Is et al. Italicized? (APA, AP, Chicago, MLA)
Navigating academic and professional writing can sometimes feel like deciphering a secret code, especially when it comes to the subtle nuances of citations and abbreviations. One such common point of confusion revolves around the abbreviation “et al.” – what exactly does it mean, and how should it be formatted, particularly concerning italics? This question often arises when writers are adhering to specific style guides, each with its own set of rules.
The use of “et al.” is a practical solution to avoid lengthy lists of authors, but its presentation can vary, leading to uncertainty. Understanding these variations across major style guides like APA, AP, Chicago, and MLA is crucial for maintaining consistency and credibility in your work.
Understanding “et al.”
The phrase “et al.” is a Latin abbreviation derived from “et alia,” meaning “and others.” Its primary function in academic and professional writing is to shorten citations when a work has multiple authors. Instead of listing every single author’s name, “et al.” is used to indicate that there are additional contributors beyond those explicitly named.
This convention is particularly useful for managing bibliographies and reference lists, preventing them from becoming excessively long and cumbersome. It allows for a more concise presentation of source information while still acknowledging the collective effort involved in the work.
The decision to use “et al.” and its specific formatting often depends on the context and the required style guide. For instance, the number of authors listed before switching to “et al.” can differ significantly between styles.
APA Style: In-Text Citations
In the American Psychological Association (APA) style, the treatment of “et al.” is quite specific, especially within in-text citations. For works with three or more authors, you will use “et al.” from the first citation. This rule applies whether you are citing the work within the body of your text or in a parenthetical citation.
For example, a citation for a work by Smith, Jones, and Brown would appear as (Smith et al., 2020) in APA. The abbreviation “et al.” itself is not italicized in APA style citations.
This consistent application of “et al.” simplifies the citation process, ensuring that the focus remains on the content rather than the exhaustive listing of every author in every instance.
APA Style: Reference List Entries
While “et al.” is used in APA in-text citations for works with three or more authors, the rules for the reference list are different, especially in APA 7th edition. For works with up to twenty authors, you list all authors’ names in the reference list entry. The “et al.” abbreviation is not used in the reference list for works with fewer than twenty authors.
However, if a work has twenty-one or more authors, then “et al.” is used in the reference list entry after the nineteenth author’s name. This change was implemented in APA 7th edition to provide greater recognition to the contributions of numerous authors.
The distinction between in-text and reference list formatting is crucial for adhering to APA guidelines. Always remember to check the specific edition of the APA Publication Manual you are following.
MLA Style: In-Text Citations
The Modern Language Association (MLA) style also employs “et al.” for citations, but its application differs from APA. In MLA, “et al.” is used in parenthetical and narrative citations when a work has three or more authors. The abbreviation “et al.” is not italicized in MLA style.
For instance, if a source has authors Smith, Jones, and Brown, the MLA in-text citation would be (Smith et al.). This applies to all subsequent citations of the same work within your text.
MLA’s approach emphasizes brevity in citations, assuming readers can locate the full author list in the Works Cited page. This focus on conciseness aids in the flow of the academic prose.
MLA Style: Works Cited Page
On the Works Cited page in MLA style, the rule for “et al.” is straightforward. For works with three or more authors, you list the first author’s last name followed by “et al.” This is done regardless of the total number of authors. The abbreviation “et al.” is not italicized.
An example entry on the Works Cited page would begin with: Smith, John, et al. The title of the book. Publisher, Year.
This consistent rule for the Works Cited page simplifies the process of compiling your bibliography. It ensures that all entries with three or more authors are formatted uniformly.
Chicago Style: Notes and Bibliography
The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) offers two systems: notes and bibliography, and author-date. In the notes and bibliography system, the use of “et al.” depends on the number of authors. For works with more than three authors, “et al.” is used in footnotes or endnotes after the first mention of the source.
The abbreviation “et al.” is not italicized in Chicago style notes. For example, a note might read: 1. John Smith, Jane Doe, Robert Green, and Michael White, The History of Everything (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2021), 45. Subsequent notes for the same source would be: 2. Smith et al., History of Everything, 78.
This system allows for flexibility in how sources are introduced, with “et al.” serving its purpose of conciseness after the initial full citation.
Chicago Style: Bibliography Entries
In the bibliography section of the Chicago Manual of Style (notes and bibliography system), the approach to “et al.” also varies based on the number of authors. For works with up to three authors, all authors’ names are listed. However, for works with four or more authors, only the first author’s name is listed, followed by “et al.”
The abbreviation “et al.” is not italicized. An example entry for a book with four authors would be: Smith, John, Jane Doe, Robert Green, and Michael White. The History of Everything. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2021.
For a work with four authors, the bibliography entry would be: Smith, John, et al. The History of Everything. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2021.
This rule ensures consistency in the bibliography, making it easier for readers to scan and locate sources.
Chicago Style: Author-Date System
In the author-date system of the Chicago Manual of Style, “et al.” is used in both the text citations and the reference list. For works with four or more authors, “et al.” is used in parenthetical citations and in the reference list entry following the first author’s name.
For example, a parenthetical citation would appear as (Smith et al. 2021). The abbreviation “et al.” is not italicized in this system.
This consistent application of “et al.” across both in-text citations and the reference list in the author-date system streamlines the citation process for writers and readers alike.
AP Style: General Usage
The Associated Press (AP) Stylebook, primarily used in journalism, has its own distinct rules regarding “et al.” In AP style, “et al.” is generally not used. Instead, AP style typically requires listing all authors’ names if there are two or three authors. If there are more than three authors, AP style suggests citing the first author listed and using “and others” instead of “et al.”
For example, if a study has multiple authors, an AP style report might state: “According to a study by John Smith and others…” The phrase “and others” is preferred over the Latin abbreviation.
This preference for plain English reflects AP’s broader style philosophy, which emphasizes clarity and accessibility for a general audience.
AP Style: Specific Exceptions and Nuances
While AP style generally advises against “et al.” and prefers “and others,” there can be specific contexts or publications where its use might be permitted or even preferred, particularly if a particular publication has adopted it for conciseness in specific sections like legal citations or academic references within a journalistic piece. However, for standard news reporting, the “and others” convention is the norm.
It’s always best to consult the most recent edition of the AP Stylebook or the specific style guide of the publication you are writing for to ensure compliance. The key takeaway for AP is the strong preference for “and others” when dealing with multiple authors beyond the first.
This distinction highlights the importance of understanding the target audience and publication for which you are writing.
When to Italicize “et al.”
A crucial point of clarity is that “et al.” itself is almost never italicized in any major style guide (APA, MLA, Chicago, AP). The term “et al.” is a standard abbreviation and is treated as such, without special typographic emphasis like italics.
Italics are typically reserved for the titles of works (books, journals, films, etc.) or for foreign words that have not been fully assimilated into English. “Et al.” does not fall into these categories.
Therefore, when you see or use “et al.” in academic or journalistic writing, you should expect it to appear in plain roman type.
Why the Variation in Style Guides?
The differences in how style guides handle “et al.” stem from their differing philosophies and target audiences. APA and MLA, for example, are primarily used in academic settings where detailed attribution is important, but conciseness is also valued. Their rules evolve to balance these needs.
Chicago offers flexibility with its two systems, catering to different scholarly disciplines. AP, on the other hand, prioritizes broad readability and directness, favoring plain English phrases like “and others” over Latin abbreviations.
Understanding these underlying reasons helps in applying the rules correctly and appreciating the logic behind them.
Consistency is Key
Regardless of which style guide you are using, the most important principle is consistency. Once you have determined the appropriate style for your work, apply its rules for “et al.” uniformly throughout your document. Inconsistent formatting can be distracting to readers and may detract from the credibility of your writing.
This means adhering strictly to the requirements for both in-text citations and bibliography or reference list entries. If your professor or editor specifies a particular style, follow it meticulously.
Maintaining consistency ensures a polished and professional presentation of your research and ideas.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
One common mistake is italicizing “et al.” when it should not be. As established, “et al.” is a standard abbreviation and does not require italics in any of the major styles discussed.
Another pitfall is misapplying the author-number threshold for using “et al.” For instance, using it for a two-author work when the style guide only requires it for three or more authors can lead to errors.
Double-checking the specific requirements for your chosen style guide, especially regarding the number of authors that triggers the use of “et al.” and where it applies (in-text vs. reference list), is essential to avoid these common errors.
The Role of “et al.” in Academic Integrity
While “et al.” serves as a practical tool for conciseness, it’s important to remember its role in academic integrity. It acknowledges that a work has multiple authors without needing to list every name every time. However, the full list of authors should always be accessible, typically on the title page of the work or in a complete bibliography.
The use of “et al.” does not diminish the contributions of the authors; rather, it streamlines the citation process. The full attribution is preserved in the reference or works cited section, ensuring proper credit is given.
This balance between brevity and thoroughness is fundamental to scholarly communication.
Final Check Before Submission
Before submitting any document, a final review of your citations is highly recommended. Pay close attention to how “et al.” has been used. Confirm that it is not italicized and that it is applied according to the specific rules of the style guide you are following.
This meticulous check can catch any lingering inconsistencies or errors. It ensures that your work meets the expected standards of academic or professional presentation.
A polished final product reflects careful attention to detail throughout the writing and editing process.