Exploring the APA 7th Edition Rule- How Many Authors Should Be Cited Before Using ‘et al.’-

How Many Authors Before Using “et al.” in APA 7th Edition?

The use of “et al.” in academic writing, particularly in APA 7th Edition, is a common practice to indicate that there are multiple authors contributing to a publication. However, many researchers and students often wonder how many authors should be listed before using “et al.” This article aims to provide clarity on this matter, discussing the guidelines set forth by the APA 7th Edition and offering practical advice for adhering to these rules.

Understanding the APA 7th Edition Guidelines

According to the APA 7th Edition, “et al.” should be used when there are three or more authors listed on a reference. This abbreviation is derived from the Latin phrase “et alii,” which means “and others.” The purpose of using “et al.” is to streamline references and avoid overly lengthy lists of authors, especially when there are numerous contributors.

Exceptions to the Rule

While the general rule is to use “et al.” when there are three or more authors, there are some exceptions to consider. For instance, if the reference includes a specific author’s name followed by “et al.,” it is acceptable to list up to six authors before using “et al.” In this case, the reference would read: “Smith, Johnson, Williams, Brown, Davis, & Jones (2020).” However, if there are more than six authors, “et al.” should be used from the seventh author onwards.

Formatting Examples

To illustrate the proper use of “et al.” in APA 7th Edition, consider the following examples:

1. Correct: “Smith, J., & Johnson, L. (2020). The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems. Journal of Environmental Science, 10(2), 123-145.”
2. Incorrect: “Smith, J., Johnson, L., Williams, M., Brown, T., Davis, S., & Jones, R. (2020). The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems. Journal of Environmental Science, 10(2), 123-145.”
3. Correct: “Smith, J., Johnson, L., Williams, M., Brown, T., Davis, S., Jones, R., & et al. (2020). The impact of climate change on coastal ecosystems. Journal of Environmental Science, 10(2), 123-145.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, the APA 7th Edition recommends using “et al.” when there are three or more authors listed on a reference. However, exceptions may apply when there are six or fewer authors followed by “et al.” By adhering to these guidelines, researchers and students can ensure their references are formatted correctly and maintain consistency in their academic writing.