Is it okay to cite two authors in MLA for a strict grader?

Yes, you must cite both authors’ names in your in-text citations for a two-author source, even with a strict grader. MLA style requires listing both surnames every time you reference the work, separated by the word "and," rather than using "et al.," which is reserved exclusively for sources with three or more authors. This rule applies consistently to both your in-text citations and your Works Cited list entries. The most helpful advice is to double-check your Works Cited entry formatting to ensure the first author’s name is inverted (Last, First) while the second author’s name remains in standard order (First Last). This distinction often trips up students who accidentally invert both names or forget the comma after the first author’s surname. For instance, if you’re citing a study by Smith and Jones, your in-text citation should look like (Smith and Jones 24), while your Works Cited entry begins with Smith, John, and Jane Jones. Strict graders frequently deduct points for these subtle punctuation errors, so verifying that the second author’s name isn’t inverted and that there’s no comma between the two surnames in the in-text citation will prevent unnecessary losses. Always keep a printed copy of the MLA handbook handy to quickly verify these specific formatting rules before submitting your essay.