When citing multi-author articles, how should the names of the first author be arranged?

When citing multi-author publications, the first author's surname is typically listed first followed by "et al." to indicate additional authors, adhering to most contemporary style guides for in-text citations. This convention preserves readability and conciseness. Standard practice, governed by manuals like APA, MLA, and Chicago, mandates listing only the first author's surname followed by "et al." for sources with three or more authors in the in-text citation. Always verify the specific journal or publisher requirements, as disciplines like medicine may list up to six authors before using "et al." Crucial exceptions involve works specifically discussing authors' contributions or collaborations, where all names may still be listed. The full list of authors must appear in the reference list entry without abbreviation, ensuring proper attribution and discoverability. This formatting applies directly within the manuscript text (e.g., Smith et al., 2023). Its primary value lies in maintaining scholarly rigor while ensuring citation brevity, particularly important for complex literature reviews. Implementation requires: 1. Identify the first author listed on the publication, 2. Use their surname followed by "et al." in subsequent in-text citations after the first full citation, 3. Confirm the journal's style guide for any variations.