MLA In-Text Citation (Et Al.) vs. MLA In-Text Citation (Multiple Authors): Which to Use?

Question

Okay, so I'm totally stumped on MLA in-text citations, specifically when I have multiple authors. Like, when do I use 'et al.' versus just listing all the names? My professor keeps saying one thing, but then I see examples that look different, and my brain is just 🤯. It's for my big research paper, and I really don't want to mess up my citations! Can someone clear this up for me? 🙏

watson.nancy9 · Accepted Answer

📚 Understanding MLA In-Text Citations: Et Al. vs. Multiple Authors

Navigating MLA in-text citations can sometimes feel like a puzzle, especially when dealing with sources that have multiple authors. The key lies in knowing the specific rules for different author counts. Let's clarify the distinction between citing multiple authors directly and using the handy abbreviation 'et al.' to ensure your academic writing is impeccable.

📖 What is MLA In-Text Citation (Multiple Authors)?

The 'multiple authors' rule in MLA applies when your source has a manageable number of contributors, specifically two or three. In these cases, you list all authors' last names in your parenthetical citation.

🔍 For a source with two authors, include both last names in every in-text citation. For example: (Smith and Jones 123).
📝 For a source with three authors, list all three last names in every in-text citation. For example: (Smith, Jones, and Miller 45).

✨ What is MLA In-Text Citation (Et Al.)?

The abbreviation 'et al.' (Latin for 'and others') comes into play when a source has numerous authors, making it impractical to list every name in your in-text citations. This rule simplifies citations for sources with four or more authors.

➡️ For a source with four or more authors, use the first author's last name followed by 'et al.' in every in-text citation. For example: (Garcia et al. 67).
💡 'Et al.' is a Latin abbreviation for 'and others.' It helps streamline citations for sources with many contributors, making your paper easier to read without sacrificing proper attribution.

⚖️ Side-by-Side Comparison: Et Al. vs. Multiple Authors

Here's a quick reference table to help you distinguish between these two citation formats:

Feature	MLA In-Text Citation (Multiple Authors)	MLA In-Text Citation (Et Al.)
Number of Authors	Two or three authors	Four or more authors
First Citation	(Author1 and Author2 Page) or (Author1, Author2, and Author3 Page)	(Author1 et al. Page)
Subsequent Citations	Same as first citation	Same as first citation
Example (Two Authors)	(Johnson and Lee 78)	N/A (Not applicable for this rule)
Example (Three Authors)	(Chen, Gupta, and Rossi 102)	N/A (Not applicable for this rule)
Example (Four+ Authors)	N/A (Not applicable for this rule)	(Nguyen et al. 215)

🎯 Key Takeaways for MLA In-Text Citations

Mastering these rules will significantly improve the clarity and correctness of your academic papers:

✅ Count Carefully: Always check the number of authors for your source to determine the correct in-text citation format.
📌 Consistency is Key: Once you determine the appropriate format for a specific source, use that same format consistently for all subsequent citations from that source throughout your paper.
📚 Consult the MLA Handbook: For specific edge cases, unique source types, or further clarification, always refer to the latest edition of the official MLA Handbook or reputable university writing guides.
✍️ Simplicity for Readers: Remember that 'et al.' is designed to simplify in-text citations for sources with many authors, making your paper more readable while still giving credit where it's due.
💡 Works Cited Page Distinction: The rules for the Works Cited page are different! On the Works Cited page, you typically list all authors (up to 20) before using 'et al.' for 21 or more, which contrasts with the in-text citation rules.