How to APA In-Text Cite Two Authors
In academic writing, it is crucial to give proper credit to the sources you use. One common scenario is when you need to cite two authors in your in-text citation. The American Psychological Association (APA) style has specific guidelines for this situation. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to APA in-text cite two authors.
1. Identify the Authors
The first step is to identify the authors of the source you are citing. If the source has two authors, note their full names, including their last names followed by their first initials.
2. Use the Author-Date Format
APA style requires in-text citations to follow the author-date format. When citing two authors, you should list both names in the parentheses, separated by an ampersand (&). For example:
> (Smith & Johnson, 2020)
3. Include the Year of Publication
After the authors’ names, include the year of publication in parentheses. This helps readers locate the source quickly.
4. Mention the Page Number (if applicable)
If you are referencing a specific part of the source, such as a quote or a statistic, include the page number after the year of publication. Separate the page number with a comma. For example:
> (Smith & Johnson, 2020, p. 25)
5. Use the Same Format for Subsequent References
When you cite the same source again, you can use “ibid.” instead of repeating the author names and year. However, if you are citing a different source with the same authors and year, you must repeat the author-date format. For example:
> (Smith & Johnson, 2020) discusses the importance of… (ibid., p. 30)
> (Smith & Johnson, 2020) argues that… (Smith & Johnson, 2021, p. 45)
6. Follow APA Formatting Guidelines
In addition to the author-date format, ensure that your in-text citations adhere to APA formatting guidelines. This includes using parentheses, proper punctuation, and capitalization.
By following these steps, you can effectively APA in-text cite two authors in your academic writing. Remember to always check the latest APA guidelines for any updates or changes to the citation format.
