In-Text Citation APA 7th Edition: Examples and Guidelines
What do you mean by in-text citation APA 7th?
In-text citations are an integral part of academic writing, allowing you to acknowledge and give credit to the sources you have consulted or quoted within your paper. APA 7th edition refers to the latest version of the American Psychological Association’s style guide, which provides specific rules and guidelines for citations in various academic disciplines.
How to use in-text citation APA 7th?
When using APA 7th edition, in-text citations generally include the author’s last name and the publication year. This information is placed within parentheses and is typically followed by a page number if applicable. The exact format of the in-text citation depends on whether you are directly quoting, paraphrasing, or summarizing the source.

If you are directly quoting a source, enclose the quoted text within double quotation marks and provide the author’s last name, publication year, and page number. For example: According to Smith (2020), ‘quote here’ (p. 25).
When paraphrasing, you rephrase the original text in your own words. In this case, you still need to provide the author’s last name and publication year, but the page number is not necessary unless it is a direct quotation. For example: According to Smith (2020), the information suggests that…

If you are summarizing a source, briefly explain the main idea or findings without including direct quotes. Again, include the author’s last name and publication year. For example: Smith (2020) suggests that…
What is known about in-text citation APA 7th?
In-text citations in APA 7th edition follow a standardized format to ensure consistency and clarity in academic writing. They are essential in providing readers with the necessary information to locate and verify the sources you have used. Additionally, proper citation acknowledges the intellectual contributions of other researchers and helps you avoid plagiarism.
The 7th edition of APA style introduced some changes to in-text citations, such as using et al. when citing sources with three or more authors, and providing guidance on citing specific types of sources like social media posts and online articles without page numbers.
Solution: How to effectively use in-text citation APA 7th?
To effectively use in-text citation in APA 7th edition, consider the following guidelines:
1. Familiarize yourself with the APA 7th edition style guide or consult reputable online resources for detailed information on in-text citation rules.
2. Identify the type of source you are citing (e.g., book, journal article, website) and follow the specific formatting guidelines provided by APA.
3. Use signal phrases to introduce the author’s name and the year of publication. For example, According to Smith (2020)… or In a study by Smith (2020)….
4. Include the page number if available, especially when directly quoting a source.
5. Be consistent with your citation style throughout the paper.
6. Double-check your in-text citations against your reference list to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Conclusion
In-text citation in APA 7th edition is an important aspect of academic writing that allows you to acknowledge and give credit to your sources. By following the guidelines and examples provided in this article, you can effectively incorporate in-text citations in your work, ensuring its credibility and avoiding plagiarism.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are in-text citations necessary in APA 7th edition?
Yes, in-text citations are necessary in APA 7th edition as they provide the necessary information for readers to locate and verify your sources, while also acknowledging the contributions of other researchers.
2. What if the source I am citing doesn’t have an author?
If the source does not have a specific author, use the title or the first few words of the title in the in-text citation instead.
3. How should I format in-text citations for online sources without page numbers in APA 7th edition?
In such cases, you can use paragraph numbers (para.) or provide the section heading and the number of the paragraph.
4. Can I use et al. in in-text citations for all sources with multiple authors?
No, for sources with fewer than seven authors, you should list all the authors’ names in the reference list and the first citation. From the second citation onwards, you can use et al. for all subsequent citations.
5. Can I use footnotes in APA 7th edition instead of in-text citations?
No, APA 7th edition does not recommend the use of footnotes for citations. In-text citations are the preferred method for acknowledging sources within the text of your paper.