How to Cite Multiple Authors APA In-Text
Citing multiple authors in APA style can sometimes be confusing, especially when it comes to formatting the in-text citation. In this article, we will guide you through the process of citing multiple authors in APA in-text citations, ensuring that your references are accurate and consistent.
1. Basic Format
When citing multiple authors in APA in-text citations, the basic format is as follows: (Author1, Author2, Author3, & Author4, Year). For example, if you are citing a source with four authors, you would write: (Smith, Johnson, Brown, & Davis, 2021).
2. Three or More Authors
If a source has three or more authors, you only need to list the first author followed by “et al.” and the year of publication. For instance, (Smith et al., 2021) would be the correct in-text citation for a source with three or more authors.
3. Order of Authors
When listing authors in an APA in-text citation, always include all authors, even if some of them are not directly mentioned in the text. The order of authors should be the same as they appear in the source material. For example, if the source lists authors in alphabetical order, you should follow the same order in your citation.
4. Author Names and Initials
When citing multiple authors, include their full first names and last names, separated by commas. If the authors have different last names, do not use “and” between the last names. For example, (Smith, Johnson, & Brown, 2021) is correct, but (Smith, and Brown, 2021) is incorrect.
5. Page Number
If you are referencing a specific part of a source, such as a paragraph or a table, include the page number in parentheses after the year. For example, (Smith et al., 2021, p. 45) would be the correct citation if you are referencing page 45 of the source.
6. Works Cited Entry
In your Works Cited list, include all authors’ names, their full publication date, and the title of the source. If the source has three or more authors, list only the first author followed by “et al.” For example:
Smith, J., Johnson, L., Brown, M., & Davis, R. (2021). The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems. Journal of Environmental Studies, 45(2), 123-145.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your APA in-text citations for multiple authors are accurate and consistent. Remember to always double-check your citations against the latest APA Publication Manual for any updates or changes to the formatting guidelines.
