When it comes to citing sources in a text, the American Psychological Association (APA) style is one of the most commonly used formats. In this article, we will explore how to do APA in-text citations in an easy and straightforward format.
Introduction to APA In-Text Citations
APA in-text citations are used to acknowledge the sources of information, ideas, and quotes that are included in a research paper or essay. The APA style requires that all sources be cited in the text, with a corresponding reference list at the end of the paper. In-text citations are typically denoted by the author’s last name and the year of publication, separated by a comma.
Basic APA In-Text Citation Format
The basic format for APA in-text citations is as follows:
- Author’s last name, First initial (Year of publication)
- Example: Smith, J. (2020)
This format is used for most sources, including books, articles, and websites. However, there are some variations to this format, which we will explore in more detail below.
Citing Multiple Authors
When citing sources with multiple authors, the APA style has specific guidelines. For sources with two authors, both authors’ names are included in the in-text citation, separated by an ampersand (&).
Example: Smith, J., & Johnson, K. (2020)
For sources with three or more authors, only the first author’s name is included in the in-text citation, followed by “et al.” and the year of publication.
Example: Smith, J., et al. (2020)
Citing Sources with No Author
When citing sources with no author, the APA style recommends using the title of the source in the in-text citation. The title should be in title case, and it should be enclosed in quotation marks.
Example: (“The Effects of Climate Change,” 2020)
Citing Sources with No Date
When citing sources with no date, the APA style recommends using the abbreviation “n.d.” in the in-text citation.
Example: Smith, J. (n.d.)
Using Parenthetical Citations
Parenthetical citations are used to provide additional information about the source, such as the page number or volume number. The APA style recommends using parentheses to enclose this information.
Example: (Smith, 2020, p. 12)
| Type of Source | In-Text Citation Format |
|---|---|
| Book with one author | Author's last name, First initial (Year of publication) |
| Book with multiple authors | Author's last name, First initial, & Author's last name, First initial (Year of publication) |
| Article with no author | ("Title of article," Year of publication) |
| Website with no date | Author's last name, First initial (n.d.) |
By following these guidelines, you can easily format your APA in-text citations and ensure that your research paper or essay is properly cited. Remember to always consult the APA Publication Manual or the APA website for guidance on more complex citation scenarios.
What is the purpose of APA in-text citations?
+APA in-text citations are used to acknowledge the sources of information, ideas, and quotes that are included in a research paper or essay.
How do I cite a source with multiple authors?
+For sources with two authors, both authors’ names are included in the in-text citation, separated by an ampersand (&). For sources with three or more authors, only the first author’s name is included in the in-text citation, followed by “et al.” and the year of publication.
What if I’m citing a source with no author or date?
+When citing sources with no author, use the title of the source in the in-text citation. When citing sources with no date, use the abbreviation “n.d.” in the in-text citation.
