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AMA Citation Guide - 10th Edition

Basic In-Text Citations

Basic In-Text Citations

  • How references are numbered
    • References are numbered in consecutive order in the text, tables, or figures.
  • Use of superscript
    • Use superscript Arabic numerals to cite material, e.g., . 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. 
  • Author’s names in-text
    • 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
  • Secondary citations:
    • Reference may be made to one author’s citation of, or quotation from, another’s work. Distinguish between citation and quotation (i.e., between work mentioned and words actually quoted). In the text, the name of the original author, rather than the secondary source, should be mentioned. (See also 3.11.12, References to Print Journals, Discussants.) As with citation of an abstract of an article rather than citation of the original document (see 3.11.9, References to Print Journals, Abstracts and Other Material Taken From Another Source), citation of the original document is preferred unless it is not readily available. Only items actually consulted should be listed.

Examples

Examples:

  • Finding treatments for colon cancer is a major goal for scientists.1
  • As reported in several studies,3-10 (NOTE: Use a hyphen for multiple consecutive sources cited)
  • As in previous discussion,2,9-11,16 (NOTE: Use a comma for multiple nonconsecutive sources cited)
  • Smith and Doe14 reported that...
  • Smith's investigation of Leucovorin15 indicates...