How to APA In-Text Cite More Than One Author
In academic writing, it is essential to provide proper citations to acknowledge the sources of information. The APA (American Psychological Association) citation style is widely used in the social sciences, education, and other fields. One common challenge that writers face is how to APA in-text cite more than one author. This article will guide you through the process of citing multiple authors in APA format.
When citing more than one author in the text, there are two main scenarios to consider: when the authors have the same last name and when they have different last names.
1. Same Last Name:
If the authors have the same last name, include the first initial of each author’s first name to differentiate them. For example:
According to Smith (2018), the findings suggest that…
Smith and Johnson (2019) further explain that…
2. Different Last Names:
When the authors have different last names, list them in alphabetical order followed by the publication year. Separate the authors with commas and use an ampersand (&) before the last author’s name. For example:
According to Brown, Davis, & Green (2017), the research indicates that…
Johnson, Lee, & Smith (2020) conducted a similar study and found that…
If you are referencing a source with three or more authors, include the first author’s last name, followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) and the publication year. For example:
Research by Thompson et al. (2015) supports the notion that…
It is important to note that when citing more than one author in the text, always ensure that the in-text citation corresponds to the correct entry in the reference list. This helps readers locate the source easily.
In conclusion, citing more than one author in APA format is a straightforward process. By following the guidelines mentioned above, you can effectively acknowledge the contributions of multiple authors while maintaining the integrity of your academic work.
