To cite a quote properly, you need to include specific information depending on the citation style you are using. Here are the main guidelines for quoting in APA, MLA, and Chicago styles:
General Rules for Quoting
- Enclose the quoted text in quotation marks if it is short; for longer quotes (40 words or more in APA), format as a block quote without quotation marks.
- The quoted text must be exactly as in the original source.
- Always credit the original author to avoid plagiarism.
- Introduce quotes smoothly into your text with an introductory sentence, signal phrase, or integration into your sentence.
How to Cite a Quote by Style
APA Style
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Include the author’s last name, year of publication, and page number.
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For a short quote (under 40 words), use double quotation marks.
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For a long quote (40+ words), use a block quote format without quotation marks.
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Parenthetical citation example:
"Quote text" (Author, Year, p. X). -
Narrative citation example:
Author (Year) states, "Quote text" (p. X). -
Place punctuation marks after the citation, not inside the quotation marks
MLA Style
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Include the author’s last name and page number only.
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Use quotation marks around the quote.
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Parenthetical citation example:
"Quote text" (Author X). -
Narrative citation example:
Author states, "Quote text" (X). -
Place punctuation marks after the citation
Chicago Style
- Use footnotes or endnotes indicated by superscript numbers after the quote.
- Include author, title, and page number in the note.
- Place the period inside the quotation marks, then the footnote number
Additional Tips
- For quotes within quotes, use single quotation marks inside double quotation marks.
- If quoting a source cited in another source, try to find the original source; otherwise, cite it indirectly
By following these guidelines, you can accurately cite quotes in your writing according to the major citation styles.
