In-text citations are a fundamental component of academic writing, especially when using APA 7. They signal to the reader which ideas are supported by external sources and allow those sources to be traced through the reference list. Even when a paper is well researched, incorrect in-text citations can significantly reduce marks.
Students often struggle with APA in-text citation rules because the style changes depending on the number of authors, the type of source, and whether the citation is a paraphrase or a direct quotation. These details matter, as APA prioritises clarity, consistency, and ethical use of sources.
This guide presents clear APA in-text citation examples aligned with APA 7 standards. Each section explains the rule, shows how it works in real academic sentences, and highlights common mistakes to avoid.
What APA In-Text Citations Are and Why They Matter
An APA in-text citation is a brief reference placed within the body of an academic paper that identifies the author and year of the source being used. Its purpose is to credit the original author and direct the reader to the full reference list entry.
APA uses an author–date system, meaning that the surname of the author and the year of publication are always included. Page numbers are added when quoting directly.
Markers view accurate in-text citation as evidence of academic honesty and scholarly discipline.
Key rule: Every in-text citation must correspond to a full entry in the reference list.
Basic APA In-Text Citation Format
The most common APA in-text citation format includes the author’s surname and the year of publication in parentheses. This format is used when paraphrasing information.
Example:
Student motivation is influenced by feedback quality (Harris, 2021).
When the author’s name is integrated into the sentence, only the year appears in parentheses.
Example:
Harris (2021) argues that feedback quality plays a central role in student motivation.
APA In-Text Citation Examples for One Author
Sources with a single author follow the simplest APA in-text citation format. This applies to books, journal articles, and most reports.
| Citation Type | Example |
|---|---|
| Parenthetical | (Brown, 2020) |
| Narrative | Brown (2020) |
Both formats are acceptable in APA 7, but consistency within a paragraph is encouraged.
APA In-Text Citation Examples for Two Authors
When a source has two authors, both surnames must be included every time the source is cited.
The ampersand (&) is used in parenthetical citations, while “and” is used in narrative citations.
Examples:
Student stress levels increase during assessment periods (Lopez & Kim, 2019).
Lopez and Kim (2019) found that assessment periods significantly increase student stress.
APA In-Text Citation Examples for Three or More Authors
APA 7 introduced a major simplification for sources with three or more authors. Only the first author’s surname is used, followed by “et al.”
| Format | Example |
|---|---|
| Parenthetical | (Nguyen et al., 2022) |
| Narrative | Nguyen et al. (2022) |
This rule applies to all citations, including the first mention of the source.
APA In-Text Citation Examples for Direct Quotations
Direct quotations require additional information beyond author and year. APA 7 mandates the inclusion of a page number or an equivalent locator.
Short quotation example:
“Effective feedback must be timely and specific” (Brown, 2020, p. 45).
If the author’s name is mentioned in the sentence, the year and page number follow in parentheses.
Example:
Brown (2020) notes that “effective feedback must be timely and specific” (p. 45).
Examiner expectation: Page numbers are compulsory for direct quotations in APA.
APA In-Text Citation Examples Without Page Numbers
Some sources, such as webpages, do not have page numbers. In these cases, APA 7 recommends using paragraph numbers or section headings.
Example:
Online learning environments require strong self-regulation skills (World Health Organization, 2023, para. 4).
If paragraph numbers are unavailable, use a section heading.
APA In-Text Citation Examples for Group or Organisation Authors
When an organisation or institution is the author, the full name of the organisation is used in the in-text citation.
Example:
Mental health policies have shifted globally (World Health Organization, 2023).
If the organisation has a well-known abbreviation, it may be introduced in brackets and used in subsequent citations.
Multiple Sources in One APA In-Text Citation
When multiple sources support the same point, they can be cited together in one set of parentheses.
Sources are ordered alphabetically and separated by semicolons.
Example:
Student engagement is influenced by assessment design (Brown, 2020; Lopez & Kim, 2019; Nguyen et al., 2022).
APA In-Text Citation Examples for Secondary Sources
A secondary source occurs when one author’s work is cited within another source that you have read. APA discourages this practice but allows it when the original source is unavailable.
Example:
Bandura’s theory emphasises observational learning (as cited in Brown, 2020).
Only the source actually read (Brown, 2020) appears in the reference list.
Common APA In-Text Citation Errors
Many APA citation mistakes arise from misunderstanding small formatting rules rather than major conceptual errors.
- Using “et al.” incorrectly for two authors
- Missing page numbers in quotations
- Incorrect punctuation or spacing
- Inconsistency between in-text citations and reference list entries
Critical warning: A mismatch between in-text citations and the reference list is a frequent cause of lost marks.
APA In-Text Citations and Academic Tone
Effective use of in-text citations strengthens academic argumentation by integrating evidence smoothly into the text.
Overuse of quotations can weaken analytical writing, while well-crafted paraphrases supported by accurate citations demonstrate higher-level academic skill.
APA 7 encourages clarity and readability, not excessive citation density.
Final Guidance on APA In-Text Citation Examples
Mastering APA in-text citations is essential for success in university assignments that require APA 7 formatting. Accurate citation protects against plagiarism and reinforces the credibility of academic arguments.
By using clear APA in-text citation examples and applying the rules consistently, students can avoid common errors and present their work with confidence.
Strong in-text citation practice, combined with a correctly formatted reference list, reflects a high standard of academic professionalism.
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