How to Cite APA in Text with 3 Authors
Citing sources in APA format is an essential aspect of academic writing, as it helps to give credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism. When citing a source with three authors in APA in-text citation, there are specific guidelines to follow to ensure accuracy and consistency. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cite APA in text with three authors.
Step 1: Identify the Author Names
The first step in citing APA in text with three authors is to identify the names of the authors. For example, let’s say you are citing a source with the following authors: Smith, Johnson, and Williams.
Step 2: Use the Author Names in the Text
When citing a source with three authors in APA in-text citation, you should include all three names in the parentheses, separated by commas. For example:
(Smith, Johnson, & Williams, 2020)
Step 3: Include the Year of Publication
After listing the author names, include the year of publication in parentheses. This helps the reader to quickly identify the source. For example:
(Smith, Johnson, & Williams, 2020)
Step 4: Include the Page Number (If Applicable)
If you are directly quoting or paraphrasing a specific part of the source, include the page number after the year of publication. For example:
(Smith, Johnson, & Williams, 2020, p. 45)
Step 5: Use a Suffix for Subsequent References
When citing the same source multiple times in your text, use a suffix to indicate the specific reference. The suffix is a lowercase letter (a, b, c, etc.) that follows the year of publication. For example:
(Smith, Johnson, & Williams, 2020a)
(Smith, Johnson, & Williams, 2020b)
This suffix is particularly useful when you have multiple sources with the same authors and publication year.
Step 6: Follow APA Format for the Reference List
Finally, ensure that you include the full reference for the source in your reference list. The reference list entry should follow APA format, including the author names, publication year, title of the source, and publication information. For example:
Smith, J., Johnson, R., & Williams, T. (2020). The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems. Journal of Environmental Science, 45(3), 123-145.
By following these steps, you can accurately and effectively cite APA in text with three authors. Remember to always double-check the specific guidelines provided by your institution or publisher to ensure compliance with their citation requirements.
