Can you use et al for 2 authors?
When citing references in academic writing, the use of “et al.” is a common practice to abbreviate the list of authors. However, there is often confusion regarding when it is appropriate to use “et al.” for two authors. In this article, we will explore the guidelines and best practices for using “et al.” when referencing two authors in your work.
The term “et al.” is derived from the Latin phrase “et alii,” which means “and others.” It is used to shorten the author list when there are multiple authors, typically when there are three or more. However, the use of “et al.” for two authors can be controversial, as it may imply that the contributions of both authors are not equally significant.
According to the APA (American Psychological Association) style guide, “et al.” should not be used for two authors. Instead, both authors’ names should be listed in the reference. This rule applies to all APA-style citations, including in-text citations and reference lists.
For example, if you are citing a work by two authors, such as Smith and Johnson, your in-text citation should read: (Smith & Johnson, 2020). In the reference list, the full names of both authors should be included: Smith, J., & Johnson, J. (2020). Title of the article. Journal Name, 10(2), 123-145.
On the other hand, the MLA (Modern Language Association) style guide does not explicitly prohibit the use of “et al.” for two authors. However, it is generally recommended to avoid using “et al.” when citing two authors, as it may undermine the importance of both authors’ contributions.
In the MLA style, if you are citing a work by two authors, both names should be included in the in-text citation and reference list, similar to APA style. For instance: (Smith and Johnson 23). In the reference list, the full names of both authors should be provided: Smith, John, and Jane Johnson. “Title of the Article.” Journal Name, vol. 10, no. 2, 2020, pp. 123-145.
In conclusion, while the use of “et al.” for two authors is not universally accepted, it is generally advisable to list both authors’ names when citing their work. Following the guidelines of the specific citation style you are using (APA, MLA, etc.) will ensure that your references are accurate and respectful of the authors’ contributions.
