Mastering Et Al A Clear Guide To Using Et Al Correctly Across Citation Styles

The Latin phrase et al., short for et alia (meaning “and others”), is commonly used in academic writing to simplify citations involving multiple authors. While it streamlines references, incorrect usage can undermine credibility, confuse readers, or violate style guidelines. Whether you're drafting a research paper, thesis, or journal article, understanding how and when to use et al. across major citation systems—APA, MLA, Chicago, and others—is essential for clarity and professionalism.

Understanding the Basics of 'et al.'

Et al. is not interchangeable with phrases like “and colleagues” or “and team.” It specifically refers to additional authors not named in a citation. The abbreviation always includes a period because it stands for a full word (al. = alia), and it should be italicized only if the surrounding text is italicized—for example, in a book title.

Common misconceptions include using et al. after a single author (“Smith et al.” when only Smith wrote the work) or assuming it applies universally across all citation formats. In reality, each style has precise rules governing its use based on the number of authors and context—whether in-text citation or reference list entry.

Tip: Never use \"et al.\" unless there are at least three authors; never write \"et. al\" without the space before the period.

Using 'et al.' in APA Style (7th Edition)

The American Psychological Association (APA) format is widely used in social sciences. Its approach to et al. depends on the number of authors and whether the citation appears in-text or in the reference list.

In-text citations follow these rules:

• One or two authors: List all names every time (e.g., Smith & Jones, 2023).
• Three or more authors: Use the first author’s name followed by et al. from the first citation onward (e.g., Brown et al., 2022).

This differs from earlier editions, which required listing all authors the first time and then using et al. afterward. The 7th edition simplified this rule significantly.

In the reference list, however, APA requires listing up to 20 authors. After 20, use an ellipsis after the 19th author, then add the final author without et al..

“Consistency in citing sources builds trust and transparency in scholarly communication.” — Dr. Rebecca Thompson, Academic Writing Consultant, University of Michigan

MLA Style Guidelines for 'et al.'

Modern Language Association (MLA) style, commonly used in humanities and literature, uses et al. more conservatively than APA. According to the 9th edition:

• If a source has three or fewer authors, list all names in both in-text citations and the Works Cited page.
• If a source has four or more authors, use the first author’s name followed by et al. in both places.

For example:

1. In-text: (Martinez et al. 45)
2. Works Cited: Martinez, Carlos, et al. Literary Crossroads: Modern Narratives. Oxford UP, 2021.

Unlike APA, MLA does not differentiate between in-text and full reference treatment beyond the initial author count threshold. This consistency reduces confusion but requires careful attention during the editing phase.

Chicago Style and Other Formats

Chicago Manual of Style offers two systems: Notes-Bibliography (NB) and Author-Date. Their handling of et al. varies accordingly.

Style System	In-Text Citation / Footnote	Bibliography Entry
Chicago NB (Humanities)	First citation: Full names of up to 10 authors Subsequent: First author + “et al.”	List first seven authors, then “et al.” if more than 10
Chicago Author-Date	(Lee et al. 2020)	List all authors up to 10; beyond that, use “et al.” after seventh
CSE (Scientific)	(Taylor et al. 2019)	List all authors or use “et al.” depending on journal preference

IEEE, often used in engineering and computer science, defaults to et al. whenever there are more than six authors in a citation. The full list may appear in the reference section, but in-text citations always use the first author plus et al..

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying 'et al.' Correctly

Follow this sequence to ensure accurate usage regardless of citation style:

1. Determine the total number of authors listed on the original source.
2. Identify your required citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).
3. Check the threshold for using et al. in that style (e.g., 3+ authors in APA, 4+ in MLA).
4. Apply consistently in both in-text citations and bibliographies.
5. Verify punctuation and formatting: Always include a period after “al,” maintain proper spacing, and avoid italics unless necessary.
6. Cross-check with official style guides or university writing center resources before submission.

Tip: When in doubt, consult the latest edition of the relevant style manual—many universities provide free online access through library portals.

Real-World Example: A Student’s Dilemma

Jessica, a graduate student in sociology, was preparing her literature review using APA 7th edition. She cited a study authored by five researchers: Rivera, Kim, Patel, Lopez, and Nguyen. Initially, she wrote: “(Rivera, Kim, Patel, Lopez, & Nguyen, 2021).” Her advisor noted that this violated APA’s updated rule requiring et al. for three or more authors.

After correction, all in-text citations appeared as “(Rivera et al., 2021),” improving readability and compliance. In her reference list, she included all five names as required. This small change enhanced the professionalism of her paper and demonstrated attention to detail.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced writers make errors with et al.. Here are frequent pitfalls and corrections:

• Mistake: Using “et. al” with a period after “et” — Incorrect.
  Fix: Always write “et al.” — only “al” is abbreviated.
• Mistake: Applying et al. to two-author works.
  Fix: Name both authors in all styles.
• Mistake: Omitting commas where required (e.g., in APA: Brown et al., 2022—not Brown et al 2022).
• Mistake: Mixing styles within one document.
  Fix: Stick to one citation system throughout.

Quick Checklist for Proper Use of 'et al.'

Before submitting any academic work, run through this checklist:

• ✅ Number of authors confirmed from original source
• ✅ Correct style guide applied (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.)
• ✅ Threshold for et al. met (e.g., ≥3 in APA, ≥4 in MLA)
• ✅ Period included after “al”
• ✅ No comma between author name and “et al.” unless style requires it (APA does)
• ✅ Consistent use in-text and in references
• ✅ Punctuation and spacing verified

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 'et al.' in the reference list?

Yes, but only if the style permits it. APA allows et al. in-text but requires listing up to 20 authors in the reference list. MLA uses et al. in both places when there are four or more authors. Always check specific guidelines.

Is 'et al.' appropriate for non-academic writing?

Rarely. Outside scholarly contexts, it may confuse general readers. Instead, say “and others” or rephrase to name key contributors. Reserve et al. for formal research papers, theses, and journals.

What about organizational authors or group names?

If the author is an organization (e.g., World Health Organization), do not use et al.. Cite the full name each time or abbreviate if allowed (e.g., WHO) after first mention.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Mastering et al. is more than a grammatical nuance—it reflects precision, respect for academic conventions, and clarity in scholarly dialogue. As research grows increasingly collaborative, concise yet accurate attribution becomes even more critical. By internalizing the rules of your chosen citation style and double-checking each instance of et al., you strengthen the integrity of your work.

🚀 Take control of your citations today. Review your latest paper for et al. accuracy, share this guide with peers, or leave a comment with your own tips for managing multi-author references!