How to Cite 2 Authors in APA
Citing sources in APA style can sometimes be a bit confusing, especially when dealing with multiple authors. If you are citing a source with two authors, it’s important to follow the correct format to ensure accuracy and consistency. In this article, we will guide you through the process of how to cite 2 authors in APA style.
Basic Format for Citing 2 Authors
When citing a source with two authors in APA style, you should list both authors’ last names followed by their first initials. Separate the authors’ names with a comma and a space. Then, include the publication date in parentheses, followed by the title of the source, the title of the container, the publisher, and the page numbers (if applicable).
Here’s an example of how to format a citation with two authors:
Smith, J. A., & Johnson, L. B. (2020). The impact of climate change on coastal communities. Journal of Environmental Studies, 10(2), 45-58.
Formatting In-Text Citations
In-text citations for sources with two authors also follow a specific format. You should include both authors’ last names, separated by an ampersand (&), followed by the year of publication. If you are directly quoting the source, include the page number after the year.
For example:
(Smith & Johnson, 2020)
(Smith & Johnson, 2020, p. 45)
Formatting Block Quotes
When using a block quote from a source with two authors, you should still include both authors’ last names and the year of publication. However, the formatting for block quotes is slightly different from regular in-text citations.
Here’s an example:
Smith & Johnson (2020) argue that the rapid pace of climate change is causing significant damage to coastal communities around the world. “These changes are not only affecting the physical environment but also the socio-economic well-being of those living in these areas” (Smith & Johnson, 2020, p. 45).
Formatting Cited References
In the reference list, you should list the two authors’ last names, followed by their first initials, the publication date, the title of the source, the title of the container, the publisher, and the page numbers (if applicable).
Here’s an example:
Smith, J. A., & Johnson, L. B. (2020). The impact of climate change on coastal communities. Journal of Environmental Studies, 10(2), 45-58.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are correctly citing sources with two authors in APA style. Remember to always double-check the formatting and make any necessary adjustments to fit the specific requirements of your assignment or publication.
