How to in-text cite with two authors in MLA format is an essential skill for students and researchers who use the Modern Language Association (MLA) citation style. Properly citing sources not only gives credit to the original authors but also helps readers locate the sources for further research. In this article, we will guide you through the process of in-text citation with two authors in MLA format, ensuring that your academic work adheres to the MLA guidelines.
In MLA format, when you cite a source with two authors, you include both names in the parentheses following the quote or paraphrase. The format for in-text citation with two authors is as follows: (Author1 Last Name, Author2 Last Name, page number). For example, if you are citing a book by John Smith and Jane Doe, your in-text citation would look like this: (Smith, Doe, 15).
It is important to note that if the authors have the same last name, you must include their first initials to differentiate between them. For instance, if both authors are named John Smith, your in-text citation would be: (J. Smith, J. Doe, 15).
When citing a source with two authors in a paraphrase, you should still include both names in the parentheses, even if you do not mention the authors’ names in the text. For example:
According to Smith and Doe, the impact of social media on society has been both positive and negative (Smith, Doe, 20). This study highlights the need for further research on the subject.
In some cases, you may need to cite a source with two authors in a direct quote. In this scenario, you should include both authors’ names in the parentheses, followed by the page number. For example:
Smith and Doe argue that, “The rise of social media has transformed the way we communicate and interact with others” (Smith, Doe, 25).
When citing a source with two authors in a works-cited list, you should follow the standard MLA format. The entry should include the authors’ names, the title of the source, the title of the container, other contributors, version or edition, numbers, publisher, publication date, and location. For example:
Smith, John, and Jane Doe. “The Impact of Social Media on Society.” Journal of Communication Studies, vol. 10, no. 2, 2020, pp. 15-25.
In conclusion, how to in-text cite with two authors in MLA format is a straightforward process that involves including both authors’ names in the parentheses following the quote or paraphrase. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your academic work is properly cited and meets MLA standards.
