How to Cite with More Than One Author APA
Citing sources with multiple authors in APA format can sometimes be a bit tricky, especially for those who are new to academic writing. However, following a few simple guidelines can help ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent. In this article, we will discuss the proper way to cite sources with more than one author using the APA citation style.
Formatting the Citation
When citing a source with more than one author in APA format, the basic structure of the citation remains the same. The key is to list all authors’ last names followed by their initials, separated by commas. If there are three or more authors, only the first author’s name is listed, followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) and the remaining authors’ last names.
For example, if you have a source with two authors, the citation would look like this:
Smith, J., & Johnson, L. (2020). The impact of climate change on coastal communities. Journal of Environmental Studies, 12(3), 45-58.
If the source has three or more authors, the citation would be:
Smith, J., Johnson, L., & Williams, M. et al. (2020). The effects of social media on political engagement. Journal of Communication, 70(2), 123-145.
Formatting the Reference List
When listing the source in the reference list, the format is similar to the in-text citation. The only difference is that you include the publication date in parentheses after the authors’ names.
For a source with two authors:
Smith, J., & Johnson, L. (2020). The impact of climate change on coastal communities. Journal of Environmental Studies, 12(3), 45-58.
And for a source with three or more authors:
Smith, J., Johnson, L., & Williams, M. et al. (2020). The effects of social media on political engagement. Journal of Communication, 70(2), 123-145.
Formatting In-Text Citations
When citing a source with multiple authors in the text, you can either include the author’s name and the year of publication or simply use the author’s name and the year in parentheses.
For example:
According to Smith and Johnson (2020), climate change has significant impacts on coastal communities.
Or:
(Smith & Johnson, 2020)
Remember to maintain consistency in your in-text citations throughout your document.
Conclusion
Citing sources with more than one author in APA format is an essential skill for academic writers. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and consistent. Always double-check your citations to avoid errors and maintain the integrity of your work.
