How to Cite in APA with 3 Authors
Citing sources in APA format is an essential skill for students and professionals in various academic fields. When referencing a source with three authors, it is important to follow the correct citation format to ensure accuracy and consistency. In this article, we will discuss how to cite in APA format with three authors, including the in-text citation and the reference list entry.
In-text Citation
When citing a source with three authors in the text, you should include all three names in the parentheses. The format for in-text citation is as follows:
(FirstName LastName, LastName, & LastName, 2020)
For example, if you are citing a journal article by Smith, Johnson, and Williams (2020), you would write:
(Smith, Johnson, & Williams, 2020)
If you are using a direct quote, you should also include the page number in the parentheses:
(Smith, Johnson, & Williams, 2020, p. 15)
Reference List Entry
In the reference list, you should list all three authors’ names, the title of the source, the publication date, and the source details. The format for a reference list entry with three authors is as follows:
LastName, F. M., LastName, F. M., & LastName, F. M. (Year). Title of the source. Source title, volume(issue number), pages. DOI or URL
For example, if you are citing a journal article with three authors, the reference list entry would look like this:
Smith, F. M., Johnson, F. M., & Williams, F. M. (2020). The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems. Journal of Environmental Science, 22(4), 45-58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jes.2020.123456
In this example, the DOI is provided for the journal article. If a DOI is not available, you can use the URL instead.
Additional Notes
When citing a source with three authors in APA format, it is important to note the following:
1. If the source has more than three authors, include the first author followed by “et al.” (meaning “and others”) after the first author’s name.
2. For books and book chapters, include the editor’s name after the author names in the in-text citation.
3. When using a direct quote, always include the page number in the parentheses.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your APA citations with three authors are accurate and consistent. Remember to consult the latest edition of the APA Publication Manual for any updates or changes to the citation format.
