only the authors’ last names and the publication date are included, as the reader can easily identify the source from the context of the previous citation.
Conclusion
Formatting a narrative citation with multiple authors may seem daunting at first, but by following these guidelines, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent. Remember to always consult the specific citation style you are using for any additional rules or variations. Properly formatted narrative citations not only demonstrate your commitment to academic integrity but also provide your readers with the necessary information to locate the sources you’ve cited.
