How to Cite Two Authors in APA In-Text
Citing two authors in APA format can sometimes be confusing, especially for those who are new to academic writing. However, it is an essential skill to master if you want to ensure your work is properly credited and follows the guidelines set by the American Psychological Association (APA). In this article, we will discuss the different ways to cite two authors in APA in-text citations and provide examples to help you understand the process better.
When citing two authors in APA in-text citations, you should include both authors’ last names followed by the publication date in parentheses. If the authors have the same last name, you should include their first initials to differentiate between them.
Here are some examples of how to cite two authors in APA in-text citations:
1.
Smith and Johnson (2020) found that…
2.
According to Smith and Johnson (2020),…
3.
Smith and Johnson (2020) argue that…
If you need to mention the authors’ names in the text, you can do so by including their first names along with their last names:
1.
John Smith and Jane Johnson (2020) conducted a study…
2.
As Smith and Johnson (2020) have noted,…
In cases where you are discussing the work of two authors who have the same last name, you should include their first initials to avoid confusion:
1.
A. Smith and B. Smith (2020) present evidence that…
2.
As A. Smith and B. Smith (2020) have shown,…
It is important to note that if you are citing a source with more than two authors, you should follow the same format as above but include all authors’ last names. If you need to cite a source with three or more authors, you can use “et al.” after the first author’s name:
1.
Smith, Johnson, and Brown (2020) conducted an experiment…
2.
According to Smith, Johnson, and Brown (2020),…
3.
Smith, Johnson, and Brown (2020) argue that…
Remember that proper APA in-text citations are crucial for maintaining academic integrity and ensuring that your readers can easily locate the sources you have referenced. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can confidently cite two authors in APA in-text citations and present your work in a professional and credible manner.
