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 a general example. For more specific examples consult the designated pages for the type of source.
- APA 7th edition Quick GuideProvides examples of common reference and in-text citing formats.
In Text Citation: Basic Structure
- Only includes the author's (authors) last name followed by publication year and is in is parentheses e.g., (Adams, 2018).
- Placed at the end of the sentence
- Individual elements are separated by commas
- If author (or authors) name is used in the sentence, only publication year is placed in parentheses and next to the author's name
- e.g. - Adams and Brown (2018) highlight the use of...
| 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) |
|
Group author with abbreviation |
||
|
First citation* |
(National Park Service [NPS], 2023) | National Park Service (NPS, 2023) |
|
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
- Second line of a reference is indented .5 inches (Hanging indent)
- Each author's name is listed last name, first initial - e.g., Adams, S.
- Individual elements are separated by periods
| Author Type | Reference |
| One author | McCord, E. L. (2012). The value of species. Yale University Press. |
| Two authors |
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. |
| Three to twenty authors |
Fisher, D., Frey, N., Quaglia, R. J., Smith, D., & Lande, L. L. (2018). Engagement by design: Creating learning environments where students thrive. Corwin Literacy. |
|
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. Use a source manager:
- 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.
- 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.
