APA In-Text Citation Multiple Authors Example
When writing academic papers or conducting research, it is important to give credit to the authors and sources you have used. The American Psychological Association (APA) has established a set of rules and guidelines for citing sources, including in-text citations. In the case of multiple authors, the APA style provides specific guidelines to follow. In this article, we will explore what APA in-text citation for multiple authors is, how to use it, and provide examples for better understanding.
What do you mean by APA in-text citation for multiple authors?
APA in-text citation for multiple authors is a way to acknowledge and give credit to the authors of a source within the body of your academic paper. It allows readers to identify the specific sources you have used and locate them in the reference list at the end of your paper. When there are multiple authors, the APA style requires the inclusion of all the authors’ last names and the year of publication.
How to use APA in-text citation for multiple authors?

Using APA in-text citation for multiple authors is relatively straightforward. When you mention a source in the text of your paper, you need to include the author’s last names and the year of publication in parentheses. If the source has two authors, include both last names. If the source has three or more authors, include the last name of the first author followed by et al. (which means and others in Latin) and the year of publication.
For example:

– Two authors: (Smith & Johnson, 2019)

– Three or more authors: (Brown et al., 2020)
What is known about APA in-text citation for multiple authors?
The APA in-text citation for multiple authors is a widely recognized and accepted method for citing sources in academic writing. It ensures that credit is given to the original authors and allows readers to locate the full reference in the reference list. It is commonly used in fields such as psychology, sociology, education, and other social sciences. Adhering to the APA guidelines for in-text citation helps maintain academic integrity and avoids plagiarism.
Solution for APA in-text citation for multiple authors
Here are some tips and solutions to help you correctly use APA in-text citation for multiple authors:
Always check the number of authors in the source you are citing. If there are two authors, include both last names. If there are three or more authors, use et al.
Ensure that the authors’ last names are listed in the same order as they appear on the source.
Include the year of publication in parentheses immediately after the authors’ last names.
Place the citation at the appropriate point in your sentence or paragraph, usually after a direct quote or paraphrase.
Make sure to punctuate your sentence or paragraph correctly, placing the punctuation after the closing parenthesis of the citation.
FAQs About APA In-Text Citation for Multiple Authors
1. Can I use et al. for two authors in APA in-text citation?
No, in APA style, if a source has two authors, you must include both last names in the in-text citation.
2. How do I format the in-text citation for three or more authors?
For sources with three or more authors, you need to include the last name of the first author followed by et al. and the year of publication in parentheses.
3. What if the source has no author listed?
If the source you are citing has no listed author, you should use the title of the work in the in-text citation instead.
4. Do I need to include page numbers in the in-text citation for multiple authors?
Page numbers are not typically required in the in-text citation for multiple authors unless you are directly quoting from a specific page.
5. Is there a specific order in which the authors’ names should be listed?
Yes, the authors’ names should be listed in the same order as they appear on the source. Make sure to check the source carefully to accurately include the authors’ names.