How to Write Two Authors in APA
Writing a paper in APA format can be challenging, especially when it comes to citing multiple authors. APA style requires specific guidelines for referencing sources with two authors. In this article, we will discuss the proper way to write two authors in APA format, ensuring that your paper adheres to the guidelines set forth by the American Psychological Association.
When citing a source with two authors in APA format, you should list both authors’ last names followed by their first initials. Separate the authors’ names with a comma and include a period after the second author’s name. For example:
Smith, J. A., & Johnson, L. B. (Year). Title of the article. Journal Name, volume(issue number), page numbers.
It is important to note that the order of the authors’ names should match the order in which they appear on the source material. If the authors’ names are not listed in the order you prefer, you can rearrange them within the parentheses, but maintain the same order when citing the source.
When citing a source with two authors in a reference list, include the authors’ names, the year of publication, the title of the article, the name of the journal, the volume and issue number (if available), and the page numbers. For example:
Smith, J. A., & Johnson, L. B. (2019). The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems. Journal of Environmental Studies, 41(2), 123-145.
When mentioning the source in the text, you can use either the authors’ names or the title of the article. If you choose to use the authors’ names, place them in parentheses after the sentence you are referencing. For example:
According to Smith and Johnson (2019), climate change has a significant impact on coastal ecosystems.
Alternatively, you can mention the title of the article in parentheses. For example:
As stated in the article “The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems” (Smith & Johnson, 2019), the effects of climate change are evident in coastal regions.
In conclusion, when writing two authors in APA format, follow the guidelines for listing authors’ names, year of publication, and other relevant information. By adhering to these rules, you can ensure that your paper is properly formatted and meets the requirements of the American Psychological Association.
