Can I write "the model due to X et al"?

Question

Until ten minutes ago I thought sentences like "The model due to X et al. (2016) explains Y and Z" were common in academic writing. Our post-doc raised doubt about the phrase's correctness, and Googling it I find very few uses. None of them I can confirm were written by a native speaker. So, is that a common/correct way of saying X et al. proposed the model in their paper from 2016, and if not, what are alternatives?

Answer 1

Until ten minutes ago I thought sentences like "The model due to X et al. (2016) explains Y and Z" were common in academic writing. Our post-doc raised doubt about the phrase's correctness, and Googling it I find very few uses. None of them I can confirm were written by a native speaker. So, is that a common/correct way of saying X et.al. proposed the model in their paper from 2016, and if not, what are alternatives?

1. Is the phrase a quote? If it is, then does the quote written exactly as written? If its not a quote, then you are citing an idea. Your idea would not need "et.al." and you could use the term "etc." Or you could write: The model due to X is correct (possible, probable, incorrect etc.) according to _______ (name) then et.al. You could also ask your postdoc adviser if a comma between X and et.al. would be acceptable. Have you thought of using the manual(s) for graduate level theses or dissertation writing: Any of these would give you the rules for citing.
2. APA (American Psychological Association)
3. MLA (Modern Language Association)
4. Chicago Manual of Style (or CMOS)
5. Turabian

Hopefully, some of these suggestions help.