How to in-text cite three authors APA
In academic writing, it is crucial to provide proper citations to acknowledge the work of other authors. When citing three authors in APA format, it is important to follow the correct in-text citation style. This article will guide you on how to in-text cite three authors APA.
1. Use the Author-Date method
The Author-Date method is the most common way to in-text cite three authors in APA format. To do this, list the authors’ last names followed by the publication year in parentheses. Separate the authors’ names with commas, and include the page number if applicable.
Example: (Smith, Johnson, & Brown, 2020, p. 45)
2. Use the Author-Date method with a shortened list
If the source has more than three authors, you can use a shortened list of the first three authors followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) in parentheses. This format is used when the source has a large number of authors.
Example: (Smith, Johnson, Brown, et al., 2020, p. 45)
3. Citing a source with three authors and a source with more than three authors
When citing a source with three authors and another source with more than three authors, it is important to distinguish between the two. Follow the Author-Date method for the source with three authors and use the shortened list for the source with more than three authors.
Example: (Smith, Johnson, & Brown, 2020, p. 45) (Smith, Johnson, Brown, et al., 2021, p. 56)
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are in-text citing three authors APA correctly. Remember to always check the specific requirements of your academic institution or publication to ensure compliance with their citation style.
