Citation
Quote
A quote is the exact words from a source, placed in quotation marks and properly cited. Quoting preserves the original author's precise language.
When to Quote
- The exact wording is important or memorable
- You're analyzing the author's specific language
- The source says it better than you could paraphrase
- You need to establish credibility with expert language
Quote Sandwich
- Introduce — signal phrase with context
- Quote — the exact words in quotation marks
- Explain — analyze what it means
Examples
Short quote (under 4 lines): According to Smith, "social media fundamentally alters adolescent brain development" (45).
Long quote (4+ lines in MLA): Block indent without quotation marks, citation after period.
Formatting Rules
| Length | Format |
|---|---|
| Under 4 lines | Integrate in paragraph with quotation marks |
| 4+ lines (MLA) | Block indent, no quotation marks |
| 40+ words (APA) | Block indent, no quotation marks |
Common Mistakes
- Quoting too much (paraphrase instead)
- Dropping quotes without introduction
- Not explaining the quote's significance
- Missing or incorrect citations
Use quotes sparingly. If you can paraphrase effectively, do so. Quote only when the exact words matter.
Quick Tip
After every quote, ask yourself: "So what?" Then write that explanation.