The Art of Citation: A Guide to 'Et Al.' in Dupeguru's Manual

In the world of academic writing, citing sources is a crucial aspect of ensuring credibility and authenticity. One of the most common abbreviations used in citations is 'et al.,' which stands for 'and others' and is often used to refer to multiple authors or contributors of a work. However, when it comes to formatting this abbreviation, there can be some confusion.

In Dupeguru's manual, we find that the definition of resilience has implications for our understanding of citation practices. According to Seville et al. (2008), resilience is about being able to withstand and recover from challenging situations. This concept can also be applied to the way we approach citations in academic writing.

One common mistake when it comes to 'et al.' is attempting to make it possessive by adding an apostrophe. This error can occur when writers try to apply English plural rules, such as using possessive apostrophes with words like 'cups of tea' or 'tape measures,' to the abbreviation. However, this approach is not only unnecessary but also incorrect.

In fact, Sarah Madden's wise words on Quora (Klyne, 2020) suggest that making 'et al.' possessive would be inelegant and unnecessary, given that it is already a plural abbreviation for 'and the others.' Furthermore, APA 7th edition handbook (2019) does not recommend adding a possessive apostrophe to this abbreviation.

In addition, some writers may mistakenly format 'et al.' as 'Seville et al.'s,' which can lead to confusion and inconsistencies in citations. Instead, it is recommended to stick with the standard formatting of 'et al.' without attempting to make it possessive.

A recent example of an attempt at making an APA 'et al.' citation possessive was discovered in a student's draft master thesis. This error highlights the importance of following established guidelines and conventions for citation practices.

In conclusion, when it comes to citing sources using 'et al.,' it is essential to follow established guidelines and avoid attempting to make the abbreviation possessive by adding an apostrophe. By doing so, writers can ensure that their citations are accurate, consistent, and credible.

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