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An in-text citation is placed in the body of the paper to briefly identify the information as coming from an outside source. It refers to the source from the References page.

In order to create in-text citations, it's important to already have a references page. The in-text citation is formed by using the first part of the reference entry. The underlined elements in the image below illustrate the parts of the reference used in the citation. 

There are two types of in-text citations. You can:

1. Introduce the cited information or quotes using a narrative citation (also known as a signal phrase or a citation in prose), like "according to..." or "...states that." Work these statements into the text of the paper so that the information fits seamlessly into the prose. Many instructors prefer this method because it's an automatic alert that the text that follows is not the student's own words.
2. Use a parenthetical citation to insert a quote or paraphrase into the paper. Acknowledge the author of the source in parentheses at the end of the sentence.

Valid in-text citations refer only to the reference element that is closest to the left margin. You would not use an element that is in the middle of a citation. See the examples below.

See  APA Manual, 7th edition, chapter 8, for more information.

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