When citing sources with multiple authors in MLA format, it is essential to follow the guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency. In this article, we will focus on the MLA citation style for sources with two authors, providing a comprehensive guide on how to format your citations correctly.
MLA Citation Style: An Overview
The Modern Language Association (MLA) citation style is widely used in the humanities, including literature, language, and cultural studies. The MLA style provides a set of guidelines for formatting research papers, including citations, references, and bibliographies. In MLA 8, the latest edition of the MLA Handbook, the citation style has been simplified to accommodate various types of sources and authors.
MLA Citation for Two Authors
When citing a source with two authors, you should include both authors’ names in the citation. The general format for an MLA citation with two authors is: Last Name, First Name, and First Name Last Name. For example: Smith, John, and Jane Doe. If the authors’ names appear in the sentence, you can use the and conjunction to separate the names. However, if the names are in parentheses, you should use an ampersand (&) to separate the authors’ names.
| Source Type | MLA Citation Format |
|---|---|
| Book with two authors | Smith, John, and Jane Doe. Book Title. Publisher, Year. |
| Article with two authors | Smith, John, and Jane Doe. "Article Title." Journal Title, vol. Volume, no. Issue, Year, pp. Page Numbers. |
In addition to the citation format, it is crucial to understand the punctuation and capitalization rules in MLA style. For example, titles of longer works, such as books and journals, should be italicized, while titles of shorter works, such as articles and poems, should be enclosed in quotation marks.
Examples of MLA Citations with Two Authors
The following examples demonstrate how to format MLA citations for sources with two authors:
- Book: Smith, John, and Jane Doe. The History of Literature. Oxford University Press, 2010.
- Article: Johnson, Michael, and Emily Chen. "The Impact of Social Media on Society." Journal of Communication, vol. 65, no. 3, 2015, pp. 456-471.
- Website: Williams, David, and Sarah Lee. "The Benefits of Meditation." Mindfulness Magazine, 20 Feb. 2020, www.mindfulnessmag.com/the-benefits-of-meditation.
By following these guidelines and examples, you can ensure that your MLA citations for sources with two authors are accurate and consistent, which is essential for maintaining the credibility and integrity of your research papers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When formatting MLA citations with two authors, it is essential to avoid common mistakes, such as:
- Incorrect punctuation: Using commas or semicolons instead of the and conjunction or ampersand (&) to separate authors' names.
- Inconsistent formatting: Failing to italicize or enclose titles in quotation marks, or using incorrect capitalization.
- Missing information: Omitting essential elements, such as publication dates, page numbers, or URLs.
What is the MLA citation style, and why is it used?
+The MLA citation style is a set of guidelines for formatting research papers, including citations, references, and bibliographies. It is widely used in the humanities, such as literature, language, and cultural studies, to provide a consistent and accurate way of citing sources.
How do I format an MLA citation for a source with two authors?
+To format an MLA citation for a source with two authors, you should include both authors’ names in the citation, separated by the and conjunction or an ampersand (&). The general format is: Last Name, First Name, and First Name Last Name.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when formatting MLA citations with two authors?
+Common mistakes to avoid include incorrect punctuation, inconsistent formatting, and missing information. It is essential to follow the MLA guidelines and examples to ensure accuracy and consistency in your citations.
