APA Style Structure of a Reference and In-text Citation
We use in-text citations and reference lists to guide the reader/viewer/audience to the sources used to write, present, or create the paper, speech, or other creative piece.
It is common for individuals who want to learn more about a topic to find and use the sources in a reference list. The source format and type impacts what is and isn't included in the in-text citation and reference.
This page provides general examples. For specific examples of different source types, consult the designated pages for the type of source.
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APA 7th edition Quick GuideProvides examples of common reference and in-text citing formats.
In Text Citation: Basic Structure
Use either Parenthetical or Narrative formatting.
- Parenthetical formatting
- Use when the sentence or paragraph is quoted or paraphrased and the author's (or authors) name isn't used.
- Only includes the author's (or authors) last name and publication year in parentheses.
- Placed at the end of the sentence
- Individual elements are separated by commas
- Example: Numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same research methods (Turos, 2025).
- Narrative formatting
- Use when the author's (or authors) name is included in the sentence or paragraph.
- Only the publication year is placed in parentheses next to the author's (or authors) name.
- Example: Turos and Washington (2026) state that numerous studies have replicated these results utilizing the same research methods.
Examples of APA Style in-text citations
| Author Type | Parenthetical citation | Narrative citation |
| One author | (McCord, 2012) | McCord (2012) |
| Two authors | (Green & Brown, 2017) | Green and Brown (2017) |
| Three or more authors | (Fisher et al., 2003) | Fisher et al. (2003) |
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Group author with abbreviation |
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First citation* |
(National Park Service [NPS], 2023) | National Park Service (NPS, 2023) |
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Subsequent citations |
(NPS, 2023) | NPS (2023) |
| Group author without abbreviation | (Illinois State University, 2024) | Illinois State University (2024) |
*Indicate the abbreviation for a group author only once in the text, choosing either the parenthetical or narrative format. Then use the abbreviation in the text for any additional mentions of the group. More information in Section 8.21 of the APA Publication Manual.
References: Basic Structure
This is the formatting used in the bibliography. In APA Style this list is call References.
- Specific elements vary based on the source type.
- Each author's name is listed last name, first initial - e.g., Adams, S.
- Second line of a reference is indented .5 inches (Hanging indent).
- Individual elements are separated by periods.
- Book and journal titles are italicized.
Examples of APA Style references
| Author Type | Reference |
| One author |
Book McCord, E. L. (2012). The value of species. Yale University Press. Journal Article Orozco, M. (2022). The salience of ethnic identity in entrepreneurship: an ethnic strategies of business action framework. Small Business Economics, 59(1), 243–268. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11187-021-00532-2. |
| Two authors |
Book Green, L. C., & Brown, P. B. (2017). The entrepreneur’s playbook: More than 100 proven strategies, tips, and techniques to build a radically successful business. AMACOM. Journal Article Greene, M., & Shorter, P. (2012). Building conceptual understanding in precalculus. Transformative Dialogues: Teaching & Learning Journal, 6(2), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.59236/td2012vol6iss21385 |
| Three to twenty authors |
Book Fisher, D., Frey, N., Quaglia, R. J., Smith, D., & Lande, L. L. (2018). Engagement by design: Creating learning environments where students thrive. Corwin Literacy. Journal Article Hülle, S., Liebig, S., & May, M. J. (2018). Measuring Attitudes Toward Distributive Justice: The Basic Social Justice Orientations Scale. Social Indicators Research, 136(2), 663–692. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11205-017-1580-x |
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Group author |
National Park Service. (n.d.). Milkweed and monarchs. https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/milkweed-and-monarchs.htm |
Take the hassle out of in-text citing and reference lists by using a source manager.
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Zotero.orgA free, open source software. A stand-alone application installed on your computer works in tandem with a browser add-on. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux 32-bit, & Linux 64-bit. The word processor plug-in works with MS Word, OpenOffice, and LibreOffice. Consult our Zotero Help Guide.
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EndNote BasicFree to to ISU students, faculty, and staff, is a web-based service similar to RefWorks. Compatible with most web-browsers. Word processor plug-in works with MS Word in Windows and Mac. The online platform can be paired with a desktop client you install on your computer, often referred to as just EndNote. ISU does not support the desktop version. Consult our EndNote Basic help guide for more information.
