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How to Block Quote | Length, Format and Examples

Published on April 25, 2018 by Courtney Gahan . Revised on May 31, 2023.

A block quote is a long quotation, set on a new line and indented to create a separate block of text. No quotation marks are used. You have to use a block quote when quoting more than around 40 words from a source.

In APA and MLA styles, you indent block quotes 0.5 inches from the left, and add an  in-text citation  after the period. Some other citation styles have additional rules.

Catherine Earnshaw, may you not rest as long as I am living; you said I killed you – haunt me, then! The murdered DO haunt their murderers, I believe. I know that ghosts HAVE wandered on earth. Be with me always – take any form – drive me mad! only DO not leave me in this abyss, where I cannot find you! Oh, God! it is unutterable! I CANNOT live without my life! I CANNOT live without my soul! (Brontë, 1847, 268)

Table of contents

How long is a block quote, step 1: introduce the quote, step 2: format and cite the quote, step 3: comment on the quote, when to use block quotes, other interesting articles.

The minimum length of a block quote varies between citation styles . Some styles require block quote formatting based on the number of words, while others require it based on the number of lines.

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Every time you quote a source , it’s essential to show the reader exactly what purpose the quote serves. A block quote must be introduced in your own words to show how it fits into your argument or analysis.

If the text preceding the block quote is a complete sentence, use a colon to introduce the quote . If the quote is a continuation of the sentence that precedes it, you don’t need to add any extra punctuation .

lawmakers and regulators need to stop pharmaceutical companies from marketing drugs like OxyContin and establish stronger guidelines about how and when doctors can prescribe them. These drugs are often the last resort for people with cancer and other terminal conditions who experience excruciating pain. But they pose a great risk when used to treat the kinds of pain for which there are numerous non-addictive therapies available. (The Editorial Board, 2018)

Block quotes are not enclosed in quotation marks . Instead, they must be formatted to stand out from the rest of the text, signalling to the reader that the words are taken directly from a source. Each citation style has specific formatting rules.

APA and MLA format both require an indent of 0.5 inches on the left side. Block quotes are double spaced, the same as the rest of the document. Some other citation styles also require indentation on the right side, different spacing, or a smaller font.

To format a block quote in Microsoft Word, follow these steps:

• Hit Enter at the beginning and end of the quote.
• Highlight the quote and select the Layout menu.
• On the Indent tab, change the left indent to 0.5″.

Block quotes of more than one paragraph

If you quote more than one paragraph, indent the first line of the new paragraph as you would in the main text.

Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, of number four, Privet Drive, were proud to say that they were perfectly normal, thank you very much. They were the last people you’d expect to be involved in anything strange or mysterious, because they just didn’t hold with such nonsense.

Mr. Dursley was the director of a firm called Grunnings, which made drills. He was a big, beefy man with hardly any neck, although he did have a very large mustache. Mrs. Dursley was thin and blonde and had nearly twice the usual amount of neck, which came in very useful as she spent so much of her time craning over garden fences, spying on the neighbors. The Dursleys had a small son called Dudley and in their opinion there was no finer boy anywhere. (Rowling 1)

Citing block quotes

All block quotes must end with a citation that directs the reader to the correct source. How the citation looks depends on the citation style. In most styles, including APA and MLA , the parenthetical citation comes after the period at the end of a block quote.

A paragraph should never end with a block quote. Directly after the quote, you need to comment on it in your own words. Depending on the purpose of the block quote, your comment might involve:

• Analyzing the language of the quoted text
• Explaining how the quote relates to your argument
• Giving further context
• Summarizing the overall point you want to make

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Block quotes should be used when the specific wording or style of the quoted text is essential to your point. How often you use them depends partly on your field of study.

• In the arts and humanities, block quotes are frequently used to conduct in-depth textual analysis .
• In social science research involving interviews or focus groups , block quotes are often necessary when analyzing participants’ responses.
• In scientific writing, block quotes are very rarely used.

Avoid relying on block quotes from academic sources to explain ideas or make your points for you. In general, quotes should be used as sparingly as possible, as your own voice should be dominant. When you use another author’s ideas or refer to previous research, it’s often better to integrate the source by paraphrasing .

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APA Style 7th Edition: Citing Your Sources

• Basics of APA Formatting
• In Text Quick View
• Block Quotes

About Block Quotes

Block quote example.

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• Any quotation containing 40 or more words should be formatted as a Block Quote
• Do not use quotation marks to enclose block quotations.  Do use double quotation marks to enclose any quoted material within a block quotation
• Place period at the end of the quote rather than after the citation
• Block quotes should start on a new line and indent the block about ½ inch from the left margin
• If there are additional paragraphs within the block quote, indent the first line of each an additional half inch.

For further information and examples, consult pages 92 and 171 of the APA Manual.

Accord to Siegel and Hartzell (2004)            

trauma and loss requires an understanding of the low road and its connection to patterns of experiences from the past. The passing of unresolved issues from generation to generation produces and perpetuates unnecessary emotional suffering. If our own issues remain unresolved, there is a strong possibility that the disorganization within our minds can createdisorganization in our children’s minds. (p. 183)

During gestation, the numerous genes in the nucleus of each cell become expressed and the genes determine what proteins become produced and when and how to shape the body’s structure.  In utero brain development enables neurons to grow and move to their proper locations in the skull and begin to set up the interconnections that create the circuitry of this complex organ of the nervous system.  (Siegel & Hartzell, 2004)

***Disclaimer- screen size may distort orientation of block quote view

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MLA Style Guide: 8th Edition: Block Quote

• Works Cited examples
• Direct Quote

Block Quote

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IN-TEXT CITATIONS FOR A...

The block quote is used for direct quotations that are longer than four lines of prose, or longer than three lines of poetry. A block quote is always used when quoting dialogue between characters, as in a play.

The block format is a freestanding quote that does not include quotation marks. Introduce the block quote with a colon (unless the context of your quote requires different punctuation) and start it on a new line. Indent the entire quote 1-inch from the left margin and double-space it (even if the rest of your paper is not double-spaced). Include the page number at the end of your block quote outside of the ending period. Also include the author's last name, date of publication, and page number(s)/paragraph number.

If you quote a single paragraph (or just part of one), do not indent the first line of the block quote more than the rest:

It is not until near the end of The Hound of the Baskervilles that the hound itself is actually seen:

A hound it was, an enormous coal-black hound, but not such a hound as mortal eyes have ever seen. Fire burst from its open mouth, its eyes glowed with a smouldering glare, its muzzle and hackles and dewlap were outlined in flickering flame. Never in the delirious dream of a disordered brain could anything more savage, more appalling, more hellish be conceived than that dark form and savage face which broke upon us out of the wall of fog. (Doyle 82)

If you quote two or more paragraphs, indent the first line of each paragraph an additional ¼ inch. However, if the first sentence quoted does not begin a paragraph in the source, do not indent it the additional amount, only indent the subsequent paragraphs. Here is an example where the first sentence is the beginning of a paragraph:

In the aftermath of the hound sighting, Sherlock Holmes keeps his cool:

   Sir Henry lay insensible where he had fallen. We tore away his collar, and Holmes breathed a prayer of gratitude when we saw that there was no sign of a wound and that the rescue had been in time. Already our friend's eyelids shivered and he made a feeble effort to move. Lestrade thrust his brandy-flask between the baronet's teeth, and two frightened eyes were looking up at us.

   "My God!" he whispered. "What was it? What, in heaven's name, was it?"

   "It's dead, whatever it is," said Holmes. (Doyle 82)

Just as for prose, poetry block quotations (3+ lines) should begin on a new line. Unless the quotation involves unusual spacing, format it as you would prose:  indent each line one-inch from margin and double-space the lines. Do not add any quotation marks that do not appear in the source:

Gwendolyn Brooks’ poem “To John Oliver Killens in 1975” addresses another African American writer of the day:

look at our mercy, the massiveness that it is not.

look  at our “unity,” look at our

“black solidarity.”

Dim, dull, and dainty. (1-5)

A line of poetry in a block quote that is too long to fit within the right margin of the page should be continued on the next line and indented an additional ¼ inch:

Allen Ginsberg’s famous poem “Howl” begins:

I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked,

dragging themselves through the negro streets at dawn looking for an angry fix,

angelheaded hipsters burning for the ancient heavenly connection to the starry dynamo

   in the machinery of night, (9)

When quoting dialogue from a play, begin each part with the appropriate character’s name indented 1-inch from the left margin and written in all capital letters followed by a period. Then, start the quotation and indent all subsequent lines an additional ¼ inch. In the parenthetical reference at the end of the quote, include the act, scene, and line(s) of your quote, instead of the page number(s):

At the beginning of Shakespeare’s The Tempest , chaos erupts on a ship at sea before the cast of characters ends up on Prospero’s island:

MARINERS. All lost! to prayers, to prayers! all lost!

BOATSWAIN. What, must our mouths be cold?

GONZALO. The king and prince at prayers! let’s assist them,

For our case is as theirs.

SEBASTIAN.                                        I’m out of patience.

ANTONIO. We are merely cheated of our lives by drunkards:

This wide-chapp’d rascal,—would thou mightst lie drowning

The washing of ten tides!

GONZALO.                                          He’ll be hang’d yet,

Though every drop of water swear against it,

And gape at widest to glut him.

A confused noise within: “Mercy on us!”—“We split, we

split!”—“Farewell my wife and children!”—“Farewell,

brother!”—“We split, we split, we split!” (1.5.3-14)

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Block Quotations, Part 1: How to Introduce Block Quotations

By Erin Wright

The Purpose of Block Quotations

Although block quotations were originally a typesetting mechanism, 1 today they serve three purposes: (1) improve readability by visually separating lengthy quotations from the surrounding text, (2) help to ensure that the quoted material is not mistaken for original content, and (3) display quoted material that may need special formatting such as letters reproduced in their entirety or short excerpts of poetry or song lyrics.

Block Quotation Lengths

Generally, long quotations should be formatted as block quotations and short quotations should be formatted as run-in quotations. However, our primary style guides are not on the same page when it comes to defining “long” and “short.”

The Chicago Manual of Style (Chicago style) recommends using block quotations for all quoted material over ninety-nine words, multi-paragraph quotations (even if less than a hundred words), and content that needs special formatting. 2 Readers who follow Chicago’s student version, commonly called Turabian, should see the Style Guide Alert below.

The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA style) suggests using block quotations for all quoted material exceeding thirty-nine words. 3

The MLA Handbook advises block quotations for quoted prose that runs over four lines or poetry that runs more than three lines. 4 Unfortunately, line length can vary dramatically when viewed on different mobile devices, so this recommendation isn’t particularly helpful outside of printed academic projects.

Style Guide Alert

Chicago’s student version, A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations by Kate L. Turabian, differs from the original manual on the length of block quotations.

Turabian recommends using block quotations for any prose quotation of five lines or more and any poetry quotation of two lines or more. Like the original manual, Turabian says that shorter quotations can be placed in block quotations if special emphasis is needed. 5

With apologies to longtime readers who have read this many times before, if you are wondering which style guide to follow , I always recommend Chicago style first because it is a comprehensive and versatile option for general business writing as well as most fiction and nonfiction publishing.

How to Introduce Block Quotations

Block quotations that start with a complete sentence are usually introduced with a complete sentence ending with a colon . 6

(All of the examples below use Lorem ipsum placeholder text to maintain emphasis on formatting.)

“ Block Quotations, Part 2: How to Format Block Quotations ” covers structural issues such as indentation sizes, quotation mark usage, multi-paragraph indentation, and citation placement.

“ Block Quotations, Part 3: Block Quotation Issues and Concerns ” discusses special considerations when using block quotations such as copyright issues, reader expectations, and alternative options.

If you just can’t get enough of quotations (because, seriously, who can get enough of quotations?), check out my last post, “ How to Introduce Run-in Quotations .”

1. “ Block Quotation ,” Wikipedia , last modified October 24, 2018.

2. The Chicago Manual of Style , 17th ed. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2017), 13.10.

3. Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association , 7th ed. (Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 2020), 8.27.

4. MLA Handbook , 8th ed. (New York: Modern Language Association of America, 2016), 1.3.2–3.

5. Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations , 9th ed. (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2018), 25.2, 25.2.2, 25.2.2.2.

6. MLA Handbook , 1.3.2.

7. The Chicago Manual of Style , 13.17 .

8. The Chicago Manual of Style ,13.20.

9. The Chicago Manual of Style , 13 . 23.

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Home / Guides / Citation Guides / MLA Format / Using short quotes and block quotes in MLA

Using short quotes and block quotes in MLA

Quotations (also known as quotes) are the exact words that are taken directly from a text and repeated by someone other than the original author. When you use the exact words and sentence structure as your source, you are quoting that source. When using quotes in your writing, you need to copy the words exactly as they appear in the source.

Quotes should be used sparingly because the majority of the text should be your own ideas. Keep quotations short and to the point to keep your readers interested. Quotes are most effective when the exact words of the source are particularly well suited for your purposes and back up your own ideas.

Short quotes vs. block quotes

There are several ways to incorporate quotations into your text. You can include short quotes of four lines or less, which are incorporated into your text and are set off from the text with quotation marks.

If the section you wish to quote is longer than four lines, you can use a block quote . Block quotes are set off from the text in a separate paragraph that has larger indents at the left margin.

The MLA Handbook says this about quotes:

Construct a clear, grammatically correct sentence that allows you to introduce or incorporate a quotation accurately. When you quote, reproduce the source text exactly. Do not make changes in the spelling, capitalization, interior punctuation, italicization, or accents that appear in the source. Generally place citations at the end of your sentence or quotation. (253)

The quote above from the MLA Handbook is formatted in block quote style.

When using quotes in your papers, you must include the author’s last name and the page number(s) from which the quotation is taken as an in-text citation, unless you have named the author is the sentence preceding the quote. A full reference should appear in your Works Cited page.

Using short quotes in MLA

When you want to cite a section of your source that is four lines or less, you set off the quote in the text with double quotation marks directly before and after the quoted material. End punctuation goes before the final quotation mark.

Quotations can be integrated into a text in several ways.

1. Use the quote as a sentence

She recalled the moment of her husband’s passing. “John was talking, then he wasn’t” (Didion 10).

2. Directly integrate the quote into the sentence

Didion writes that for many months, “there has been occasions on which I was incapable of thinking rationally” and that she was “thinking as small children think, as if my thoughts or wishes had the power to reverse the narrative, change the outcome” (35).

3. Place the quotation in the middle of the sentence

Joan Didion says that after returning to her apartment after her husband’s death, she felt that, “there must be certain things I needed to do,” when she got home from the hospital (28).

Guidelines that apply to all short quote formats:

• All punctuation should be the same in the quote as in the source text.
• The MLA in-text citation should always appear in parentheses at the end of your sentence, regardless of the location of the quote within the sentence.
• If the source does not use page numbers, do not include a number in the parenthetical citation.
• If the source does not have an author’s name, you should use the title of the work or the first item listed in the full reference in the parenthetical citation instead.
• Punctuation such as periods, commas, and semicolons are placed after the parenthetical citation.

Quoting poetry

When quoting up to three short lines of poetry, indicate breaks in verse by placing a forward slash at the end of each verse line. A space should precede and follow the slash. If there is a stanza break within the quotation, indicate this with a double slash ( // ).

“Tell me, what is it you plan to do / with your one wild and precious life?” (Oliver 94).

“What is my name? // What is the name of the deep breath I would take / over and over” (Oliver 125).

Block quotes

If you want to quote a section of text that is longer than four lines or a section of poetry that is longer than three lines, use a block quote. Block quotes are also used when quoting lines from a play.

You introduce the block quote with a sentence in your own words. You want to let your reader know who the quote is from and why you are including it.

Joan Didion ends her first chapter by laying out her goal for writing the book:

This is my attempt to make sense of the period that followed, the weeks and then months that cut loose any fixed idea I had ever had about death, about illness, about probability and luck, about good fortune and bad, about marriage and children and memory, about grief, about the ways in which people do and do not deal with the fact that life ends, about the shallowness of sanity, about life itself. (7)

How to format a block quote

• Lead into the quote with a summary sentence that lets the reader know why you are including the quote.
• End the sentence before quote with a colon (unless the grammatical connection between the sentence leading into the quote requires some other punctuation or none at all).
• Start a new line.
• Indent the quote ½ inch or five spaces from the left margin for the entire quote (not just the first line).
• Do not use quotation marks.
• Double space the quote.
• Put the parenthetical citation after the final punctuation mark in the quote.
• Comment on the quote after using it. Do not end a paragraph with a block quote. You should always have text after it.

Adding or omitting words in quotations

• If you add words to a quotation, enclose them in brackets like [this].
• If you omit words in a quotation, use an ellipsis, which is three periods separated by spaces ( . . . ) to show where the words were removed.

You may want to add or omit words in quotations to make them clearer, shorten them, or help them to fit grammatically into your sentence.

Additional block quote formatting for prose

• If you are directly quoting one paragraph or part of one, do not indent the first line of the block quote more than the rest of the quote.
• If you are quoting two or more paragraphs and the first sentence of the quote is also the first sentence of a paragraph in the source, indent the first line of each paragraph an additional ½ inch or five spaces.
• If the first sentence of a multi-paragraph quote is not the first sentence of a paragraph in the source, indent only the first line of the second paragraph ½ inch or five spaces.

Formatting block quotes for poetry

Format it as you would prose unless the poem has unusual spacing or formatting.

• Indent ½ inch or five spaces from the left margin.
• Do not add any quotation marks unless they appear in the source.
• If the line of poetry does not fit on one line in the paper, continue it on the next line, but indent that line an additional ½ inch or five spaces (like a hanging indent).
• When citing longer sections of poetry, keep the formatting as close to the original as possible.

In her poem, Rain, Mary Oliver describes the sensation of rain on a tree:

All afternoon it rained, then

such power came down from the clouds

on a yellow thread,

as authoritative as God is supposed to be.

When it hit the tree, her body

Opened forever. (3)

Formatting block quotes for drama/plays

Formatting quotes from plays has slightly different rules than prose and poetry.

To format dialogue from plays:

• Begin with the name of the character speaking printed in all capital letters followed by a period.
• Start the quotation. If the line a character is saying needs more than one line, indent the subsequent lines a ½ inch or five spaces.
• Some lines of dialogue start with extra spaces between the character name and the first line of dialogue. Print the dialogue exactly as it appears in the play, including the extra spaces.
• When the dialogue shifts to a new character, follow the pattern above.
• For the in-text citation, cite the act, scene, and line of the quote instead of the page number.

ROMEO.                                     By a name

I know not how to tell thee who I am.

My name, dear saint, is hateful to myself,

Because it is an enemy to thee.

Had I it written, I would tear the word.

JULIET. My ears have yet not drunk a hundred words

Of thy tongue’s uttering, yet I know the sound.

Art thou not Romeo, and a Montague?

ROMEO. Neither, fair maid, if either thee dislike. (Shakespeare 2.2.54-61)

• Works Cited

Didion, Joan. A Year of Magical Thinking . Vintage International, 2006.

MLA Handbook.  9th ed., Modern Language Association of America, 2021.

Oliver, Mary. New and Selected Poems. Vol. 1, Beacon Press, 2004.

Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet . Arden Shakespeare , edited by René Weis, Bloomsbury, 2012, 118–338. Drama Online , https://doi.org/10.5040/9781408160152.00000039.

Published October 27, 2020. Updated July 18, 2021.

By Catherine Sigler. Catherine has a Ph.D. in English Education and has taught college-level writing for 15 years.

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• Writing Tips

Writing Tips: How to Use Block Quotes

2-minute read

• 19th March 2018

Quoting sources is crucial in academic writing . It shows you’ve read up on your subject. It also lets you back up arguments with evidence and ideas from other people. But if you’re quoting a long passage of text, there are rules you need to follow to make sure your work is presented correctly .

That’s why we’ve prepared this handy guide on how (and when) to use block quotes.

What are Block Quotes?

Block quotes are longer passages of quoted text that have been set apart from your own writing. This ensures that the reader does not confuse the quoted text with your own writing.

When Should I Use a Block Quote?

Generally speaking, block quotes should be used sparingly. This is particularly true in academic writing, since you need to show you can express your ideas in your own words .

However, quoting a longer passage now and then is fine, especially if your arguments rely on how something is worded (e.g., when analyzing a literary text).

A good rule of thumb is using a block quote for quotations that are more than 40 words long. If you’re using a particular style guide, though, it might have specific guidelines. For example:

How to Present Block Quotes

The exact rules for formatting block quotes may depend on the style guide you’re using (always make sure to check if you’re not sure). However, there are a few guidelines that apply in most cases:

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• Start the block quote on a new line (typically after a colon or comma)
• Indent the block of text from the left margin (usually by around half an inch)
• Don’t use quote marks, but cite the source as usual
• Indent the first line of each paragraph after the first if quoting more than one

After the block quote, simply resume your own text on a new line with standard formatting.

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How to Write Block Quotes in MLA: Proper Formatting and Usage

My name is Debbie, and I am passionate about developing a love for the written word and planting a seed that will grow into a powerful voice that can inspire many.

Understanding Block Quotes in MLA Writing Style

Introducing block ‌quotes: definition and importance in mla formatting, proper ​format for ⁣block​ quotes in mla style guide, including block quotes in your mla paper: placement and indentation rules, using block quotes sparingly: when and why to include them, proper punctuation ‌and ​citation in mla block‍ quotes, blending block quotes seamlessly: tips for incorporating them in ⁢your⁣ writing, mastering‍ block ‌quotes: a step-by-step guide for mla⁢ formatting, frequently ‍asked ⁢questions, to conclude.

Block quotes are‌ an ​essential​ element of​ MLA writing​ style. ⁢When incorporating long quotations into ‌your essay, it‍ is important to understand how to format them ‌correctly to maintain⁤ consistency and readability throughout your paper. MLA (Modern Language Association) style provides guidelines‌ for‍ properly using block ‌quotes to give credit to the original author while adding ​credibility to your own⁤ arguments.

To correctly format a block quote ‌in MLA style, follow these key elements: – Indentation: Start the quote ⁤on a new line and⁢ indent the entire block approximately half an inch from‌ the left margin.‍ This‌ visually sets it apart⁣ from⁢ the‍ surrounding text and indicates to the reader ‌that it is ‌a distinct quotation. – No quotation marks:⁤ Unlike short quotes that ⁣are‌ enclosed within double ⁤quotation marks, block quotes do not‌ require any additional punctuation.⁣ The indentation serves ‌as an indicator ⁢that it ⁣is‌ a‍ quotation, so there ‍is no need for quotation‌ marks.

Furthermore,​ keep in ⁤mind that the use of block quotes is ​typically ⁤reserved for longer‍ passages of text, usually⁤ consisting of four ⁣or more lines. These ‍quotes should be used sparingly and only when⁣ necessary to ⁣support your analysis or provide critical context to ⁣your argument. By incorporating block ‌quotes effectively,⁣ you can​ demonstrate‍ your understanding of​ MLA writing style⁢ and ⁢enhance the overall coherence and⁢ strength⁤ of your academic⁢ writing.

Block quotes ‍are ‍an essential⁤ element of MLA formatting that serve‌ to​ highlight and emphasize significant passages within ‍an academic paper or article. By using block quotes, writers ‌can ‌draw attention to key points made ​by‍ other ⁣authors and provide supporting evidence for their own arguments. Placing a block quote allows readers​ to ⁣easily ‌distinguish​ it from the surrounding text, making it clear that the words being ⁢quoted belong to ⁣someone else.

When including a block quote‍ in your writing, ‌follow these guidelines to maintain proper MLA formatting.⁢ First, ensure that the quote is longer than ⁢four lines of text. To clearly⁤ separate the block ‍quote from the rest of your content, indent the entire passage from ‍both the left and right margins of the page. This indentation ⁣helps signal to readers that they are consuming a distinct section of​ quoted material. Additionally, there is⁢ no need to use quotation marks for block ⁣quotes, as the ⁢indentation and formatting already indicate ‍that⁤ the content has been​ borrowed. Remember, when incorporating a‍ block quote, it is ‍important to provide accurate ‌attribution to the⁤ original author​ by including ​the necessary‍ citation information, ‍such as the author’s name, page number, and publication title.

Incorporating​ block quotes⁤ can greatly contribute to the overall readability and credibility of your⁢ academic work. By‍ utilizing this formatting ​feature, you show that you have engaged ‌with and thoroughly researched⁤ the topic, while ⁢also ​presenting alternate⁢ viewpoints to ‍support your ​own argument. ⁢So, when encountering⁣ a thought-provoking quote that⁢ you believe strengthens​ your writing, be sure to consider integrating it as a ‌block quote in your MLA-formatted work.

Block‍ quotes are a⁢ crucial element in academic ​writing as they allow us ‍to highlight and analyze significant ⁣passages from⁢ external sources. When‌ using block quotes in an MLA-style paper, it is ⁣important to ‍follow the proper‍ formatting ⁤guidelines to ensure‌ clarity and consistency. Here are some key points to keep in mind‍ when incorporating block quotes into your work:

– Indentation: ‌Begin the block​ quote⁣ on a new line and indent it 0.5 inches from⁤ the⁣ left margin. This‍ helps to visually distinguish the ‍quote from‍ the rest of your⁢ text, ⁤making ⁤it ⁣easier for readers to identify. -​ Quotation Marks:⁤ Unlike‌ regular quotations, block quotes should not be​ enclosed in​ quotation marks. Instead,‍ the entire quote should be presented as a separate block of text, indented as‍ mentioned⁤ above. – ‍Punctuation: Any punctuation that appears⁤ in the ‌original​ quote should be ‌preserved exactly as it is. However, if you need ⁢to add or alter ‌punctuation⁢ for clarity or ⁣grammatical ⁣correctness, enclose the additional ⁣punctuation within ‍square brackets to indicate that ‌it is not part of the original text.

Additionally, remember to provide ​the⁤ appropriate citation for the source of‍ the block ​quote, ⁣including ⁤the‍ author’s name, the title of ⁣the work, and ​the page number (if available).⁢ By following these guidelines, you can effectively integrate ‌block⁣ quotes into ‍your MLA-style paper, providing valuable insights and evidence⁢ to support your arguments.

Block quotes ‍are a valuable tool when ‌it comes to citing sources in your MLA‌ paper. Not ⁤only do they ⁣provide​ credibility and support‌ for ⁤your ‌arguments, but they also allow you to showcase the words of experts in ⁤the field. ​So, where exactly should you place these block⁤ quotes‌ in your paper?⁣ The ⁤placement and ⁢indentation rules are simple yet crucial‌ to ⁤follow to maintain the‌ integrity ​and flow of your writing.

1. Placement: – ⁢Always introduce block quotes with a ⁢signal phrase or sentence‍ that indicates ‌the​ source and author. ‌ – Insert the ⁤block quote in the ⁤body of ​your paper,⁣ maintaining double spacing between paragraphs. ⁤ ⁣ – Avoid starting a new ‌paragraph immediately after a block ​quote unless necessary for clarity. ⁢- If ⁢you have more ⁣than one block quote in a paragraph, ensure they are separated by at least one line of text.

2. Indentation: ‍ ⁤- Indent the entire block quote by 1 inch (or 2.54⁢ cm)​ from the left⁢ margin. – Do ‍not use ​quotation marks⁢ around block quotes. – Maintain the ​original formatting of the ​block quote, including ⁣line breaks⁢ and punctuation, unless clearly erroneous.

Following ‌these‍ placement ‍and indentation rules will ensure your block quotes​ seamlessly ‌blend into your MLA paper, providing the necessary evidence and ‌enhancing the credibility of your arguments. By properly⁣ attributing the words of others, you showcase your⁤ respect for scholarly work, creating a ‍more engaging and ⁣comprehensive academic piece.

In the world of academic ‍writing, proper punctuation and accurate citation are paramount when using MLA block quotes. To ensure that your quotes are seamlessly integrated into ‌your work, it is essential to follow these ⁣guidelines and‍ pay attention⁤ to every detail.⁣ Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Punctuation: When incorporating a block quote, it is crucial to​ preserve the original formatting, including the punctuation.⁤ However, there are instances where you might need to⁢ make slight adjustments for ⁢clarity or coherence. Remember the following:

– **Quotation marks**: MLA block quotes do not require the use ⁣of quotation ⁣marks. Instead, start the ‍quote on a⁢ new⁤ line, indented ⁢half an ⁤inch from‍ the left margin, and maintain​ double spacing throughout. – **Ellipses**: Sometimes, you may need to omit specific parts⁣ of⁣ the text you are quoting. In such cases, indicate the omission with an ‌ellipsis – three spaced periods with a space before and after each dot. ​ – **Brackets**: If you need to⁤ include additional information within a quote to provide ‍context or⁤ enhance understanding, enclose ​it in ⁢square brackets. ⁢This allows you to clarify any ambiguities without​ altering the original text.

2. ‌Citation: Proper citation is ⁢essential to acknowledge the sources‍ you use and avoid plagiarism. When handling MLA⁣ block quotes, these ‌citation rules apply:

– **Author’s name**: Introduce‌ the author’s full name or last name,⁣ followed by a comma, before ⁤the quoted text. This ⁤attribution helps to credit the original writer. – **Page numbers**: ⁤Include the page number(s) of the source from⁤ which you ⁤extracted the quote. Insert the page number(s) in parentheses after the ⁣closing ‍punctuation of the block quote. If applicable, clarify which edition or version of the work you ⁣are citing. ⁣ ‌ -‍ **Works cited**: As with⁣ any other source used ⁤in your paper, MLA block quotes should be ⁤acknowledged⁤ in the ‌works ​cited section. Ensure that the complete reference for the quoted ​text is ⁤included, adhering to MLA format guidelines.

By​ following these guidelines, you can elevate the quality of your work,⁣ maintain ‌proper attribution,​ and ensure⁢ that your block quotes accurately support your arguments. Embrace the power⁢ of correct punctuation and citation to boost the credibility and clarity‌ of your writing.

Writing is an⁤ art, ‌and incorporating block quotes seamlessly within your writing can elevate your work to new heights. These ⁣powerful and impactful excerpts ⁤from external sources can provide credibility ​and support to ‍your arguments,⁢ enhancing the overall⁤ quality of⁢ your piece. To ensure they seamlessly blend​ into your work, here ​are some valuable tips:

1. Choose the right moment for⁢ impact: Block quotes ⁢are most effective when used strategically. Select moments where the quoted text​ adds significant value to your​ own words. This could ⁤be when introducing⁣ an expert⁣ opinion, showcasing an opposing⁤ viewpoint, or adding strength to ⁣a key⁢ argument.

2. Introduce and contextualize: Setting the‌ stage for​ a block quote ‍is essential to maintain flow in your writing.⁣ Provide ​brief context before the quote⁤ to help readers⁤ understand its relevance and purpose. Remember ⁢to use HTML⁤ tags⁢ to indicate the beginning and end of the block quote, ensuring it stands out visually.

3. Keep it concise‌ and relevant: While block​ quotes hold substantial importance, remember that your own ‍voice should always take center stage. Ensure the quoted text is ‍concise and relates directly to your main topic or argument. Focus on⁢ extracting‌ the most valuable and impactful sentences, highlighting the essence ​of the original source.

Integrating⁣ block quotes tastefully‍ in⁣ your ‌writing can‌ make a⁣ world ⁤of ⁢difference, ‍enriching both the content and reader‌ experience. Remember, balance is key. Strive for a seamless combination of your voice and⁢ relevant external sources, allowing your​ words and ideas⁢ to​ shine​ through. With these tips, you’ll master the art of incorporating block‍ quotes, creating⁣ compelling and ⁢persuasive ⁣written works.

Block ⁤quotes are an essential tool in academic writing, allowing you ​to⁤ highlight‍ and analyze significant passages from⁤ external sources. Mastering MLA formatting guidelines for block quotes ensures that your​ citations are accurate and well-structured. To help you through this process, we’ve put together⁣ a step-by-step guide that will ‌make incorporating block quotes a breeze.

1. Start by identifying the relevant quote and determining⁢ its significance in supporting your argument. Keep in mind that block quotes should be used sparingly ‌and only when‌ the passage is particularly insightful or influential.

2. ⁢To format the‍ block quote, enclose ‍it within

tags ⁤in your HTML document. This‍ visually distinguishes it from the rest of your⁢ text, making it easier ⁢for⁤ readers to‍ identify​ the quoted material. Remember​ to ‌also⁤ indent the entire quote one inch or ⁤2.54 cm from the left margin.

3. Within ⁢the

tags, ⁢include the entire quote exactly as it appears ⁣in the original source, preserving any grammar or spelling mistakes.‌ However, omit⁢ any unnecessary words or lines using an‌ ellipsis ‍(…), ensuring that the meaning of the quote remains intact.

4. After ⁢the quote, provide an in-text citation‌ to acknowledge the source. In MLA⁤ format, this typically includes‍ the author’s last name and page number within‍ parentheses. For example, (Smith 123).

5. To seamlessly⁣ integrate the block quote into your‌ writing, introduce it with a signal phrase that provides context‌ and smoothly transitions into the quoted material. This phrase should be followed by a colon and written in plain text, not within the

Remember⁣ to use block quotes judiciously, as excessive or irrelevant⁤ quotations can disrupt​ the flow of your writing.⁤ By following ⁤these‌ steps, you’ll become a master of block quotes in‌ MLA formatting,⁢ effectively incorporating⁤ external sources into‍ your academic⁣ work while adhering to citation guidelines.

Q:⁢ What is a ​block quote in MLA format? A: A block quote in MLA format is a long quotation‍ that is indented from the⁤ rest‌ of the text ‍and presented in a separate‌ block of text. ⁤It is ⁤used to highlight ⁣important passages or direct quotes that​ are longer than four lines of prose​ or‍ three ⁤lines of verse.

Q: How should a⁤ block quote be formatted ⁢in‌ MLA? A: To⁤ properly ​format a‍ block quote ‍in MLA, you should ‍indent the​ entire quote by adding one inch or ten spaces from ​the left margin. It is important to maintain double spacing throughout⁢ the​ block quote, without adding any additional⁢ indentation ⁢to the first‌ line.

Q: When should you use a ‌block quote in ‍academic⁤ writing? A:​ Block quotes are typically ‌used‍ when a ⁢direct quotation is⁣ lengthy ⁣or contains important information that needs to be emphasized. It is common⁤ to use block quotes when citing sources, ⁤analyzing complex passages, or ​discussing specific details that require closer examination.

Q: Are there any⁤ specific rules ⁣for using block quotes ⁢in MLA? A:‍ Yes, there are a few important rules to follow‌ when using block quotes⁢ in MLA.​ Firstly, avoid⁢ quotation marks ⁤as⁢ the⁤ indentation signals that it is a quote. Additionally, if you want ⁣to omit any part of the original ​quote, use ellipsis (…) to indicate ​the omission. Finally, always‍ provide ​proper in-text citations ​with the author’s last name and page‌ number ⁤after the block quote.

Q: Can I‌ alter the formatting of a block⁤ quote? A: Generally, the formatting of a ⁣block⁤ quote should ⁣remain unchanged to ⁢reflect the original text. However, in certain cases, you may need to make minor ⁤alterations to the font size or style if it is ⁣necessary for your analysis​ or if the original quote contains special​ formatting. Make sure to use square ​brackets to indicate ‌any modifications made ⁢within the quote.

Q: How often should I use block ⁤quotes in ​my‌ essay ⁣or research ⁣paper? A:​ Block quotes should be used sparingly and only when necessary. It​ is generally‍ recommended to ⁢primarily ⁣rely ‍on paraphrasing or shorter ⁣quotes within​ the main body of your text. Block quotes are typically ⁣reserved for instances where ​it is ⁣crucial to ‌preserve the ⁢original wording, convey a specific tone, or⁣ analyze ⁤a⁣ longer passage in depth.

Q: Is it possible to cite⁣ multiple sources within​ a block quote? A: Yes, it is possible to cite multiple‍ sources ‍within a block quote in MLA. If you include ⁣multiple sources, make sure⁤ to list them in alphabetical order ‌separated by ​semicolons ⁢inside the parentheses.⁣ Additionally,‍ provide the⁣ relevant page numbers for each source⁣ to ensure accurate citation.

Q: Can ‍I use block quotes in other writing styles, such as APA or⁢ Chicago? A: Block quotes‍ are not exclusive ‌to⁤ MLA‍ format; ⁢they can also be used​ in other writing styles like APA or⁤ Chicago. However,‌ the specific guidelines for block quotes may differ slightly between different styles. It is essential to consult the appropriate style guide and follow the recommended ‌formatting guidelines ‌for each writing ​style you are‌ using.

In conclusion, mastering the ⁢proper formatting⁤ and⁢ usage of block quotes in​ MLA can ⁢greatly enhance your academic writing skills.

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How to Use Block Quotations in Writing

The Rules Differ, Depending on the Writing Style Guide

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• An Introduction to Punctuation
• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

A block quotation is a  direct quotation that is not placed inside quotation marks but instead is set off from the rest of the text by starting it on a new line and indenting it from the left margin . Block quotations may be called extracts, set-off quotations, long quotations, or display quotations. Block quotations are used in academic writing but are also common in journalistic and nonfiction writing. While block quotations are perfectly acceptable, it's important for writers to be selective about their use. In some cases, block quotations are unnecessarily long and include more content than is needed to make or support a point.

There is no single rule of thumb for formatting block quotations. Instead, each major style guide recommends slightly different ways of selecting, introducing, and setting off the quotations. Before formatting, it's important to check on the style used for a particular publication, website, or class.

Key Takeaways: Block Quotations

• A block quotation is a direct quotation that is indented from the left margin and begins on a new line.
• Block quotations are used when a quotation exceeds a specific length. Requirements for length vary, depending on the style guide being used.
• Block quotes can be effective tools for persuading readers or proving a point, but they should be used sparingly and edited appropriately.

Recommended Length of Block Quotations

Customarily, quotations that run longer than four or five lines are blocked, but style guides  often disagree on the minimum length for a block quotation. Some styles are more concerned with word counts, while others focus on the number of lines. While each "official" style guide has its own approach to block quotes, individual publishers may have unique in-house rules.

Some of the more common style guides require block quotations as follows:

• APA: Quotes longer than 40 words or four lines
• Chicago: Quotes longer than 100 words or eight lines
• MLA: Quotes of prose longer than four lines; quotes of poetry/verse longer than three lines
• AMA: Quotes longer than four lines

MLA Block Quotes

Researchers in English literature usually follow the style guidelines of the Modern Language Association (MLA). The "MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers" recommends the following for a quotation that will run more than four lines when it is included in the text:

• When appropriate in the context of the text, introduce the block quotation with a colon.
• Begin a new line indented one inch from the left margin; do not indent the first line more than the other lines in the block quotation.
• Type the quote double-spaced.
• Do not place quotation marks around the block of quoted text.

APA Block Quotes

APA stands for American Psychological Association, and APA style is used to format anything in the social sciences. When a quotation is longer than four lines line, APA requires that it be styled as follows:

• Set it off from your text by beginning a new line, indenting one inch from the left margin.
• Type it double-spaced, without adding quotation marks.
• If you quote only a single paragraph or part of one, do not indent the first line more than the rest.
• One inch is equivalent to 10 spaces.

Chicago Style Block Quotes

Often used for writing in the humanities, the Chicago (or Turabian ) Style Guide was created by the University of Chicago Press and is now in its 17th edition. It is sometimes referred to as the "Editors' Bible." Rules for block quotes in Chicago Style are as follows:

• Use block format for quotations longer than five lines or two paragraphs.
• Do not use quotation marks.
• Indent the entire quotation by half an inch.
• Precede and follow the block quote by a blank line.

American Medical Association Block Quotes

The AMA style guide was developed by the American Medical Association and is used almost exclusively for medical research papers. Rules for block quotes in the AMA style are as follows:

• Use block formats for quotations that are longer than four lines of text.
• Use reduced type.
• Use paragraph indents only if the material cited is known to begin a paragraph.
• If the block quote contains a secondary quote, use double quotation marks around the contained quotation.
• What Is an Indentation?
• Definition and Examples of Direct Quotations
• Margin (Composition Format) Definition
• Formatting Papers in Chicago Style
• A Guide to Using Quotations in Essays
• Guidelines for Using Quotation Marks Correctly
• What Is a Senior Thesis?
• What Is a Citation?
• What are Ellipsis Points?
• How to Use Indirect Quotations in Writing for Complete Clarity
• 140 Key Copyediting Terms and What They Mean
• How to Use Italics
• Turabian Style Guide With Examples
• MLA Sample Pages
• What Is a Bibliography?
• Definition and Examples of Quotation in English Grammar

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Citations: Block Quotations

According to the APA manual, quotations that are 40 words or more are considered block quotations and are formatted differently than regular quotations.

The following is a list of the unique formatting that is needed for block quotations:

• Block quotations start on their own line.
• The entire block quotation is indented 0.5 inches, the same as the indentation for a new paragraph, and is double spaced.
• Block quotations are not surrounded by any quotation marks.
• The punctuation at the end of the block quotation goes before the citation.
• The ending citation is included on the last line of the block quotation.
• The text after the block quotation begins on its own line, with no indentation. You should not end a paragraph with a block quotation because any quotation you use as evidence in your writing should be followed by analysis in your own words as part of the same paragraph.

Note that block quotations should be used sparingly. Block quotations tend to take over the voice of the paper, often overshadowing the voice of the author with that source’s voice. Instead, if at all possible, try to quote smaller portions of the piece of text and incorporate these into your own voice. This practice will not only allow you to establish your voice as the author but also show the way you are engaging with the information, not just reporting it.

Block Quotation Examples

Today, digital cameras have practically taken over photography. As Johnson (2010) explained,

Digital cameras now make up 90% of all camera sales at the leading electronic stores. This increase in sales can be partially attributed to the widespread use of email and social networking, which has encouraged the sharing of digital photos. (p. 23)

Johnson further noted that, even more than with the shift to digital cameras, the increasing use of phones and iPods that have built-in cameras has replaced the use of film cameras.

Computer users often disagree about which operating system is best: Mac or PC. Oyler (2010) stated that one operating system is not better than the other, but that one may be better suited for different purposes than the other. She explained by saying that

Macs are often the best option for users who wish to work with video or picture manipulation. Macs are also very user friendly, which may benefit consumers who are new to computers. PCs, however, run Microsoft Office Suite the best. Therefore, students might find that a PC is their best option because it can run Microsoft Word and PowerPoint the smoothest. (Oyler, 2010, p. 48)

Conversely, Jones (2010) disagreed with the statement that Macs work with graphics such as video and pictures better than PCs, stating that PCs can be modified to work as well as Macs.

Related Resource

Knowledge Check: Block Quotations

Knowledge Check

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Block Quotes

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Block quotation is a method of formatting to highlight sections of directly quoted text in your writing. Direct quotes are usually integrated directly into your own text, but when quotes meet certain guidelines, block quotations are used instead. Though rules vary among citation styles, this example focuses on APA and MLA, as they are the most common styles.

Block quotes should be used sparingly. They are not intended for shorter essays because they take up extra space. Do not use block quotes just to fill space or try to reach a certain page length. For maximum impact, use them judiciously.

Block quotations are only used if the text is longer than 40 words (APA) or four lines (MLA). Shorter quotes should be integrated directly into your text.

The meaning of “four lines” for MLA can be unclear, so if you are unsure, consult with your instructor about whether a quote is four lines and if you need to use a block quote.

Don’t just drop a block quote into your own text without any explanation or context. Just like any other source you are using, always provide context and a lead-in when you use a block quote. Also, just like any other source, provide some follow-up after the quote to tie the information to your own writing.

Punctuation

Place a colon at the end of the last line before the block quote. This indicates that the quotation should be read seamlessly with your own text. Punctuate the text of the quote exactly as the original source does.

TIP: Use block quotes only when the author’s original words cannot be paraphrased or summarized. If you can say it just as well, paraphrase or summarize instead.

Double-space all lines. Do not add an extra space before or after the block quote. Just continue double spacing throughout your text.

Just like any other source, block quotes still need a citation. Note the placement of the punctuation in the example below. Typically, the punctuation would be placed after the citation, but after a block quote, the punctuation is placed first.

Quotation Marks

Unlike quotes integrated into your text, block quotes do not need quotation marks.

Indentation

Indent all lines of the block quote. For APA and MLA, indent one-half inch. Do not indent from the right side margin.

Ask Yourself: Do I need this entire section? Does every word help illustrate my point?  If you are using a block quote, make sure you really need the entire section you are using. If you don’t, choose the most important part and integrate it into your own text instead of using a block quote.

Scholars have explored the facets of good and evil in parallel characters in the  Harry Potter  series with frequent emphasis on the protagonist and antagonist and “absolute” virtues in each. Through exploring the grey areas of morality in other characters, Chevelier (2005) asserts that each main character is acting as an “absolute” by using comparison between Harry and Voldemort and explains:

Harry is constructed as the antithesis of Voldemort and is bound to him in numerous ways: the lightning-bolt scar on his forehead is the most obvious, as are Harry’s ability to speak Parseltongue and his wand, which is an exact counterpart of Voldemort’s. Like Frodo Baggins, Harry is the reluctant hero who must act as the instrument of absolute good, even at the risk of his own life, to defeat the instrument of absolute evil. (p. 339)

Though Chevelier (2005) mentions absolutes, he fails to address the potential that Harry might not be absolutely good and Voldemort might not be absolutely evil.

Chevelier, N. (2005). The liberty tree and the Whomping Willow: Political justice, magical science,

and Harry Potter.  The Lion and the Unicorn ,  29 (3), 397-415. doi:10.1353/uni.2005.0041

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How to Format a Block Quote

Last Updated: December 28, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 585,425 times.

Formatting a block quote may seem daunting, but it’s actually quite easy. How you format the block quote depends on which style you are using: Modern Language Association (MLA), American Psychology Association (APA), or Chicago Manual of Style (Chicago). All 3 styles format block quotes in similar ways, although there are slight differences between each one.

Block Quote Examples

Forming a Block Quote in MLA

• For example, if you are quoting the first stanza from Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken,” you should use a block quote, because it is longer than 3 lines.
• Another example might be if you are quoting a paragraph from Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. If the paragraph is more than 4 lines, use a block quote.

• "Roland Barthes sought to understand the difference between cinema and photography:"
• "In his novel White Jacket , Herman Melville argues,"

My interest in photography took a more cultural turn. I decided I liked photography in opposition to the Cinema, from which I nonetheless failed to separate it. This question grew insistent. I was overcome by an "ontological" desire: I wanted to learn at all costs what photography was "in itself."

• If you are quoting more than one paragraph, indent the first line of each paragraph another 1 ⁄ 4 inch (0.64 cm). [4] X Research source

• See fox jump; over the hill. Unlike the dipping sun; setting slowly still. (Pool 2)

• "I was overcome by an "ontological" desire: I wanted to learn at all costs what photography was "in itself." (Barthes 3)"

Making a Block Quote in APA

• On a word processor like Microsoft Word, you can highlight the quote and click “Word Count” under “Review” or “Proofing.” This will tell you how many words are in the quote.
• For example, if you are quoting a long paragraph from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , you should use a block quote.

• In Morgan’s 2013 study, he stated,
• Morgan (2013) found that:
• Some studies disagreed with these findings:

• If you are citing multiple paragraphs, indent the first line of the quotation by an additional 1 ⁄ 2 inch (1.3 cm).

The scent of lavender reduced stress by 20%. Individuals who were exposed had lower heart rates and blood pressure compared to the control group. Lavender also decreased the amount of time it took for subjects to fall asleep in clinical studies. (p. 112)

The scent of lavender reduced stress by 20%. Individuals who were exposed had lower heart rates and blood pressure compared to the control group. Lavender also decreased the amount of time it took for subjects to fall asleep in clinical studies. (Jones, 1998, p. 112)

Forming a Block Quote in Chicago Style

• For example, if you are quoting a 7 line paragraph from Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre , you should use a block quote.

• In many ways, the text creates a distinction between the seen and unseen:
• In response, Jones said,

• If you are citing multiple paragraphs, indent the first line of the quotation by an additional ¼ inch (0.64 cm). Indent the first line of each successive paragraph the same way.

• Peterson, Mary. Effects of Smoking on the Body. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1984.
• (Peterson, 118)

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• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/mla_style/mla_formatting_and_style_guide/mla_formatting_quotations.html
• ↑ https://public.wsu.edu/~campbelld/cited.htm
• ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/03/
• ↑ https://butlercc.libguides.com/c.php?g=220263&p=1458165
• ↑ https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/citations/quotations
• ↑ https://writingcenter.uagc.edu/block-quotations
• ↑ https://www.una.edu/writingcenter/docs/Writing-Resources/Introduction%20to%20Chicago-Turabian%20Style.pdf
• ↑ https://www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter/docs/handouts/Chicago%20Style.pdf

About This Article

To format a block quote in MLA, start by introducing the quote with a short sentence that ends with a colon or comma. Then, insert the quote on a new line without quotation marks. After you insert the quote, indent the entire block of text so it's 1/2 an inch from the left margin. The block quote should also be double-spaced like the rest of your paper. At the end of the quote, add the author's last name and the page number in parentheses. To learn how to format a block quote in APA and Chicago Style, scroll down! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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ENGL001: English Composition I

Follow mla guidelines for block quotations.

While it's best to use your own words whenever possible, there are times when it becomes necessary to include large amounts of cited material. For example, when an author defines a specific term, or an well-known expert made an important statement. To cite large amounts of material, use a block quotation to set it apart from your own words. Read the following article for instructions on how to format a block quotation in MLA format.

When to Use a Block Quotation

When a writer chooses to include a long quotation – one that takes up four or more lines of text – it must be set off as a free standing block. As with any quotation a writer employs as evidence, the original text should contain relevant and compelling ideas that are expressed in vivid and concise language.

Block quotations should be used sparingly in longer essays and articles (multiple pages) and rarely in shorter works (1,500 words or less). Lengthy, wordy quotations should never be used simply to fill pages when the writer has little to say about the topic or issue.

How to Format a Block Quotation

• A block quotation is introduced with an informative, full-sentence signal phrase that ends with a colon.
• The entire free standing block of the quoted material is indented 1" from the left margin (10 spaces) and is double-spaced throughout.
• The first line of the quotation is not indented more than the following lines, unless two or more paragraphs are quoted.
• Quotation marks are not added at the beginning or end of the quotation.
• Example : These results deserve further investigation. (23)
• Add a concluding sentence or sentences after the block quotation to complete the paragraph.

Let's Look at an Example

In their investigation of the way the human mind deals with multitasking, Salvucci and Taatgen determined that driving is an act that requires drivers to engage in a variety of simultaneous subtasks; when drivers choose to add interaction with an electronic device to an already complex activity, the new demands on their minds can distract them from their primary task:

The heavy cognitive workload of driving suggests that any secondary task has the potential to affect driver behavior. Any concurrent task would necessarily involve procedural steps and thus, whether large or small, create additional cognitive workload. At the same time, not all secondary tasks are created equal, and we would expect some tasks to interfere with driving more than others. Not surprisingly, tasks involving significant visual demand have the greatest potential for negative effects on driver performance. (108) [1]

Thus, the researchers determined that the use of electronic devices – such as cell phones – while driving can possibly place enough additional demands on the drivers' mental capacity to compromise their ability to operate a vehicle safely.

[1] Salvucci, Dario D., and Niels A. Taatgen. Multitasking Mind. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2011. eBook Collection (EBSCOhost) . Web. 20 Feb. 2012.

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Block Quote – A 3-Step Guide For Different Style Guides

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Block quotes serve as an essential element when working with sources , affording authors to include longer parts from original work in a distinctive and structured way. This format not only preserves and highlights the academic integrity of the original source but also makes sure that die audience can distinguish the writer’s voice from the cited author’s. Correctly applied, block quotes contribute to the credibility and meaning of academic writing , creating a link between the original thought and sourced information.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• 1 Block Quote – In a Nutshell
• 2 Definition: Block quote
• 3 The length of block quotes
• 4 Step 1: Introducing the block quote
• 5 Step 2: Formatting and citing a block quote
• 6 Step 3: Analyzing and discussing a block quote
• 7 When should you use a block quote

Block Quote – In a Nutshell

• Block quotes are formatted and cited differently depending on the style guide
• Some basic rules for formatting the quote include:
• They begin on a new line
• Must be indented from the left
• They are not placed within quotation marks

Definition: Block quote

A block quote is a direct quotation that should not be placed inside quotation marks but separated from the rest of the text by starting it on a new line and indenting it from the left margin. They serve the purpose of improving readability, indicating that the quote is not original content, and illustrating specially formatted content such as letters or song lyrics.

The length of block quotes

The size of a block quote depends on the style guide you use. The styles do not specify the minimum length of a quote. However, quotations that are too long and exceed five lines are usually avoided. Each of those style guides has their own rules that must be followed. The style guides include APA style , MLA, Chicago style, and AMA as discussed below.

Step 1: Introducing the block quote

When material is quoted in academic writing, it is vital to indicate the underlying purpose of the quote. Thus, it is essential to introduce block quotes in your own words explaining how the quote may support your arguments and may be applied in your analysis. If the block quote begins with a full sentence you should introduce it with a full sentence. When introducing a quote in a full sentence, you must end the sentence with a colon .

Anke Wischgoll outlines how academic writing skills may be improved:

To establish coherence, Spivey (1990) postulates that academic writing involves strategies of organizing, selecting, and connecting. Training a text structure knowledge application strategy or a summarization strategy seems to be a promising means to achieve this: summarization includes intensively reading, selecting main ideas, and composing sentences to generate a coherent text.

If the introductory phrase of the quote merges into a quote that does not begin with a full sentence then punctuation is not needed.

Step 2: Formatting and citing a block quote

As block quotes are not placed within quotation marks, it is important to format them in a certain way, so the quote can be differentiated from the original content and the rest of the text. These are the general rules that are used when formatting a block quote:

Formatting Block quotes in different styles

There are different guidelines to formatting a block quote depending on the choice of citation style guide.

The Modern Language Association Style Guide (MLA ) is commonly used by researchers. In this case, the block quotes do not always go beyond four lines. They are:

• Introduced with a colon
• The indentation is 1 inch from the left margin
• They are typed with double spacing
• They do not stand within quotation marks

APA stands for American Psychological Association and is widely used to format texts, mainly in the field of social sciences. Their quotes do not always exceed four lines, however, when they do there are specific rules to be followed. Such rules include:

• Beginning the quote in a new line
• Typing it double-spaced
• No quotation marks
• Indenting it 1 inch from the left margin

Chicago Style

The Chicago style guide is mainly used for research in the field of humanities. It was created at the Chicago University and is now in its 17th edition. In this style, it is formatted as follows:

• Start the block quote on a new line
• Don’t enclose it in quotation marks
• It must be typed in single-spacing
• Indent the whole block quote by 0.5 inch.

Citing a block quote

Citing a block quotation differs when using different style guides.

Formatting more than one paragraph as a block quote

If you have to format a quote that is more than one paragraph, you must indent the entire first paragraph and indent the first line of the second paragraph as well. Also, use line spacing between the two paragraphs.

To cite the quote in APA style, you need to write the last name of the author, page number and the year. All must be separated by commas.

Citing a quote in MLA requires the last name of the author and page number. A period is placed after the last citation.

This involves giving specifications on the author’s title and page number. Sometimes you may also use fuller information.

Step 3: Analyzing and discussing a block quote

Something you should note is to avoid ending a paragraph with a quote. This should be avoided, as an analysis should always follow any quotation you include in your academic writing.

When should you use a block quote

The quotes are primarily used in academic and content writing, e.g., in journalistic writing. They are especially useful and relevant to use when the quote contains points that explain or support your arguments. The frequency of using block quotes depends on the field of study.

When should you use a block quote?

Block quotes are relevant to use to prove and support an argument.

What is the difference between a block quote and a regular quote?

A direct quote is taken from a text word-for-word, while a block quote defines a longer direct quote that is separated from the rest of the text.

What is unique about a block quote?

Unique characteristics of a block quote are:

• They start on a new line
• They are indented from the left margin.
• They are separated from the rest of the text

How many lines should be a block quote?

In most cases, the quote should not exceed three lines of verse. However, this depends on which style guide you use for your paper.

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Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

In-Text Citations: The Basics

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

Note:  This page reflects the latest version of the APA Publication Manual (i.e., APA 7), which released in October 2019. The equivalent resource for the older APA 6 style  can be found here .

Reference citations in text are covered on pages 261-268 of the Publication Manual. What follows are some general guidelines for referring to the works of others in your essay.

Note:  On pages 117-118, the Publication Manual suggests that authors of research papers should use the past tense or present perfect tense for signal phrases that occur in the literature review and procedure descriptions (for example, Jones (1998)  found  or Jones (1998)  has found ...). Contexts other than traditionally-structured research writing may permit the simple present tense (for example, Jones (1998)  finds ).

APA Citation Basics

When using APA format, follow the author-date method of in-text citation. This means that the author's last name and the year of publication for the source should appear in the text, like, for example, (Jones, 1998). One complete reference for each source should appear in the reference list at the end of the paper.

If you are referring to an idea from another work but  NOT  directly quoting the material, or making reference to an entire book, article or other work, you only have to make reference to the author and year of publication and not the page number in your in-text reference.

On the other hand, if you are directly quoting or borrowing from another work, you should include the page number at the end of the parenthetical citation. Use the abbreviation “p.” (for one page) or “pp.” (for multiple pages) before listing the page number(s). Use an en dash for page ranges. For example, you might write (Jones, 1998, p. 199) or (Jones, 1998, pp. 199–201). This information is reiterated below.

Regardless of how they are referenced, all sources that are cited in the text must appear in the reference list at the end of the paper.

In-text citation capitalization, quotes, and italics/underlining

• Always capitalize proper nouns, including author names and initials: D. Jones.
• If you refer to the title of a source within your paper, capitalize all words that are four letters long or greater within the title of a source:  Permanence and Change . Exceptions apply to short words that are verbs, nouns, pronouns, adjectives, and adverbs:  Writing New Media ,  There Is Nothing Left to Lose .

( Note:  in your References list, only the first word of a title will be capitalized:  Writing new media .)

• When capitalizing titles, capitalize both words in a hyphenated compound word:  Natural-Born Cyborgs .
• Capitalize the first word after a dash or colon: "Defining Film Rhetoric: The Case of Hitchcock's  Vertigo ."
• If the title of the work is italicized in your reference list, italicize it and use title case capitalization in the text:  The Closing of the American Mind ;  The Wizard of Oz ;  Friends .
• If the title of the work is not italicized in your reference list, use double quotation marks and title case capitalization (even though the reference list uses sentence case): "Multimedia Narration: Constructing Possible Worlds;" "The One Where Chandler Can't Cry."

Short quotations

If you are directly quoting from a work, you will need to include the author, year of publication, and page number for the reference (preceded by "p." for a single page and “pp.” for a span of multiple pages, with the page numbers separated by an en dash).

You can introduce the quotation with a signal phrase that includes the author's last name followed by the date of publication in parentheses.

If you do not include the author’s name in the text of the sentence, place the author's last name, the year of publication, and the page number in parentheses after the quotation.

Long quotations

Place direct quotations that are 40 words or longer in a free-standing block of typewritten lines and omit quotation marks. Start the quotation on a new line, indented 1/2 inch from the left margin, i.e., in the same place you would begin a new paragraph. Type the entire quotation on the new margin, and indent the first line of any subsequent paragraph within the quotation 1/2 inch from the new margin. Maintain double-spacing throughout, but do not add an extra blank line before or after it. The parenthetical citation should come after the closing punctuation mark.

Because block quotation formatting is difficult for us to replicate in the OWL's content management system, we have simply provided a screenshot of a generic example below.

Formatting example for block quotations in APA 7 style.

Quotations from sources without pages

Direct quotations from sources that do not contain pages should not reference a page number. Instead, you may reference another logical identifying element: a paragraph, a chapter number, a section number, a table number, or something else. Older works (like religious texts) can also incorporate special location identifiers like verse numbers. In short: pick a substitute for page numbers that makes sense for your source.

Summary or paraphrase

If you are paraphrasing an idea from another work, you only have to make reference to the author and year of publication in your in-text reference and may omit the page numbers. APA guidelines, however, do encourage including a page range for a summary or paraphrase when it will help the reader find the information in a longer work.