multiple authors

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "multiple authors" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to works that have more than one author. For example, "This collection of essays is written by multiple authors and covers a wide range of topics."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

*Awarded to multiple authors at judges' discretion.

Britannica

Depending on which package you choose, you can create multiple blogs and give them multiple authors.

The Guardian - Tech

A poem might consist of one word, but it had multiple authors.

The Guardian

He came to disapprove of modern scholarship positing that the Torah had multiple authors.

The New Yorker

But then again, few of her predecessors had multiple authors jostling to write books about them.

The New York Times

Not surprisingly, in light of the multiple authors, the opinion is a product of several compromises.

The New Yorker

Many documents (e.g., academic papers, government reports) are typically written by multiple authors.

Harvard University

Includes guidelines for different media types and articles with multiple authors.

Yale University

Constructing such a vocabulary requires collaboration between multiple authors, reviewers, and critics.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

These books, like many from this period, are collections of the writings of multiple authors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Every prepared Presidential address has multiple authors, but a State of the Union is the product of whole buildings full of them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing publications with "multiple authors", clearly state the number of authors involved if it's relevant (e.g., "This study involved more than ten authors").

Common error

Ensure that when citing works with "multiple authors", you consistently follow the required citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) regarding how many authors to list and how to format their names.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "multiple authors" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It typically acts as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, denoting a group of individuals responsible for creating a particular work. Ludwig examples demonstrate this usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

27%

News & Media

27%

Science

24%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "multiple authors" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe works created by more than one person. As confirmed by Ludwig, its primary function is to denote collaboration and shared responsibility, appearing most frequently in academic, news, and scientific contexts. For best practices, clarify the number of authors when relevant and maintain consistent citation styles. Avoid the common mistake of inconsistent citation formats. Using semantically related phrases like "several authors" or "collaborative authorship" can add variety to your writing. The phrase is well-established and readily understood across various domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

several authors

Emphasizes that there are more than two authors involved.

numerous authors

Suggests a large number of authors contributing to a work.

various authors

Highlights the diversity or different identities of the authors.

collaborative authorship

Focuses on the cooperative aspect of writing.

joint authors

Implies shared responsibility and credit among the authors.

co-authors

A more concise term to describe shared authorship.

group of authors

Emphasizes that authors worked as a group rather than independently.

team of writers

Highlights collaboration and a structured approach to writing.

multiple contributors

Broader term applicable when individuals contribute in varied capacities, not just as primary authors.

shared authorship

Emphasizes the distributed nature of the creative credit.

FAQs

How do I cite a work with "multiple authors" in APA style?

For a work with "multiple authors" in APA style, list the first six authors, then use et al. If there are seven or more authors, include the last name and initials of the first six authors, followed by et al. (Author1, Author2, Author3, Author4, Author5, Author6, et al., Year).

What is the difference between a single author and "multiple authors" in academic publishing?

A single author indicates that one person is solely responsible for the work, while "multiple authors" signifies a collaborative effort. Works by "multiple authors" often benefit from diverse expertise and perspectives.

How does having "multiple authors" affect the credibility of a research paper?

Having "multiple authors" can enhance the credibility of a research paper, as it often implies a broader range of expertise and a more thorough review process. However, authorship disputes can negatively impact a paper's reception.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "multiple authors"?

Use "multiple authors" when you need to emphasize that a work was created through collaboration. It is especially useful when contrasting with single-authored works or when discussing collaborative writing processes.