punctuation - Is "et al" always accompanied by a period?


In this sentence, is it necessary to include a period with et al?


This is an interesting paper, written by G. Andrews et al. Here, et al means Dr. X, Dr. Y, and Dr.Z.


Does the second et al need a period? Like et al.?



Answer



Yes, it should always be accompanied by a period.


Since et al. is the abbreviation of and others, where et al. could be an abbreviation for et alii, et aliae or et alia when referring to masculine, feminine or gender neutral groups respectively.


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