How do you use et al correctly?

How do you use et al correctly?

A Work by Three or More Authors In et al., et should not be followed by a period. Only "al" should be followed by a period. Since et al. is plural, it should always be a substitute for more than one name. In the case that et al. would stand in for just one author, write the author's name instead.

When can I use et al?

1. Writers sometimes use the surname of the first author followed by et al. at the first mention of a work that has three, four, or five authors. Only when a work has six or more authors should the first in-text citation consist of the first author followed by et al.

Where does et al come from?

Et al. comes from the Latin phrase meaning “and others.” It is usually styled with a period, but you will occasionally see et al as well. Et al. typically stands in for two or more names, especially in bibliographical information.

How do you read et al?

"et al." is an abbreviation. When read aloud, you pronounce the full term "et alii" (or "et alia") – same as you would say "et cetera" when reading aloud the "etc." abbreviation. Alternatively, you could say "and others" – same as you would say "for example" when reading aloud the "e.g." abbreviation.