How to Cite More Than 3 Authors APA in Text
When citing sources in APA format, it is essential to follow the correct guidelines, especially when dealing with works that have more than three authors. Proper citation not only gives credit to the original creators but also helps readers locate the sources. In this article, we will discuss how to cite more than three authors in APA in-text citations.
APA in-text citation format for more than three authors
To cite a source with more than three authors in APA format, you should include the first author’s last name, followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) and the publication date. For example:
Smith, Johnson, & Smith (2020) argue that…
In this example, “et al.” indicates that there are more than three authors, and only the first author’s name is mentioned. This format is used when the list of authors is lengthy and could become cumbersome.
Formatting multiple works by the same author
When citing multiple works by the same author, you should include the author’s last name, followed by a comma and the year of publication. To differentiate between the works, you can use lowercase letters after the year. For example:
Smith (2019a) conducted a study…
Smith (2019b) concluded that…
In this example, the works are distinguished by the lowercase letters following the year of publication.
Formatting multiple works by the same author and other authors
When citing a work by multiple authors, including one or more with the same last name as the primary author, you should still use the “et al.” format. For example:
Smith, Jones, & Smith (2020) discuss the impact of…
In this example, “et al.” is used because there are more than three authors, and one of them shares the same last name as the primary author.
Formatting works with no known author
When citing a work with no known author, use a shortened title of the work instead of an author’s name. For example:
(The Effects of Climate Change, 2018) highlights the…
In this example, the shortened title “The Effects of Climate Change” is used to replace the author’s name.
Conclusion
Citing more than three authors in APA format is a crucial aspect of academic writing. By following the guidelines mentioned in this article, you can ensure that your in-text citations are accurate and professional. Remember to always consult the latest edition of the APA Publication Manual for the most up-to-date guidelines.
