Do you put parenthesis around an authors name?

You don't put parentheses around an author's name in a standard citation. Here's how you'd typically format author names in different citation styles:

* MLA: Last Name, First Name.

* APA: Last Name, First Initial.

* Chicago: Last Name, First Name.

Parentheses are used in specific contexts within citations:

* Year of publication: (2023)

* Page numbers: (p. 123)

* Shortened titles in in-text citations: (Smith, "The Power of Words")

* Specific information about an author: (Smith, a renowned linguist)

Let me know if you have a specific citation style in mind or a particular example you'd like help with!