How Many Authors for “et al.” in APA 7?
The use of “et al.” in academic writing is a common practice, particularly when citing sources with multiple authors. In APA 7th edition, the guidelines for using “et al.” have been updated to provide more clarity. The question of how many authors should be included before using “et al.” is an important one for researchers and writers to understand.
APA 7th Edition Guidelines
According to the APA 7th edition guidelines, “et al.” should be used when citing a source with three or more authors. This means that if a source has four or more authors, you should list only the first author’s name followed by “et al.” For example, if a source has four authors, you would write it as: Smith, J., et al. (2020).
Why Use “et al.?”
The use of “et al.” is intended to save space and make the reference list more concise. It also helps to avoid repetition and clutter when citing sources with multiple authors. However, it is important to note that “et al.” is not a replacement for the full list of authors. The full list of authors should still be included in the reference list.
Formatting “et al.”
When using “et al.,” it is important to format it correctly. “Et al.” should be written in lowercase letters, with no periods after each letter. Additionally, “et al.” should be followed by a period, and the rest of the citation should follow the standard APA format.
Exceptions to the Rule
While the general rule is to use “et al.” for three or more authors, there are some exceptions. For example, if the first author’s name is very long or if the source is a journal article with a large number of authors, it may be appropriate to list all the authors’ names instead of using “et al.” It is always best to consult the specific guidelines of the publication or journal you are submitting your work to.
Conclusion
Understanding how many authors should be included before using “et al.” in APA 7th edition is essential for academic writers. By following the guidelines and formatting correctly, you can ensure that your references are clear, concise, and consistent with APA standards.
