Let’s add a twist. What if you have two sources by the same three authors? MLA expects you to distinguish them. In the text, add a shortened title after the authors. Example: (Smith, Jones, and Lee, “Science Rules” 34). Another source? (Smith, Jones, and Lee, “Art is Hard” 12).
Yes, it’s fussy. Yes, it’s annoying. But think of it this way: you’re giving your reader a GPS, not a riddle. They’ll find the exact source without squinting. That’s kindness, friend.
