How to Cite a Paraphrase with Multiple Authors APA
Paraphrasing is an essential skill in academic writing, as it allows you to present information from other sources in your own words while still giving credit to the original authors. When paraphrasing a source with multiple authors, it is crucial to follow the APA citation format correctly to avoid plagiarism. In this article, we will guide you on how to cite a paraphrase with multiple authors using APA style.
When paraphrasing a source with multiple authors, the APA format requires you to include the authors’ names, the publication date, the title of the source, and the title of the work you are referencing. The following structure will help you format your in-text citation and reference list correctly.
In-text citation:
If you are paraphrasing a source with multiple authors and only one of them is mentioned in the text, you should include all the authors’ names in the parentheses. For example:
(Johnson, Smith, & Doe, 2020) discusses the impact of climate change on coastal communities.
If you are paraphrasing a source with multiple authors and all of them are mentioned in the text, you can use “et al.” to represent the remaining authors. For example:
(Johnson, Smith, Doe, et al., 2020) highlights the importance of sustainable practices in agriculture.
Reference list:
In the reference list, you should list all the authors’ names in alphabetical order. If there are more than three authors, include the first author’s name followed by “et al.” Here’s an example of how to format the reference list entry:
Johnson, J., Smith, A., Doe, B., & et al. (2020). The impact of climate change on coastal communities. Journal of Environmental Studies, 12(3), 45-58.
Remember that the format may vary depending on the type of source you are citing (e.g., book, journal article, website). It is essential to consult the APA Publication Manual or a reliable APA citation guide for specific formatting instructions.
In conclusion, citing a paraphrase with multiple authors in APA style requires you to include the authors’ names, publication date, and the title of the source. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your paraphrasing is correctly attributed and avoid any potential plagiarism issues.
