This article uncovers the most common et al. punctuation mistakes and how to fix them quickly. Read till the end to master proper et al. usage and elevate your writing! When citing sources in academic writing, et al. is a handy abbreviation that saves space and streamlines references. However, many writers, students and professionals struggle with its proper punctuation. Should it be italicised? Does it need a period? What about commas before or after it? These small yet crucial details can affect the clarity and credibility of your work.