How to Cite 2 Authors APA 7th Edition in Text
In the APA 7th edition, citing two authors in the text is a straightforward process. When referencing two authors, you simply list both names in the text, separated by an ampersand (&). This format is commonly used when citing sources with two authors in academic writing. Let’s explore the guidelines for citing two authors in APA 7th edition in text.
Formatting Two Authors in the Text
When citing two authors in the text, you should list both names, separated by an ampersand (&). For example:
According to Smith & Johnson (2020), the results of the study indicate a significant correlation between the variables (p. 45).
In this example, “Smith & Johnson” refers to the two authors of the source. It’s important to note that the ampersand is not followed by a period, as it is considered part of the author’s name.
Using Author-Date Format
The author-date format is another way to cite two authors in the text. This format includes the authors’ last names, the publication year, and the page number (if applicable). For example:
Smith and Johnson (2020) found that the variables were significantly correlated (p. 45).
In this case, the author-date format is used to provide readers with a quick reference to the source. The parentheses around the publication year and page number help to set off this information from the rest of the text.
Formatting When Both Authors Have the Same Last Name
If both authors have the same last name, you should include an additional identifier to distinguish between them. This can be done by using a shortened form of the first name or initials. For example:
Smith & Smith (2020) conducted a meta-analysis of the existing literature (p. 23).
In this example, the authors are distinguished by using the first initial of the first name for the second author.
Formatting When Citing a Source with Two Authors and a Group Author
When citing a source with two individual authors and a group author, you should list the individual authors first, followed by the group author. For example:
Smith, Johnson, & the Research Team (2020) presented their findings at the annual conference (p. 67).
In this case, the individual authors are listed first, followed by the group author, which is indicated by “the Research Team.”
Conclusion
Citing two authors in APA 7th edition in text is a simple process that involves listing both names, separated by an ampersand, or using the author-date format. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your in-text citations are accurate and consistent with APA style.
