In APA, you are required to include an in-text citation when you quote or paraphrase in order to document the source of your information. These in-text citation point your readers to more complete citation information in the reference list section of your paper.
Basic Structure of APA In-Text Citations
There are two ways to write your in-text citations:
Type of citation |
Example citation |
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Parenthetical: All components of the in-text citation are included in parenthesis at the end of the sentence. |
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Narrative: Components of the in-text citation are written within the sentence. |
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Similar to reference list citations, there are specific author guidelines for in-text citations.
Type of citation |
Example citation |
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One author | (Aubrey, 2019) |
Two authors | (Schuler & Pearson, 2019) |
Three or more authors | (Cates et. al., 2020) |
Organization as an author |
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A page number is required for direct quotes and encouraged for paraphrasing.
Use the abbreviation “p.” for one page or “pp.” for multiple pages
No page number? Use another identifying element such as a paragraph number, chapter number, section number etc.
Citing more than one source in your in-text citation? List the sources alphabetically by author's last name in the same order they would appear on the References List.
Sometimes an author will mention another person’s work by quoting or paraphrasing information from that source. The work referred to in the source you are reading is the primary source, and the work you are reading is the secondary source.
Type of citation | Example citation |
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Reference List: You will only need to include citation information for the source you are reading, the secondary source, in your reference list. |
Grossman, R. (2009). Structures for facilitating student reflection. College Teaching, 57(1), 15-22. https://doi.org/10.3200/CTCH.57.1.15-22 |
In-Text Citation: Identify the primary source and then write "as cited in" the secondary source.
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Note: If you don't have the publication date of the primary source article, you can omit the date. For example:
According to Zimmerman, (as cited in Grossman, 2009) “metacognition is defined as the awareness of and knowledge about one’s own thinking” (p.17).