The acronym “et al.” is an abbreviation for the Latin term ‘‘et alia,’’ meaning ‘‘and others’’ and is used in academic in-text citations when referring to a source with multiple authors. Depending on the number of authors a reference has, an APA in-text citation is abbreviated by using “et al.” after the first author’s last name. Different citation styles adopt different rules for when to use “et al.” This blog discussed the rules for APA style. For a study with one or two authors, include the authors’ last name(s) in every citation.

Here is how this could look:

• The research by Acemoglu and Robinson (2012) argues that…

           or

• … (Acemoglu & Robinson, 2012).

In APA style, for a source with three or more authors, list the first author’s last name and “et al.” for all citations, including the first citation. Note that this rule has changed from APA 6th Edition guidelines on using“et al.” which recommend listing all author names in the first citation up to five authors but then using “et al.” for the second and subsequent citations.

In October 2019, the American Psychological Association (APA) introduced the 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual, which replaces the 6th edition published in 2009. The in-intext citation for works with three or more authors is now abbreviated right from the first citation. You only include the first author’s name and “et al.”

• (Mason, Robin, Parker, & Williams, 2008) (Incorrect)

• (Mason et al., 2008)(Correct)

Here is how this would look for a source authored by Aneshensel, Rutter, and Lachenbruch (1991) published in 1991.

• (Aneshensel et al., 1991)

          or

• Aneshensel et al. (1991) emphasized that…

Remember that there is no comma between the surname and “et al.” but a comma should be placed before the date in parentheses citation.  Also, the period goes only after the “al.”    even when it falls in the middle of a sentence.

The Proper Use of "et al. " in APA Style

There are several common mistakes to watch out for when using “et al.” in APA. The “al” in “et al.” is always followed by a period, as the term is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase “et alia” et alia,’’ meaning ‘’and others.’’ In this context, the period shows that it is an abbreviation. Thus, the following forms are not correct: ‘‘et al’’, ‘‘et. al’’, ‘‘et. al.’’

The proper use of the abbreviation is ‘‘et al.’’ Also, “et al.” can be directly followed by another punctuation where necessary. However, the period always comes first: (Aneshensel et al., 2013).

When “et al.” is used right at the end of a sentence, only one period is used:

This approach is discussed by Aneshensel et al.

If you need help, then contact us!

Best Edit & Proof’s proofreaders and editors aim to provide your manuscript with proper scholarly and academic tone and style. They will improve significantly the chances of having your research manuscript accepted for publishing. Our doctorally qualified editors provide subject-matter proofreading and editing services in a number of fields categorized under various disciplines. Having considerable knowledge and expertise, they will help you find the right tone and style for your paper.

If you need Best Edit & Proof expert proofreaders and editors to format your academic manuscripts, or to give you the fundamental rules for formatting your academic manuscripts as described in your guidelines, such as MLA and APA styles, then contact us. At Best Edit & Proof, our proofreaders and editors edit every type of academic manuscript.

If you would like our language and subject-matter experts to work on your project and improve its academic tone and style, then please visit the order page. We have a user-friendly website and our ordering process is simple. It’s easy! It takes only a few minutes to submit your manuscript and complete the process. Click here to see how it works.

We have flat-rate pricing based on the type of service, word count, and turnaround time. Enter your word count or copy and paste your document into our pricing calculator to get an instant quote.

24/7 customer support | Live support

If you need support for editing and proofreading services, contact us. You can also e-mail us or use the 24/7 live chat module to get direct support. We have a 24/7 active live chat mode to offer you direct support along with qualified editors to refine and furbish your manuscript. Alternatively, you can text us through our WhatsApp business line.

Stay tuned for updated information about editing and proofreading services!

Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn,  Facebook, Instagram, and Medium.

For more posts, click here.

For more information about the citation styles and APA style, read the following articles: 

• The 9 Most Important Changes in the 7th Edition of the APA Manual

• APA Manual 7th Edition: In-Text Citation

• How to Present Tables and Figures in APA Style (7th edition)

• How to Use et al. in APA Style (7th Edition)?

• APA Style: In-Text Citation | Reference List Entry

• How to Cite Sources in APA Referencing Style? | With APA 7th Edition Update

• How and When to Use ”et al.” in APA In-Text Citations?

• Citation Styles | Which Citation Style Should I Use?

• APA Formatting Guide for Academic Manuscripts

This blog is a discussion of using et al. in APA in-text citations. To give you an opportunity to practice your proofreading, we have left a few spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors in the text. See if you can spot them! If you spot the errors correctly, you will be entitled to a 10% discount.