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Nathan D.
Nathan D.

AMA In-Text Citations: Quick and Easy Guidelines

4 min read

Published on: May 31, 2024

Last updated on: May 31, 2024

AMA In-Text Citations

If you've ever felt a bit lost in the world of citing sources, especially in medical writing, you're not alone. 

In-text citations for the AMA style can be a bit tricky to wrap your head around, and let's face it, who hasn't struggled with citing sources correctly?

With no clear guide, figuring out AMA style can be a bit of a head-scratcher. That's where we come in—no more citation stress!

In this blog, we're here to make it all crystal clear, step by step with the help of AMA in-text citation examples. 

Whether you're handling your first research project or just looking to level up your citation game, this blog is your guideline. 

Let’s break down the ins and outs of AMA style, all designed for students like you.

What is AMA In-Text Citation 

AMA Manual of Style’s in-text citation plays a crucial role in academic and scientific writing, particularly within the fields of medicine and healthcare. 

AMA style follows a numeric system for in-text citations, where each source is assigned a unique number in the order it is cited in the text.

The corresponding reference is then listed numerically in the reference list. In-text citations are typically placed as superscript numbers.

For example:

  • Here is a sentence with AMA citation.1

Placement Guidelines for AMA In-Text Citations 

Here's a breakdown of where to position your AMA in-text citations within your document:

At the End of the Sentence 

In most cases, AMA in-text citations are positioned at the end of a sentence, following the punctuation. Ensure that the citation is logically placed to indicate the source of the information presented.

  • For example: This is a sentence.1

After Quotations

If you include a direct quote from a source, the AMA in-text citation should follow the quote with quotation marks and include the page number.

  • For example: "This is a direct quote." 1(p. 56).

Multiple Citations

When citing multiple sources in a single sentence, use periods, commas, colons and semi colons to separate the citation numbers.

  • For example: (2, 3)

Page Numbers in In-Text Citations 

In AMA (American Medical Association) style, page numbers are often included in in-text citations. Especially when you are directly quoting or paraphrasing from a specific page of a source. 

Here are some guidelines on AMA in-text citation page number:

  • Direct Quotes or Paraphrasing: When you need to indicate a specific part of a source, it's essential to include page numbers in parentheses directly after the citation number. In AMA style, these page numbers are written in superscript without any spaces.
Example: In his study, Smith³(p45) provides detailed insights into the effects of prolonged exposure to sunlight on vitamin D synthesis in individuals of different age groups.
  • Multiple Pages: If you are citing multiple pages, they are preceded by "pp." You can cite a range of consecutive pages using an en dash (–) or a list of non-consecutive pages using commas, with no spaces. 

Alternatively, you can cite a combination of the two, as demonstrated in the example below.

Example: Smith³(pp45-50) discusses various treatment options for hypertension, including lifestyle modifications and pharmacotherapy.

Citing Multiple Sources in One Place in AMA 

In AMA style, multiple superscript in-text citations can be placed together at the same point, separated by commas (with no spaces). 

If you are citing a range of three or more consecutively numbered sources, you can use an en dash (–).

Example: Several recent studies challenge the conventional understanding of genetic predisposition in cancer development.¹,³,?

If necessary, this can be combined with the inclusion of page numbers. 

Ensure that the page numbers are enclosed in parentheses, with the citation numbers and the commas separating them outside the parentheses.

Example: The epidemiological data presented by Smith²(p45), 3-5, Johnson4-6, and Garcia? collectively suggest a complex interplay of environmental factors in disease progression.

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Nathan D.

WRITTEN BY

Nathan D. (Literary analysis)

Introducing Nathan D., PhD, an esteemed author on PerfectEssayWriter.ai. With a profound background in Literary Analysis and expertise in Educational Theories, Nathan brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to his writings. His passion for dissecting literature and exploring educational concepts shines through in his meticulously crafted essays and analyses. As a seasoned academic, Nathan's contributions enrich our platform, offering valuable perspectives and engaging content for our readers.

Introducing Nathan D., PhD, an esteemed author on PerfectEssayWriter.ai. With a profound background in Literary Analysis and expertise in Educational Theories, Nathan brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to his writings. His passion for dissecting literature and exploring educational concepts shines through in his meticulously crafted essays and analyses. As a seasoned academic, Nathan's contributions enrich our platform, offering valuable perspectives and engaging content for our readers.

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