AMA Resources

In-Text Citations

• Use superscript numbers to cite material, e.g., ¹
• The superscript number is inserted into the document immediately next to the fact, concept, or quotation being cited.
• If a reference is used many times in one paper, use the same number throughout.

• Basics of In-Text Citations

  References are numbered in  consecutive order in the text, tables, or figures.

  Use superscript arabic numerals to cite material, e.g., ¹    The first reference used in a written document is listed as 1 in the reference list.

  Where to place the superscript?  The superscript number ¹  is inserted into the document immediately next to the fact, concept, or quotation being cited.  If citing more than one reference at the same point, separate the numbers with commas and no spaces between.

  The Superscript number is inserted:

  • Immediately next to the fact, idea or quotation being cited.  Ex. This drug is used to treat hepatitis.¹
  • Outside periods and commas. Ex. Storing latex at high heat may cause degradation, ^2,3-5,7  but it is difficult to keep materials cool in a desert environment.
  • Inside colons and semi-colons. Ex. Some physicians choose to store prescription pads in locked cabinets ⁸; others keep them in their coats at all times. ⁹
  • When more than 2 references are cited at a given place in the manuscript, use hyphens to join the first and last numbers of a closed series; use commas without space to separate other parts of a multiple citation.  Ex. As reported previously,^1,4-7,19,24

  If a reference is used multiple times in one paper, use the same number throughout.

  At the end of the document, include a reference list with full citations to each item. Name it References. Order citations as they appear in your paper.

  Using author’s names in-text: You may use author names in your text, as long as these mentions are accompanied by numbered citations. Use last names only.  For items with one or two authors, include both names. For items with 3 or more authors, include the first author’s surname and then ‘et al’ or ‘and colleagues’.

  Ex. Smith and Jones² reported on the questionnaire. Ex. Hammersmith et al³ reported on the survey.

  How to Format the Paper using AMA Style

  NOTE: Unfortunately the AMA Manual of Style is not very specific on formats to use, including a format for the Title Page. Be sure and check with your instructor or the publisher to whom you are submitting a paper for more specific formatting rules.

  Formatting a paper means using proper references within the text and bibliography, but also using the stylistic matters laid out in the AMA Manual of Style to format the text. This includes such factors as using headings and capitalizing them appropriately, line spacing, margins, text style issues (such as using “one” or “1”, using AM or a.m. or A.M.), placement of page numbers, preferred font and spacing for graphs, preferred size and shape for tables, etc. This guide includes some basic help on manuscript style, but it is not extensive.

  Consult the AMA Manual of Style for detailed information on manuscript style.

  Acronyms, abbreviations, initialisms:

  Acronyms, abbreviations, and initialisms are discouraged from use, except for well-known and accepted units of measurement and some well-recognized terms.

  • If used, spell out at the first use, even if the acronym or initialism is well-known. Do not place periods between the letters of an acronym, abbreviation or initialism.
  • State names should always appear as full names in the text of a manuscript. If included in references, use the two-letter abbreviation.

  Numbers:

  Numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.) should be used in all writing, except when:

  • The number begins the sentence or title
  • Common fractions
  • Ordinals: first through ninth
  • Number spelled out in quotations or titles of works cited.
  • One number may be spelled out, if the sentence requires multiple numbers to be placed next to each other. e.g., “If 12 16-year-olds had this reaction…” should be changed to “If twelve 16-year-olds…”

  Time:

  • To indicate a time of day, use AM or PM in small capitals. (18.5.3)
  • Conventional 12-hour clock time is preferred. However, 24 hour or military time convention can also be used to convey precise timing when needed, such as when describing drug dosage regimens.

  Dates:

  • When dates are provided in the text, use numerals for day and year, and write out the month, e.g., April 2, 2010.
  • If using dates in a table, you may use numerals for the month (e.g., 4/2/2010).

  Measurements:

  • Use SI (Le Système International d’Unités) standards for writing measurements. Numbers are always written in plain text, there is a space after the number and prior to the unit, and never a period after the unit (unless it ends a sentence).
  • Do not include commas in longer numbers (e.g., 1600 km, not 1,600 km).

  Adapted from USC Norris Medical Library AMA:Citing Your Sources

  Another site for AMA information:

  https://umc.libguides.com/citations/ama