How to Cite Two Authors APA in Text
In academic writing, citing sources is an essential part of the process to ensure that the reader can locate the original work and avoid plagiarism. When referencing two authors in the text, it is important to follow the guidelines set forth by the American Psychological Association (APA) to maintain consistency and accuracy. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to cite two authors APA in text.
1. Use Both Authors’ Last Names
When citing two authors in the text, include both of their last names in parentheses. Separate the names with a comma. For example:
According to Smith and Johnson (2020), the results of the study indicate a significant correlation between the variables (p. 45).
2. Include the Year of Publication
Always include the year of publication in parentheses after the authors’ names. This helps the reader identify the source quickly and ensures that the citation is up-to-date.
For example:
In their 2019 study, Brown and Davis (2019) found that…
3. Use the Author’s Last Name and the First Initial
If you mention the authors’ names in the sentence, you can use the author’s last name followed by the first initial of the first name in parentheses. For example:
Brown and D. Davis (2019) conducted a comprehensive analysis of…
4. Omitting the Author’s Name
If you do not mention the authors’ names in the sentence, you can still include their names in parentheses, but without the first initial. For example:
The study by Brown and Davis (2019) suggests that…
5. Citing Two Authors with the Same Last Name
If both authors have the same last name, include a distinguishing element such as a first initial or middle initial in parentheses to differentiate between them. For example:
In a similar study, A. Smith and J. Smith (2018) examined…
6. Citing Two Authors with the Same Last Name and Year
When citing two authors with the same last name and year, include a distinguishing element such as a first initial or middle initial, followed by the year of publication. For example:
Both Smith (2019) and Smith (2020) have conducted research on…
By following these guidelines, you can effectively cite two authors APA in text and maintain the integrity of your academic work. Always refer to the APA Publication Manual for the most up-to-date guidelines and examples.
