{"id":9214,"date":"2023-09-22T08:29:32","date_gmt":"2023-09-22T08:29:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/?p=9214"},"modified":"2026-03-18T18:32:25","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T18:32:25","slug":"is-et-al-italicized-in-academic-writing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vappingo.com\/word-blog\/is-et-al-italicized-in-academic-writing\/","title":{"rendered":"Is “et al.” Italicized in Academic Writing?"},"content":{"rendered":"

You’ve likely encountered “et al.<\/em>” in academic papers and textbooks. But how should it be formatted? Should “et al.” be italicized in academic writing?<\/p>\n

This quick and simple guide explores the correct formatting of the et al.<\/em> abbreviation across different citation styles.<\/p>\n

What Does et al. Mean?<\/h2>\n

“Et al.<\/em>” is an abbreviation for the Latin phrase “et alia,<\/em>” which translates to “and others.” It is commonly used in academic and research settings to denote multiple authors or contributors without having to list each one, especially when referencing sources. The use of “et al.<\/em>” provides a concise way to acknowledge collective contributions while keeping citations and references streamlined. For more guidance, see the following article: What is the Meaning of et al.?<\/a><\/p>\n

When proofreading a thesis or dissertation<\/a>, it is important to remember that “et al.<\/em>” is typically italicized in two main situations:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. When discussing the term itself in the context of explaining its meaning or usage, it is italicized in all major academic writing styles<\/a> except Chicago to indicate its status as a foreign-derived term.<\/li>\n
  2. Only the Harvard academic writing styles suggest that “et al.” is italicized when used in reference lists or in-text citations to denote multiple authors. Italicizing in these contexts helps emphasize the term’s distinctiveness and its Latin origin.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Using Italics for APA in Academic Writing<\/h2>\n

    Is et al. Italicized in APA?<\/h3>\n

    APA Style<\/strong>:
    \nIn APA, you only italicize “et al.<\/em>” when mentioning it as a standalone term. In citations, it remains in regular font.<\/p>\n

    Examples<\/em>:<\/p>\n