Mastering Abbreviations in APA 7: A Comprehensive Guide for Academic Writers

Jun 27

As an academic editor, I've seen countless writers struggle with the proper use of abbreviations in their papers. Today, let's demystify some common abbreviations in APA 7 style and learn when and how to use them correctly.

The Et Al. Conundrum

One of the most frequently used abbreviations in academic writing is "et al." (meaning "and others"). Here's how to use it correctly in APA 7:

For in-text citations with three or more authors, always use only the first author's name followed by "et al." Example: (Smith et al., 2020)
This rule applies to every instance of the citation, not just the first time.
In your reference list, list up to 20 authors. For works with 21 or more authors, list the first 19, then an ellipsis (...), followed by the final author's name. 🚫No ampersand &

Latin Abbreviations: When and How to Use Them

APA 7 provides clear guidelines on the use of common Latin abbreviations:

In the main text of your paper, spell out these terms in full.
Use the abbreviations only within parentheses ✋🏻.

Here's a handy reference for some common Latin abbreviations and their meanings:

cf. = compare
e.g., = for example,
etc. = and so forth
i.e., = that is,
viz., = namely,
vs. = versus or against

Example usage

🚫Incorrect: The study focused on various marine mammals, e.g., dolphins, whales, and seals.

✅Correct: The study focused on various marine mammals (e.g., dolphins, whales, and seals).

Formatting Tips

Contrary to some styles, APA 7 does not require these abbreviations to be italicized.
Remember to include the appropriate punctuation. Note that "e.g.," and "i.e.," are followed by commas.

Why These Rules Matter

Consistent use of abbreviations enhances the clarity and professionalism of your writing. It also ensures that your work adheres to the standards expected in academic publishing.

A Word of Caution

While these abbreviations can be useful, don't overuse them. Clear, straightforward language is always preferable in academic writing. Use abbreviations to aid understanding, but not at the expense of clarity.

Mastering the use of abbreviations is a small but significant part of academic writing. By following these APA 7 guidelines, you'll ensure your writing is both professional and consistent.

🔑The key is to spell out terms in the main text and reserve abbreviations for parenthetical usage. And when in doubt, consult the APA Publication Manual!

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.), p. 176.

Do you have any questions about using abbreviations in APA 7 style? Feel free to ask in the comments below!

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Jennifer Hill