Do I include the author’s name in AMA in-text citations?

AMA doesn’t require writers to include the author’s name in AMA in-text citations. However, you can include the author’s name in a signal phrase if the name provides context.

AMA requires the last name(s) in signal phrases. For a source with two authors, use both last names (e.g., Kesey and Burroughs). For a source with three or more authors, use the first name with “et al” (e.g., Smith et al).

The AMA in-text citation—which is a superscript number that corresponds to a numbered reference entry—can be located after the author’s name, after the sentence’s end punctuation, or after closing quotation marks.

As a general rule, place superscript numbers at the end of the phrase, clause, or sentence that includes the information that applies to the citation like these examples:

  • Owens et al discussed socioeconomic barriers to psychotherapy,7 but this study focuses on emotional barriers.
  • The studies by Amani5 and Smith et al6 are also consistent with these findings.
  • Haidt discussed the importance of chores, projects, and free play for healthy child development.8

When you’re writing AMA citations and references, QuillBot’s free Citation Generator can help you avoid errors.