Welcome to our beginner’s guide to APA in-text citations. As a writer, researcher, or student, it’s crucial to properly cite your sources to give credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism. APA (American Psychological Association) style is one of the most commonly used citation styles in academic writing. In this guide, we will walk you through the basics of APA in-text citations.
What are APA In-Text Citations?
In-text citations are references to sources that you include within the body of your writing. This allows readers to know where you found the information and enables them to find the original source themselves. APA style requires you to include the author’s last name and the publication year within parentheses when citing a source directly in your text.
Formatting Rules for APA In-Text Citations
When creating APA in-text citations, make sure to follow these formatting rules:
- For a paraphrased or summarized idea, include the author’s last name and the publication year.
- For a direct quote, include the author’s last name, publication year, and the page number.
- If the author’s name is not available, use the title of the source instead.
Examples of APA In-Text Citations
Here are some examples of how to format APA in-text citations:
- (Smith, 2019) – for paraphrased or summarized information
- (Smith, 2019, p. 25) – for a direct quote with a page number
- (“Title of Source,” 2020) – if the author’s name is not available
Using APA In-Text Citations in Your Writing
Integrating APA in-text citations into your writing can be a bit challenging at first, but with practice, it will become a natural part of your writing process. Remember to always include the proper citation whenever you use someone else’s ideas, research, or words in your work.