Quotation
The exact words from a source, enclosed in quotation marks (for short quotes) or formatted as a block quote (for longer passages). Quotations must include the page number in most citation styles.
Why it matters
Quotations allow you to present an author's exact words when precision matters, such as when analyzing specific language, presenting a key definition, or capturing a particularly powerful statement. Using quotations correctly is a sign of scholarly integrity, as it clearly distinguishes the author's words from your own.
How to use
For short quotations (under 40 words in APA or under 4 lines in MLA), embed the quote in your text with quotation marks and include a page number in the citation. For longer passages, format as a block quote. Always introduce or contextualize the quotation rather than dropping it into a paragraph without explanation. Use quotations sparingly and prefer paraphrasing for most source material.
In academic writing
Students are generally advised to use direct quotations only when the original wording is essential to the point being made. Overusing quotations suggests that the writer has not processed the source material deeply enough to put it in their own words. In science and social science writing, direct quotations are relatively rare; in literary analysis and legal writing, they are far more common and expected.
Common mistakes
- •Using too many direct quotations instead of paraphrasing, making the paper read like a collection of other people's words.
- •Failing to include page numbers in the citation — most styles require a page number for direct quotes.
- •Altering the original wording without using brackets to indicate changes or ellipses to indicate omissions.
Example
"Climate change is the defining challenge of our time" (Smith, 2024, p. 15).
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