Citations refers to giving credit to the original source from where data or information is used. An in-text citation is a brief reference within the body of your academic work that identifies the source of information or ideas you’ve used. It helps readers locate the full reference in your reference list. Typically, it includes the author’s family name and the year of publication.
Example:
(Pitcan et al., 2018)
In-text citations ensure that your research remains credible, traceable, and plagiarism-free — an essential skill for agriculture, veterinary, and research students.
Types of In-Text Citations
There are two main types of in-text citations used in APA Style (7th Edition):
1. Parenthetical Citations
These include both the author and the publication year in parentheses, placed directly after the idea being referenced.
Example:
… as shown in recent studies (Mihrshahi & Baur, 2018).
Make sure your citation appears before the punctuation mark.
2. Narrative Citations
In this form, the author’s name appears as part of the sentence, while the year follows in parentheses.
Examples:
Kessler (2014) found that among epidemiological samples…
In 2014, Kessler’s study showed that…
Narrative citations emphasize the author and make writing sound more natural — especially for oral or thesis presentations.
Citation Rules Based on the Number of Authors
| Number of Authors | Parenthetical Citation | Narrative Citation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Author | (Smith, 2007) | Smith (2007) |
| 2 Authors | (Mihrshahi & Baur, 2018) | Mihrshahi and Baur (2018) |
| 3 or More Authors | (Hewit et al., 2016) | Hewit et al. (2016) |
| Group Author | (Department of Health, 2020) | Department of Health (2020) |
If a work has one or two authors, always include both names each time you cite it. For three or more authors, write only the first author’s surname followed by “et al.” If the author is an organization or institution, use its full name.
How to Cite Direct Quotations
When quoting directly, enclose the words in quotation marks and include the page number (or paragraph number if pages aren’t available).
Example:
“Participants curated a respectable online presence by avoiding controversial topics” (Pitcan et al., 2018, p. 170).
For quotes longer than 40 words, format the passage as a block quote without quotation marks. Place the citation after the punctuation.
Example Paragraph with In-Text Citations
A few researchers in the linguistics field have developed training programs designed to improve native speakers’ ability to understand accented speech (Derwing et al., 2002; Thomas, 2004). Derwing et al. (2002) conducted their training with students preparing to be social workers, but note that other professionals who work with non-native speakers could benefit from a similar program.
These examples show how in-text citations can seamlessly support your arguments without interrupting the flow of your writing.
How to Cite Web Pages in Text
Follow the same rules when citing web pages. The author may be an organization, and if there’s no date, use n.d. (no date).
Examples:
- With Author: Heavy social media use can be linked to depression (Asmelash, 2019).
- Organizational Author: More than 300 million people worldwide are affected by depression (World Health Organization, 2018).
- No Date: Establishing regular routines helps disaster survivors recover (American Psychological Association [APA], n.d.).
Formatting Multiple Authors, Groups, or Direct Quotes
- Group as Author: (American Psychological Association [APA], 2015); later citations: (APA, 2015).
- Multiple Works: (Gass & Varonis, 1984; Krech Thomas, 2004).
- Direct Quote: “Familiarity with the topic greatly facilitates interpretation” (Gass & Varonis, 1984, p. 85).
For block quotes (40+ words), indent the text and include the citation at the end:
This suggests that familiarity with nonnative speech may indeed have some effect… (Gass & Varonis, 1984, p. 77)
Why In-Text Citations Matter
In-text citations are more than formatting—they are ethical markers of academic integrity. For agriculture and veterinary students conducting research or writing theses, proper citation ensures that your work:
- Avoids plagiarism
- Gains credibility
- Meets international academic standards
Whether you’re writing a research paper on antimicrobial resistance or a project on sustainable agriculture, accurate citation strengthens your academic writing.
Final Thoughts
Mastering in-text citations builds a strong foundation for academic writing and research credibility. Whether you use APA or another style, consistency and clarity are key.
Want to improve your academic writing and referencing skills?
Explore Pedigogy’s Research and Publication Hub for expert-led lessons, citation tools, and writing guides tailored for B.Sc. Agriculture and B.V.Sc. & A.H. students. For more citation and research-writing guides, visit Pedigogy.com’s Research Hub — your trusted platform for research-based academic learning.
Updated on November 7, 2025
