Buzz
Latin abbreviations, such as etc. and et al., are frequently utilized but often misunderstood. Et al., which translates to 'and others,' is employed to condense lists of individuals, while etc. serves as a versatile abbreviation encompassing a wide range of possibilities. It's crucial to include a period after et al., as it stems from the Latin term “et alii.” Proper usage of et al. involves both formal and informal guidelines.
Procedures
Employing Et Al. in Formal Contexts
Utilize et al. in in-text citations. This abbreviation aims to streamline references, particularly in academic or formal writing contexts, including in-text citations and parenthetical remarks. For instance, if Lewis, Gilbert, and Lamar authored a piece on teamwork, the citation might read: “Lewis et al. (2006) demonstrated that a conducive teamwork environment is crucial for success.”
Use et al. after the final differing author. Reference similar citations based on the initial distinct names. Whenever there are multiple initial authors who are the same, attribution should go to the first distinct author. This principle does not apply when the primary authors differ. The following instances illustrate how to resolve the quandary of nearly identical authors.
- In 2009, Dobbs, Almond, and Chen authored Alpha
- Initial citations: (Dobbs, Almond, & Chen, 2009)
- Subsequent citations: (Dobbs, Almond, & Chen, 2009)
- Dobbs, Almond, Chen, Brown, and Ender composed Beta
- Initial citations: (Dobbs, Almond, Chen, Brown, & Ender, 2009)
- Subsequent citations: (Dobbs, Almond, Chen, et al., 2009)
- In 2009, Wilson, Dobbs, and Almond wrote Gamma
- All citations are (Wilson, Dobbs, & Almond, 2009), and do not coincide or conflict in any way with the previous two citations because Wilson is the lead author, differing from the lead author (i.e. Dobbs) in the other two.
Determine whether to include a comma before et al. There is some ambiguity and disagreement regarding the use of a comma preceding et al. The guidance hinges on whether the Oxford comma (i.e. the comma before the conjunction in a list of more than two items) is favored. Generally, substituting the phrase “and others” into the expression can aid in making the decision. Refer to the following examples for clarification:
- Without using the Oxford comma, “Moe, Curly, Larry and Shemp” becomes “Moe, Curly et al.”
- With the Oxford comma, “John, Paul, George, and Ringo” becomes “John, Paul, et al.”
Wayne C. Booth, Authority on Academic Writing Style
When enumerating multiple contributors in an academic manuscript, 'et al.' is employed to abbreviate 'and others'. Stemming from Latin, et al. translates to 'and elsewhere' or 'and other individuals'. This convenient abbreviation aids in streamlining citations and bibliographies. Nonetheless, adhering to specific guidelines is essential: et al. abbreviates individuals exclusively, 'al' is always followed by a period, and it cannot function independently as a reference.
Distinguishing Et Al. Based on the Number of Authors
Avoid using et al. when there are fewer than three authors. For both the initial and subsequent in-text citations, list out both authors as (Dalton & Wade, 1989). The use of et al. should be avoided because it always denotes plural authors, and (Dalton, et al., 1989) would imply two authors apart from Dalton.
Utilize et al. for subsequent citations involving three, four, or five authors. When dealing with more than two authors, et al. can streamline in-text citations. Therefore, the first citation should list all authors' names, while subsequent citations can employ et al. after the initial author.
Implement et al. for all citations of works with six or more authors. Listing six or more authors can be cumbersome, even for the initial reference. Hence, utilizing et al. allows for the universal abbreviation of such references.
Using Et Al. Casually
Incorporate et al. into informal work emails. When referencing a group of coworkers, using et al. might be more convenient than listing each contributor. However, consider your audience's familiarity with the term. If unsure, substitute “and others” or “and the rest.” The following examples illustrate this approach effectively:
Avoid the use of et al. in everyday speech. While commonly used in academic writing, et al. doesn't transition smoothly into spoken language. Instead, opt to mention the entire list or use a concise English alternative. For instance:
Avoid using et al. in greetings. Most salutations, such as “Dear,” convey warmth and friendliness. Inserting et al., with its potential confusion in usage and punctuation, can introduce stiffness and formality. Additionally, its presence in introductions is uncommon and may cause recipients to question its appropriateness. Consider using an appropriate plural term for the group you're addressing instead of forcing et al. into a greeting.
