MLA vs AMA: Key Differences
MLA and AMA are two of the most widely used citation styles in academia, but they differ in important ways. MLA (Modern Language Association 9th Edition) the standard citation style for the humanities. AMA (American Medical Association 11th Edition) the citation standard for American medical journals. Understanding the differences will help you choose the right format for your paper.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | MLA | AMA |
|---|---|---|
| Citation System | Author-Date | Numbered |
| In-Text Format | (Author Page) | Superscript numbers¹ |
| Reference List Name | Works Cited | References |
| Edition | 9th edition | 11th edition |
| Common Fields | Literature, Languages, Arts, Humanities, Cultural Studies | Medicine, Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Public Health |
When to Use MLA
MLA (Modern Language Association 9th Edition) uses a parenthetical author-date citation system with (Author Page) in-text citations and a Works Cited at the end of the paper. It is most commonly used in Literature, Languages, Arts, and related fields.
When to Use AMA
AMA (American Medical Association 11th Edition) uses a numbered citation system with Superscript numbers¹ in-text citations and a References at the end of the paper. It is most commonly used in Medicine, Health Sciences, Pharmacy, and related fields.
See the Difference in Action
Try our interactive comparison tool to compare MLA and AMA citations side by side using your own sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between MLA and AMA?
- MLA and AMA differ in their in-text citation format, reference list structure, and the academic disciplines that use them. MLA uses (Author Page) in-text citations with a Works Cited, while AMA uses Superscript numbers¹ with a References.
- Which is better, MLA or AMA?
- Neither MLA nor AMA is inherently better. The right choice depends on your academic discipline, your instructor's requirements, or the journal you are submitting to. Check your assignment guidelines or target publication to determine which style to use.
- Can I switch between MLA and AMA?
- Yes, you can switch between MLA and AMA using CitationEasy's free citation generator. Simply select the desired style and your citations will be reformatted automatically. However, you should only use one style per paper unless your instructor says otherwise.