So You Need to Cite Two Authors in Chicago Style? Don't Panic, It's Not Brain Surgery (Although Referencing a Medical Journal Would Be a Different Story)
Let's face it, citations can be the bane of a student's existence. You finally found that perfect source to back up your claim that squirrels are plotting world domination (hey, it's a valid research topic!), but then you get hit with the "Chicago Style, two authors" roadblock. Fear not, intrepid scholar! Referencing two authors in Chicago is a breeze, easier than coaxing a confession out of a particularly tight-lipped rodent.
Step 1: In-Text Citations - Those Little Numbers by Your Words
Imagine you're having a conversation with your professor about squirrels. You wouldn't just blurt out random facts, would you? You'd mention where you heard them! In-text citations are like that. Here's the skinny:
- Full Name, Full Glory: When you first mention the source, use both authors' last names separated by a comma, followed by "and" (not &). Then, the year in parentheses: (Smith and Jones, 2023).
- Keeping it Short and Sweet: After the first introduction, use just the last names again, separated by a comma: (Smith and Jones, 2023).
For Example: Professor Pecan, you wouldn't believe it, but according to a recent study by Smith and Jones (2023), squirrels have been stockpiling nuts at an alarming rate! (See, easy!)
Step 2: The Big Reveal - The Bibliography
This is where you give the source its proper due, like a fancy award ceremony (minus the red carpet and those awkward acceptance speeches). Here's how it goes down:
- Last Names First: Flip the author names, putting the last name first, followed by a comma, then the first name (initials work too). Smith, John, and Jane Jones.
- Title Time: Write the title of the source, italicized and followed by a colon.
- Publication Details: City of publication, publisher, and year of publication, all separated by colons: Chicago: Squirrel Publishing Co., 2023.
Altogether now!
Smith, John, and Jane Jones. The Great Nut Stockpile: Are Squirrels Planning World Domination?. Chicago: Squirrel Publishing Co., 2023.
Bonus Tip: If you're feeling fancy, you can add the page number you referenced in the in-text citation after the year in the bibliography.
There you have it, folks! Citing two authors in Chicago Style is a walk in the park (just be careful of rogue acorns). Now you can get back to researching your squirrel conspiracy theory, and maybe throw in a citation or two about the psychological impact of living in fear of a nut-wielding rodent uprising. Just sayin'.
