a block quote in an essay

APA Style 7th Edition: Citing Your Sources

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• 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)

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MLA Style Guide: 8th Edition: Block Quote

• Works Cited examples
• Direct Quote

Block Quote

• Paraphrase/Summary
• Indirect Quote
• Multiple Authors
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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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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.

MLA Formatting Guide

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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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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

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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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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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• Writing Tips

How to Use Block Quotes

2-minute read

• 31st July 2017

Quoting sources is essential in academic writing . But do you know how and when to use block quotes? The exact rules for this depend on the referencing system you’re using. However, there are a few general guidelines that can help if you’re unsure what to do, as we will explain in this post.

What Is a Block Quote?

Block quotes are blocks of quoted text. Yes, sometimes life is that simple. They are typically used when quoting longer passages, as setting long quotations apart from surrounding text ensures they are not mistaken for your own work.

When to Use a Block Quote

Block quotes should only be used when necessary. If you’re quoting a source at length simply to set out an idea or theory, it’s usually better to paraphrase the original text in your own words (this shows you’ve understood the source).

Quoting at length is most useful when analysing a passage of text or when how something is written is essential to what it means. In both cases, block quotes are used when the exact wording of something is important.

There’s also the question of length. As a rule of thumb, block quotes should only be used for quotations of more than forty words. However, some style guides have specific rules on this:

Make sure to check your university’s style guide if you need to use a block quote in your work.

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How to Format Block Quotes

This one also varies depending on the referencing system you’re using. However, most approaches stick to a few basic rules:

• Begin block quotes on a new line indented from the main text.
• Don’t use quotation marks, but make sure a full citation is given.
• If citing multiple paragraphs, add an extra indent each time a new one begins.
• Resume the main text after the block quote on a new line with no indentation.

Some systems also have rules about the line spacing and punctuation used in block quotes, so make sure to check your style guide for advice if you’re using longer quotes in your work.

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• How to Quote | Citing Quotes in Harvard & APA

How to Quote | Citing Quotes in Harvard & APA

Published on 15 April 2022 by Shona McCombes and Jack Caulfield. Revised on 3 September 2022.

Quoting means copying a passage of someone else’s words and crediting the source. To quote a source, you must ensure:

• The quoted text is enclosed in quotation marks (usually single quotation marks in UK English, though double is acceptable as long as you’re consistent) or formatted as a block quote
• The original author is correctly cited
• The text is identical to the original

The exact format of a quote depends on its length and on which citation style you are using. Quoting and citing correctly is essential to avoid plagiarism , which is easy to detect with a good plagiarism checker .

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Table of contents

How to cite a quote in harvard and apa style, introducing quotes, quotes within quotes, shortening or altering a quote, block quotes, when should i use quotes, frequently asked questions about quoting sources.

Every time you quote, you must cite the source correctly . This looks slightly different depending on the citation style you’re using.

Citing a quote in Harvard style

When you include a quote in Harvard style, you must add a Harvard in-text citation giving the author’s last name, the year of publication, and a page number if available. Any full stop or comma appears after the citation, not within the quotation marks.

Citations can be parenthetical or narrative. In a parenthetical citation , you place all the information in brackets after the quote. In a narrative citation , you name the author in your sentence (followed by the year), and place the page number after the quote.

• Evolution is a gradual process that ‘can act only by very short and slow steps’ (Darwin, 1859, p. 510) . Darwin (1859) explains that evolution ‘can act only by very short and slow steps’ (p. 510) .

Complete guide to Harvard style

Citing a quote in APA Style

To cite a direct quote in APA , you must include the author’s last name, the year, and a page number, all separated by commas. If the quote appears on a single page, use ‘p.’; if it spans a page range, use ‘pp.’

An APA in-text citation can be parenthetical or narrative. In a parenthetical citation , you place all the information in parentheses after the quote. In a narrative citation , you name the author in your sentence (followed by the year), and place the page number after the quote.

Punctuation marks such as full stops and commas are placed after the citation, not within the quotation marks.

• Evolution is a gradual process that ‘can act only by very short and slow steps’ (Darwin, 1859, p. 510) .
• Darwin (1859) explains that evolution ‘can act only by very short and slow steps’ (p. 510) .

Complete guide to APA

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Make sure you integrate quotes properly into your text by introducing them in your own words, showing the reader why you’re including the quote and providing any context necessary to understand it.  Don’t  present quotations as stand-alone sentences.

There are three main strategies you can use to introduce quotes in a grammatically correct way:

• Add an introductory sentence
• Use an introductory signal phrase
• Integrate the quote into your own sentence

The following examples use APA Style citations, but these strategies can be used in all styles.

Introductory sentence

Introduce the quote with a full sentence ending in a colon . Don’t use a colon if the text before the quote isn’t a full sentence.

If you name the author in your sentence, you may use present-tense verbs, such as “states’, ‘argues’, ‘explains’, ‘writes’, or ‘reports’, to describe the content of the quote.

• In Denmark, a recent poll shows that: ‘A membership referendum held today would be backed by 55 percent of Danish voters’ (Levring, 2018, p. 3).
• In Denmark, a recent poll shows that support for the EU has grown since the Brexit vote: ‘A membership referendum held today would be backed by 55 percent of Danish voters’ (Levring, 2018, p. 3).
• Levring (2018) reports that support for the EU has grown since the Brexit vote: ‘A membership referendum held today would be backed by 55 percent of Danish voters’ (p. 3).

Introductory signal phrase

You can also use a signal phrase that mentions the author or source but doesn’t form a full sentence. In this case, you follow the phrase with a comma instead of a colon.

• According to a recent poll, ‘A membership referendum held today would be backed by 55 percent of Danish voters’ (Levring, 2018, p. 3).
• As Levring (2018) explains, ‘A membership referendum held today would be backed by 55 percent of Danish voters’ (p. 3).

Integrated into your own sentence

To quote a phrase that doesn’t form a full sentence, you can also integrate it as part of your sentence, without any extra punctuation.

• A recent poll suggests that EU membership ‘would be backed by 55 percent of Danish voters’ in a referendum (Levring, 2018, p. 3).
• Levring (2018) reports that EU membership ‘would be backed by 55 percent of Danish voters’ in a referendum (p. 3).

When you quote text that itself contains another quote, this is called a nested quotation or a quote within a quote. It may occur, for example, when quoting dialogue from a novel.

To distinguish this quote from the surrounding quote, you enclose it in double (instead of single) quotation marks (even if this involves changing the punctuation from the original text). Make sure to close both sets of quotation marks at the appropriate moments.

Note that if you only quote the nested quotation itself, and not the surrounding text, you can just use single quotation marks.

• Carraway introduces his narrative by quoting his father: ‘ ‘ Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone, ‘ he told me, ‘ just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had ‘ ‘ (Fitzgerald 1).
• Carraway introduces his narrative by quoting his father: ‘”Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone,” he told me, “just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had “  (Fitzgerald 1).
• Carraway introduces his narrative by quoting his father: ‘“Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone,” he told me, “just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had”’ (Fitzgerald 1).
• Carraway begins by quoting his father’s invocation to ‘remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had’ (Fitzgerald 1).

Note:  When the quoted text in the source comes from another source, it’s best to just find that original source in order to quote it directly. If you can’t find the original source, you can instead cite it indirectly .

Often, incorporating a quote smoothly into your text requires you to make some changes to the original text. It’s fine to do this, as long as you clearly mark the changes you’ve made to the quote.

Shortening a quote

If some parts of a passage are redundant or irrelevant, you can shorten the quote by removing words, phrases, or sentences and replacing them with an ellipsis (…). Put a space before and after the ellipsis.

Be careful that removing the words doesn’t change the meaning. The ellipsis indicates that some text has been removed, but the shortened quote should still accurately represent the author’s point.

Altering a quote

You can add or replace words in a quote when necessary. This might be because the original text doesn’t fit grammatically with your sentence (e.g., it’s in a different tense), or because extra information is needed to clarify the quote’s meaning.

Use brackets to distinguish words that you have added from words that were present in the original text.

The Latin term ‘ sic ‘ is used to indicate a (factual or grammatical) mistake in a quotation. It shows the reader that the mistake is from the quoted material, not a typo of your own.

In some cases, it can be useful to italicise part of a quotation to add emphasis, showing the reader that this is the key part to pay attention to. Use the phrase ’emphasis added’ to show that the italics were not part of the original text.

You usually don’t need to use brackets to indicate minor changes to punctuation or capitalisation made to ensure the quote fits the style of your text.

If you quote more than a few lines from a source, you must format it as a block quote . Instead of using quotation marks, you set the quote on a new line and indent it so that it forms a separate block of text.

Block quotes are cited just like regular quotes, except that if the quote ends with a full stop, the citation appears after the full stop.

To the end of his days Bilbo could never remember how he found himself outside, without a hat, a walking-stick or any money, or anything that he usually took when he went out; leaving his second breakfast half-finished and quite unwashed-up, pushing his keys into Gandalf’s hands, and running as fast as his furry feet could carry him down the lane, past the great Mill, across The Water, and then on for a mile or more. (16)

Avoid relying too heavily on quotes in academic writing . To integrate a source , it’s often best to paraphrase , which means putting the passage into your own words. This helps you integrate information smoothly and keeps your own voice dominant.

However, there are some situations in which quotes are more appropriate.

When focusing on language

If you want to comment on how the author uses language (for example, in literary analysis ), it’s necessary to quote so that the reader can see the exact passage you are referring to.

When giving evidence

To convince the reader of your argument, interpretation or position on a topic, it’s often helpful to include quotes that support your point. Quotes from primary sources (for example, interview transcripts or historical documents) are especially credible as evidence.

When presenting an author’s position or definition

When you’re referring to secondary sources such as scholarly books and journal articles, try to put others’ ideas in your own words when possible.

But if a passage does a great job at expressing, explaining, or defining something, and it would be very difficult to paraphrase without changing the meaning or losing the weakening the idea’s impact, it’s worth quoting directly.

A quote is an exact copy of someone else’s words, usually enclosed in quotation marks and credited to the original author or speaker.

To present information from other sources in academic writing , it’s best to paraphrase in most cases. This shows that you’ve understood the ideas you’re discussing and incorporates them into your text smoothly.

It’s appropriate to quote when:

• Changing the phrasing would distort the meaning of the original text
• You want to discuss the author’s language choices (e.g., in literary analysis )
• You’re presenting a precise definition
• You’re looking in depth at a specific claim

Every time you quote a source , you must include a correctly formatted in-text citation . This looks slightly different depending on the citation style .

For example, a direct quote in APA is cited like this: ‘This is a quote’ (Streefkerk, 2020, p. 5).

Every in-text citation should also correspond to a full reference at the end of your paper.

In scientific subjects, the information itself is more important than how it was expressed, so quoting should generally be kept to a minimum. In the arts and humanities, however, well-chosen quotes are often essential to a good paper.

In social sciences, it varies. If your research is mainly quantitative , you won’t include many quotes, but if it’s more qualitative , you may need to quote from the data you collected .

As a general guideline, quotes should take up no more than 5–10% of your paper. If in doubt, check with your instructor or supervisor how much quoting is appropriate in your field.

If you’re quoting from a text that paraphrases or summarises other sources and cites them in parentheses , APA  recommends retaining the citations as part of the quote:

• Smith states that ‘the literature on this topic (Jones, 2015; Sill, 2019; Paulson, 2020) shows no clear consensus’ (Smith, 2019, p. 4).

Footnote or endnote numbers that appear within quoted text should be omitted.

If you want to cite an indirect source (one you’ve only seen quoted in another source), either locate the original source or use the phrase ‘as cited in’ in your citation.

A block quote is a long quote formatted as a separate ‘block’ of text. Instead of using quotation marks , you place the quote on a new line, and indent the entire quote to mark it apart from your own words.

APA uses block quotes for quotes that are 40 words or longer.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.

McCombes, S. & Caulfield, J. (2022, September 03). How to Quote | Citing Quotes in Harvard & APA. Scribbr. Retrieved 9 April 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/working-sources/quoting/

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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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How to Block Quote | A Guide with Examples

Published by Olive Robin at October 17th, 2023 , Revised On October 17, 2023

In any form of written communication, be it academic writing, journalism, or even casual blogging, there comes a time when we need to reference another’s words to support, explain, or emphasise our points. This is where block quotes come into play. Block quotes and paraphrasing in sources are both essential techniques when relying on external materials.

A block quote is a direct, word-for-word replication of a section from another source, usually set apart from the main text. It is often indented, italicised, or presented in a different font or size to clearly distinguish it from the original writing.

Beyond just quoting, block quotes serve as a visual marker, signalling readers that the words they are reading aren’t the author’s original thoughts but rather an extraction from another source. Properly integrating sources is a crucial skill, and using block quotes is one of the ways to achieve it.

So, why is it important to use block quotes?

Preserving Original Meaning

By quoting directly, we ensure that the original author’s meaning is preserved, reducing the risk of misinterpretation.

Lending Credibility

When making a claim or stating a fact, presenting a direct quote from a reputable source lends more credibility to your statements.

Highlighting Significant Information

Sometimes, the original way something was said is so impactful that paraphrasing doesn’t do it justice. In these instances, a block quote is a perfect choice.

What is a Block Quote?

A block quote, often referred to as a “long quotation” or “extract,” is a lengthy quotation that is separated from the main body of the text, typically by being indented, set in a smaller font size, or both. The exact length that qualifies a quote to be block-quoted varies between citation styles, but it usually starts from around 40 words or more. This distinguishes it from regular quotations, which are integrated into the text and enclosed in quotation marks.

Unlike regular quotations, block quotes typically do not have quotation marks at the beginning or end (though there are exceptions based on specific formatting styles). The primary purpose is to visually separate it, signalling the reader that they are about to delve into a direct excerpt from another source.

When and why to Use Block Quotes

A few situations where you should use block quotes are discussed below. 

Length of the Quote

As previously mentioned, once a quote surpasses a certain length (often around 40 words, but this may vary), it’s recommended to format it as a block quote.

Preservation of Originality 

There are times when the original phrasing of a statement carries weight, emotion, or clarity that cannot be matched by paraphrasing. In such cases, a block quote retains the original’s power.

Focus on the Source

Using a block quote can draw the reader’s attention to the significance of the cited information. It emphasises the importance of the content being quoted.

Avoiding Plagiarism

Especially in academic and research writing, presenting someone else’s ideas as your own is a serious offence. Block quotes, combined with proper citation, ensure that credit is appropriately given.

Clarifying or Supporting Arguments

When discussing complex topics, a direct quote from an expert or primary source can clarify or further support your argument.

Different Styles and Their Guidelines

Each academic and professional field often adheres to a particular citation style, which dictates how sources are cited and how block quotes are presented. Source evaluation is another integral part of this process, ensuring the credibility and reliability of the referenced materials. Here, we will explore three popular styles: APA, MLA, and Chicago.

The American Psychological Association (APA) format is a widely used style in the social sciences. It offers guidelines on how to structure papers, cite sources, and format text—including block quotes.

Using APA correctly adds credibility to a piece of writing and ensures the reader can trace back to the original sources of information.

How to Format Block Quotes in APA

• Begin the block quote on a new line.
• Indent the entire block quote ½ inch (or five to seven spaces) from the left margin.
• Do not use quotation marks around the block quote.
• Use double-spacing throughout, just as you would with the rest of the paper.
• The citation should come after the punctuation at the end of the block quote.

Example of a Block Quote in APA

Smith (2020) highlights the impact of global warming: Climate change has accelerated at a pace previously unforeseen by scientists. The repercussions of this rapid environmental shift are evidenced by the increasing frequency of natural disasters, the migration of species, and the alteration of global weather patterns. (p. 45)

The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is primarily used in the humanities, especially in writings on literature and language.

It aids in providing a uniform structure to papers and essays, making them more accessible and credible to readers.

How to Format Block Quotes in MLA

• Begin the block quote on a new line without quotation marks.
• Indent the entire block quote one inch (or ten spaces) from the left margin.
• Maintain double-spacing.
• Place the citation, without a period, after the last sentence of the block quote. The regular text can then resume after this citation.

Example of a Block Quote in MLA

In her novel, Morrison paints a poignant picture of her characters’ struggles: Life was no longer something to endure but to live. Every aspect of the environment, from the vast skies to the intricate patterns on a butterfly’s wings, became a source of fascination and joy. (287)

Chicago Style

Chicago Manual of Style, or simply Chicago style, is widely used in history, business, and fine arts.

It offers comprehensive guidelines for publishing, making it invaluable for authors, researchers, and editors.

How to Format Block Quotes in Chicago Style

• Start the block quote on a new line, indented 0.5 inches from the left margin.
• Single-space the block quote, but leave a line space before and after.
• No quotation marks are used.
• Citations can be placed either as footnotes or endnotes, depending on the preference or instruction for the paper.

Example of a Block Quote in Chicago Style

As Davidson postulates in his study: The Renaissance period, while recognised for its artistic and intellectual achievements, also witnessed significant advancements in scientific reasoning. This dual evolution of art and science made it one of the most dynamic periods in human history.^1 ^1 Davidson, Richard. The Dual Face of the Renaissance. Chicago University Press, 2019, p. 132.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid in Getting Block Quotes

Using block quotes can elevate your writing, offering solid evidence for your claims and enhancing the depth of your content. However, mistakes in their usage can detract from the content, causing confusion or even casting doubts on the credibility of your work. One aspect of information literacy is knowing when and how to use block quotes effectively. Let’s delve into some common pitfalls and how to sidestep them.

Not Introducing or Contextualising the Block Quote

• Mistake: Dropping a block quote into your writing without any introduction can be jarring for readers. It can leave them puzzled about the quote’s relevance or significance.
• Solution: Always introduce a block quote. This could be as simple as stating the author’s name and credentials or offering a summary of the quote’s significance. Contextualising helps the reader understand why the quote is there and how it supports your argument or narrative. 

Wrong: Climate change is a significant concern. Climate change has accelerated at a pace… Right: According to environmental scientist Dr Jane Smith, Climate change has accelerated at a pace…

Quoting too Much or too Little

• Mistake: Using excessively long block quotes can lose the reader’s interest or make it seem like you’re filling space. On the other hand, quoting too little might strip the context of the full meaning from the source.
• Solution: Be judicious in selecting what to quote. Ensure the quote is long enough to capture the essence of the point but concise enough to keep the reader’s interest.

Wrong: Quoting an entire page when only a few lines are relevant. Right: Select key sentences or paragraphs that directly relate to your point.

Failing To Cite The Source Correctly

• Mistake: Incorrect citations or, worse, omitting them altogether can lead to accusations of plagiarism. This can undermine your credibility and even lead to academic or professional penalties.
• Solution: Always ensure you cite the source of your block quote as prescribed by the style guide you’re following. If unsure, double-check the rules or use citation tools available online.

Wrong: Climate change has accelerated at a pace… Right : Climate change has accelerated at a pace… (Smith, 2020, p. 45)

Tips For Effectively Using Block Quotes

Block quotes are invaluable tools in writing, but like any tool, they need to be wielded skillfully. Let’s explore some strategies to use block quotes effectively, ensuring that they augment rather than disrupt your narrative flow.

Choosing Significant and Relevant Passages

The essence of a block quote is its ability to emphasise a particular point. Including irrelevant or weak passages can diminish the power of your argument or narrative.

Tip: Before opting for a block quote, ask yourself:

• Does this passage strongly support my point?
• Is there a unique phrasing or perspective that is essential for readers to understand?

Example: Rather than quoting a generic statement like, “Pollution is bad for the environment,” opt for a more impactful passage, such as, “Unchecked pollution can lead to irreversible ecosystem damage, with consequences that reverberate for centuries.”

Integrating Block Quotes Smoothly into your Own Text

A block quote should not feel “dropped in” but should instead be a seamless part of your writing.

Tip: Use transitional phrases or introductions that lead the reader into the quote. This provides context and highlights the relevance of the quoted passage.

Example: Instead of abruptly placing a block quote, use an introduction like, “As renowned environmentalist Dr Jane Smith explains:” followed by the block quote.

Paraphrasing Vs. Quoting: When to Choose Which

While block quotes can be powerful, they aren’t always the best choice. Sometimes, paraphrasing can convey the same information more succinctly.

Tip: Opt for a block quote when:

• The original phrasing is impactful and carries weight.
• The author’s credentials lend authority to the statement.
• The specific wording is central to your argument or analysis.

Paraphrase when:

• The idea is essential, but the exact wording isn’t.
• You want to condense a lengthy passage without losing its core meaning.
• The source’s language is overly technical or dense, and a simplified version would be more accessible to your audience .

Example: Original: “The phenomenon of bioluminescence, observed predominantly in marine vertebrates and invertebrates, arises from chemical reactions that emit light.” Block Quote (if discussing the science behind the phenomenon): Use as is. Paraphrase (for a general audience): “Bioluminescence, mostly seen in sea animals, is a natural light produced by chemical reactions.”

Block Quote Examples

Block quotes can manifest differently depending on the medium in which they are used. The following examples showcase how block quotes can be effectively implemented in various types of writing.

Example of a Block Quotes for an Essay

Topic: The Influence of Shakespeare on Modern Literature

The influence of William Shakespeare on modern literature is indisputable. As Harold Bloom, a renowned critic, asserts in his book The Invention of the Human:

Shakespeare’s characters remain unmatched in all of western literature, displaying a human depth that has yet to be surpassed. Their intricate personalities and complex motivations not only reflect the essence of humanity but also shape our understanding of the human psyche.

Building upon Bloom’s insight, it’s evident that characters like Hamlet and Lady Macbeth have become archetypes in literature, continually being referenced and reinterpreted in modern works.

Example of a Block Quote in a Research Paper

Topic: The Impact of Deforestation on Climate Change

One of the leading causes of climate change is the rampant deforestation occurring worldwide. A study published in the Journal of Climate Studies in 2021 elaborates on this point:

Deforestation has been found to contribute significantly to global warming. Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a primary greenhouse gas, thus reducing its levels in the atmosphere. Large-scale logging and clearing of forests, especially in tropical regions, release vast amounts of stored carbon, exacerbating the greenhouse effect and speeding up climate change.

Given this data, it’s crucial for policymakers to prioritise reforestation and sustainable logging practices to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change.

Example of a Block Quote in a Blog Post

Topic: The Benefits of Meditation

Meditation has become a popular practice, boasting a myriad of health benefits. I recently stumbled upon a piece by Dr Jane Goodall in Mindfulness Today, where she beautifully describes her personal experience with meditation:

Every morning, as the sun rises, I take a moment to sit in stillness and silence. This daily ritual has transformed my life. It’s like a reset button, offering clarity, grounding, and a deep connection to the world around me. It’s more than just relaxation; it’s a profound journey inward.

I couldn’t have put it better. Meditation, as Dr. Goodall explains, is more than a mere practice—it’s a transformative experience that connects us to our innermost selves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to make block quotes in word.

• Highlight the desired text.
• Right-click and select ‘Paragraph.’
• Under ‘Indentation,’ choose ‘Left’ and set it to 0.5 inches.
• Ensure line spacing is ‘Double’ (for many academic formats).
• Click ‘OK’ to apply the changes.

How to add block quote in Google Docs?

• Highlight the text you want to block quote.
• Click on ‘Format’ in the top menu.
• Hover over ‘Paragraph styles,’ then ‘Normal Text.’
• Click on ‘Apply ‘Block quote.”
• Adjust indentation or font if necessary.

What is blockquote in HTML for quotations?

In HTML, the <blockquote> element represents a block-level quotation from another source. It’s typically displayed as an indented block of text to differentiate it from surrounding content. To cite the quotation’s source, you can use the cite attribute. For inline quotations, HTML provides the <q> element instead. Always pair with proper attribution.

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In today’s information age, where vast amounts of knowledge are easily accessible, it is crucial to know how to use and represent that knowledge correctly and how to cite sources properly.

Scholarly sources, also known as academic sources, refer to materials created to meet the standards and expectations of the academic community.

In academic writing and research, integrating sources plays a pivotal role in shaping the quality and credibility of your work.

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Running head: SKIN CANVAS AND TATTOOS AS TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY ART                                                                                                                                                                                                            8  

               Now known as Dr. Lakra, the young artist acquired the name very early in his career due to the antique doctor’s bag he would carry with him which held his machines for tattooing. He chose the name “Lakra,” which is Spanish for scar of blemish, and is also slang for delinquent (Malbert, 2015, p. 230). Best known for taking antique and retro images from magazines and postcards, and turning the seemingly innocent and “pure” bodies into works of art. His works are very similar and often related and compared to ready-mades in the sense that Dr. Lakra does not go out and create the human canvases he works on, but rather these figures already formed and places his personal touch and markings on them.

An avid collector of diverse objects,  Lakra  views the search for materials and images as an essential aspect of his practice. His compositions combine historical references and contemporary images, incorporating quotes from popular culture, interwoven with religious and social  iconographies . The way he juxtaposes and refashions these various elements reveals a deep understanding of art history, as well as a subversive sense of humor. Dr.  Lakra  dismantles and subverts dominant ideologies to question what is considered civilized or barbaric, correct or innocent, “high” or “folk” art ( Kurimanzutto , n.d.,  para . 1).

               As in three of his works from 2004, Untitled (Films), Untitled (Maria Montez), and Untitled (Emana), Dr. Lakra has revived these forms from the past, marking them with skulls, faces, spiders, demons, and death. Untitled (Films) is a portrait of Evelyn Knapp, an American actress who stared in many B-movies and cliffhangers; having a thriving career in the 1920s and 30s, then tapering off into the 1940s, Knapp left a legacy of films and photographs in the media of the time. Her cause of death in the early 1980s was recorded as unknown and remained undisclosed with a timely cremation shortly thereafter. Dr. Lakra adorns her body with symbols of death: skulls live on her shoulder and hand and in the smoke around her face, a knife is drawn piercing her chest, chains wrap her neck like fine jewels, snakes looking to devour her like Cleopatra, and the unlucky number “13” at her temple above a drawn tear from her eye (Abaroa, Alonzo, Lakra & Orozco, 2010, p. 11). Yet, the major elements of contrast is the angles’ wing coming from one half of her chest and the bats’ wing from the other half, as well as the tattoo on her right hand that spells “PUNT-” (Abaroa et al., 2010, p. 5). Knapp lived a life that left no scandal to tarnish her reputation, yet Dr. Lakra took the opportunity to create as much with the markings on her body; as he works to create the aversion of empty space with tattoos on her naked skin, Dr. Lakra turns the bright-eyed Hollywood actress into a dark and fearful image as he transitions her from innocence to darkness and a new sense of empowerment (Amirsadeghi, 2014, p. 180). No longer is she pure and empowered by goodness, she radiates contradicting empowerment, as though it were bestowed from hell, for she is autonomous from the viewer but a slave to death as her tattoo “PUNT” may actually say “PUNTA,” which is Spanish for “end” or “tip.”

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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. 

Frequently asked questions

What is a block quote.

A block quote is a long quote formatted as a separate “block” of text. Instead of using quotation marks , you place the quote on a new line, and indent the entire quote to mark it apart from your own words.

The rules for when to apply block quote formatting depend on the citation style:

• APA block quotes are 40 words or longer.
• MLA block quotes are more than 4 lines of prose or 3 lines of poetry.
• Chicago block quotes are longer than 100 words.

Frequently asked questions: Citing sources

A scientific citation style is a system of source citation that is used in scientific disciplines. Some commonly used scientific citation styles are:

• Chicago author-date , CSE , and Harvard , used across various sciences
• ACS , used in chemistry
• AMA , NLM , and Vancouver , used in medicine and related disciplines
• AAA , APA , and ASA , commonly used in the social sciences

There are many different citation styles used across different academic disciplines, but they fall into three basic approaches to citation:

• Parenthetical citations : Including identifying details of the source in parentheses —usually the author’s last name and the publication date, plus a page number if available ( author-date ). The publication date is occasionally omitted ( author-page ).
• Numerical citations: Including a number in brackets or superscript, corresponding to an entry in your numbered reference list.
• Note citations: Including a full citation in a footnote or endnote , which is indicated in the text with a superscript number or symbol.

A source annotation in an annotated bibliography fulfills a similar purpose to an abstract : they’re both intended to summarize the approach and key points of a source.

However, an annotation may also evaluate the source , discussing the validity and effectiveness of its arguments. Even if your annotation is purely descriptive , you may have a different perspective on the source from the author and highlight different key points.

You should never just copy text from the abstract for your annotation, as doing so constitutes plagiarism .

Most academics agree that you shouldn’t cite Wikipedia as a source in your academic writing , and universities often have rules against doing so.

This is partly because of concerns about its reliability, and partly because it’s a tertiary source. Tertiary sources are things like encyclopedias and databases that collect information from other sources rather than presenting their own evidence or analysis. Usually, only primary and secondary sources are cited in academic papers.

A Wikipedia citation usually includes the title of the article, “Wikipedia” and/or “Wikimedia Foundation,” the date the article was last updated, and the URL.

In APA Style , you’ll give the URL of the current revision of the article so that you’re sure the reader accesses the same version as you.

There’s some disagreement about whether Wikipedia can be considered a reliable source . Because it can be edited by anyone, many people argue that it’s easy for misleading information to be added to an article without the reader knowing.

Others argue that because Wikipedia articles cite their sources , and because they are worked on by so many editors, misinformation is generally removed quickly.

However, most universities state that you shouldn’t cite Wikipedia in your writing.

Hanging indents are used in reference lists in various citation styles to allow the reader to easily distinguish between entries.

You should apply a hanging indent to your reference entries in APA , MLA , and Chicago style.

A hanging indent is used to indent all lines of a paragraph except the first.

When you create a hanging indent, the first line of the paragraph starts at the border. Each subsequent line is indented 0.5 inches (1.27 cm).

APA and MLA style both use parenthetical in-text citations to cite sources and include a full list of references at the end, but they differ in other ways:

• APA in-text citations include the author name, date, and page number (Taylor, 2018, p. 23), while MLA in-text citations include only the author name and page number (Taylor 23).
• The APA reference list is titled “References,” while MLA’s version is called “ Works Cited .”
• The reference entries differ in terms of formatting and order of information.
• APA requires a title page , while MLA requires a header instead.

A parenthetical citation in Chicago author-date style includes the author’s last name, the publication date, and, if applicable, the relevant page number or page range in parentheses . Include a comma after the year, but not after the author’s name.

For example: (Swan 2003, 6)

To automatically generate accurate Chicago references, you can use Scribbr’s free Chicago reference generator .

APA Style distinguishes between parenthetical and narrative citations.

In parenthetical citations , you include all relevant source information in parentheses at the end of the sentence or clause: “Parts of the human body reflect the principles of tensegrity (Levin, 2002).”

In narrative citations , you include the author’s name in the text itself, followed by the publication date in parentheses: “Levin (2002) argues that parts of the human body reflect the principles of tensegrity.”

In a parenthetical citation in MLA style , include the author’s last name and the relevant page number or range in parentheses .

For example: (Eliot 21)

A parenthetical citation gives credit in parentheses to a source that you’re quoting or paraphrasing . It provides relevant information such as the author’s name, the publication date, and the page number(s) cited.

How you use parenthetical citations will depend on your chosen citation style . It will also depend on the type of source you are citing and the number of authors.

APA does not permit the use of ibid. This is because APA in-text citations are parenthetical and there’s no need to shorten them further.

Ibid. may be used in Chicago footnotes or endnotes .

Write “Ibid.” alone when you are citing the same page number and source as the previous citation.

When you are citing the same source, but a different page number, use ibid. followed by a comma and the relevant page number(s). For example:

• Ibid., 40–42.

Only use ibid . if you are directing the reader to a previous full citation of a source .

Ibid. only refers to the previous citation. Therefore, you should only use ibid. directly after a citation that you want to repeat.

Ibid. is an abbreviation of the Latin “ibidem,” meaning “in the same place.” Ibid. is used in citations to direct the reader to the previous source.

Signal phrases can be used in various ways and can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence.

To use signal phrases effectively, include:

• The name of the scholar(s) or study you’re referencing
• An attributive tag such as “according to” or “argues that”
• The quote or idea you want to include

Different citation styles require you to use specific verb tenses when using signal phrases.

• APA Style requires you to use the past or present perfect tense when using signal phrases.
• MLA and Chicago requires you to use the present tense when using signal phrases.

Signal phrases allow you to give credit for an idea or quote to its author or originator. This helps you to:

• Establish the credentials of your sources
• Display your depth of reading and understanding of the field
• Position your own work in relation to other scholars
• Avoid plagiarism

A signal phrase is a group of words that ascribes a quote or idea to an outside source.

Signal phrases distinguish the cited idea or argument from your own writing and introduce important information including the source of the material that you are quoting , paraphrasing , or summarizing . For example:

“ Cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker (1994) insists that humans possess an innate faculty for comprehending grammar.”

If you’re quoting from a text that paraphrases or summarizes other sources and cites them in parentheses , APA and Chicago both recommend retaining the citations as part of the quote. However, MLA recommends omitting citations within a quote:

• APA: Smith states that “the literature on this topic (Jones, 2015; Sill, 2019; Paulson, 2020) shows no clear consensus” (Smith, 2019, p. 4).
• MLA: Smith states that “the literature on this topic shows no clear consensus” (Smith, 2019, p. 4).

Footnote or endnote numbers that appear within quoted text should be omitted in all styles.

If you want to cite an indirect source (one you’ve only seen quoted in another source), either locate the original source or use the phrase “as cited in” in your citation.

In scientific subjects, the information itself is more important than how it was expressed, so quoting should generally be kept to a minimum. In the arts and humanities, however, well-chosen quotes are often essential to a good paper.

In social sciences, it varies. If your research is mainly quantitative , you won’t include many quotes, but if it’s more qualitative , you may need to quote from the data you collected .

As a general guideline, quotes should take up no more than 5–10% of your paper. If in doubt, check with your instructor or supervisor how much quoting is appropriate in your field.

To present information from other sources in academic writing , it’s best to paraphrase in most cases. This shows that you’ve understood the ideas you’re discussing and incorporates them into your text smoothly.

It’s appropriate to quote when:

• Changing the phrasing would distort the meaning of the original text
• You want to discuss the author’s language choices (e.g., in literary analysis )
• You’re presenting a precise definition
• You’re looking in depth at a specific claim

To paraphrase effectively, don’t just take the original sentence and swap out some of the words for synonyms. Instead, try:

• Reformulating the sentence (e.g., change active to passive , or start from a different point)
• Combining information from multiple sentences into one
• Leaving out information from the original that isn’t relevant to your point
• Using synonyms where they don’t distort the meaning

The main point is to ensure you don’t just copy the structure of the original text, but instead reformulate the idea in your own words.

“ Et al. ” is an abbreviation of the Latin term “et alia,” which means “and others.” It’s used in source citations to save space when there are too many authors to name them all.

Guidelines for using “et al.” differ depending on the citation style you’re following:

To insert endnotes in Microsoft Word, follow the steps below:

• Click on the spot in the text where you want the endnote to show up.
• In the “References” tab at the top, select “Insert Endnote.”
• Type whatever text you want into the endnote.

If you need to change the type of notes used in a Word document from footnotes to endnotes , or the other way around, follow these steps:

• Open the “References” tab, and click the arrow in the bottom-right corner of the “Footnotes” section.
• In the pop-up window, click on “Convert…”
• Choose the option you need, and click “OK.”

To insert a footnote automatically in a Word document:

• Click on the point in the text where the footnote should appear
• Select the “References” tab at the top and then click on “Insert Footnote”
• Type the text you want into the footnote that appears at the bottom of the page

Footnotes are notes indicated in your text with numbers and placed at the bottom of the page. They’re used to provide:

• Citations (e.g., in Chicago notes and bibliography )
• Additional information that would disrupt the flow of the main text

Be sparing in your use of footnotes (other than citation footnotes), and consider whether the information you’re adding is relevant for the reader.

Footnotes appear at the bottom of the page they refer to. This is convenient for the reader but may cause your text to look cluttered if there are a lot of footnotes.

Endnotes appear all together at the end of the whole text. This may be less convenient for the reader but reduces clutter.

Both footnotes and endnotes are used in the same way: to cite sources or add extra information. You should usually choose one or the other to use in your text, not both.

An in-text citation is an acknowledgement you include in your text whenever you quote or paraphrase a source. It usually gives the author’s last name, the year of publication, and the page number of the relevant text. In-text citations allow the reader to look up the full source information in your reference list and see your sources for themselves.

If you are reusing content or data you used in a previous assignment, make sure to cite yourself. You can cite yourself just as you would cite any other source: simply follow the directions for that source type in the citation style you are using.

Keep in mind that reusing your previous work can be considered self-plagiarism , so make sure you ask your professor or consult your university’s handbook before doing so.

A credible source should pass the CRAAP test  and follow these guidelines:

• The information should be up to date and current.
• The author and publication should be a trusted authority on the subject you are researching.
• The sources the author cited should be easy to find, clear, and unbiased.
• For a web source, the URL and layout should signify that it is trustworthy.

Peer review is a process of evaluating submissions to an academic journal. Utilizing rigorous criteria, a panel of reviewers in the same subject area decide whether to accept each submission for publication. For this reason, academic journals are often considered among the most credible sources you can use in a research project– provided that the journal itself is trustworthy and well-regarded.

Academic dishonesty can be intentional or unintentional, ranging from something as simple as claiming to have read something you didn’t to copying your neighbor’s answers on an exam.

You can commit academic dishonesty with the best of intentions, such as helping a friend cheat on a paper. Severe academic dishonesty can include buying a pre-written essay or the answers to a multiple-choice test, or falsifying a medical emergency to avoid taking a final exam.

Academic dishonesty refers to deceitful or misleading behavior in an academic setting. Academic dishonesty can occur intentionally or unintentionally, and varies in severity.

It can encompass paying for a pre-written essay, cheating on an exam, or committing plagiarism . It can also include helping others cheat, copying a friend’s homework answers, or even pretending to be sick to miss an exam.

Academic dishonesty doesn’t just occur in a classroom setting, but also in research and other academic-adjacent fields.

To apply a hanging indent to your reference list or Works Cited list in Word or Google Docs, follow the steps below.

Microsoft Word:

• Highlight the whole list and right click to open the Paragraph options.
• Under Indentation > Special , choose Hanging from the dropdown menu.
• Set the indent to 0.5 inches or 1.27cm.

Google Docs:

• Highlight the whole list and click on Format >  Align and indent >  Indentation options .
• Under  Special indent , choose Hanging from the dropdown menu.

When the hanging indent is applied, for each reference, every line except the first is indented. This helps the reader see where one entry ends and the next begins.

For a published interview (whether in video , audio, or print form ), you should always include a citation , just as you would for any other source.

For an interview you conducted yourself , formally or informally, you often don’t need a citation and can just refer to it in the text or in a footnote , since the reader won’t be able to look them up anyway. MLA , however, still recommends including citations for your own interviews.

The main elements included in a newspaper interview citation across APA , MLA , and Chicago style are the names of the interviewer and interviewee, the interview title, the publication date, the name of the newspaper, and a URL (for online sources).

The information is presented differently in different citation styles. One key difference is that APA advises listing the interviewer in the author position, while MLA and Chicago advise listing the interviewee first.

The elements included in a newspaper article citation across APA , MLA , and Chicago style are the author name, the article title, the publication date, the newspaper name, and the URL if the article was accessed online .

In APA and MLA, the page numbers of the article appear in place of the URL if the article was accessed in print. No page numbers are used in Chicago newspaper citations.

Untitled sources (e.g. some images ) are usually cited using a short descriptive text in place of the title. In APA Style , this description appears in brackets: [Chair of stained oak]. In MLA and Chicago styles, no brackets are used: Chair of stained oak.

For social media posts, which are usually untitled, quote the initial words of the post in place of the title: the first 160 characters in Chicago , or the first 20 words in APA . E.g. Biden, J. [@JoeBiden]. “The American Rescue Plan means a $7,000 check for a single mom of four. It means more support to safely.”

MLA recommends quoting the full post for something short like a tweet, and just describing the post if it’s longer.

The main elements included in image citations across APA , MLA , and Chicago style are the name of the image’s creator, the image title, the year (or more precise date) of publication, and details of the container in which the image was found (e.g. a museum, book , website ).

In APA and Chicago style, it’s standard to also include a description of the image’s format (e.g. “Photograph” or “Oil on canvas”). This sort of information may be included in MLA too, but is not mandatory.

The main elements included in a lecture citation across APA , MLA , and Chicago style are the name of the speaker, the lecture title, the date it took place, the course or event it was part of, and the institution it took place at.

For transcripts or recordings of lectures/speeches, other details like the URL, the name of the book or website , and the length of the recording may be included instead of information about the event and institution.

The main elements included in a YouTube video citation across APA , MLA , and Chicago style are the name of the author/uploader, the title of the video, the publication date, and the URL.

The format in which this information appears is different for each style.

All styles also recommend using timestamps as a locator in the in-text citation or Chicago footnote .

Each annotation in an annotated bibliography is usually between 50 and 200 words long. Longer annotations may be divided into paragraphs .

The content of the annotation varies according to your assignment. An annotation can be descriptive, meaning it just describes the source objectively; evaluative, meaning it assesses its usefulness; or reflective, meaning it explains how the source will be used in your own research .

Any credible sources on your topic can be included in an annotated bibliography . The exact sources you cover will vary depending on the assignment, but you should usually focus on collecting journal articles and scholarly books . When in doubt, utilize the CRAAP test !

An annotated bibliography is an assignment where you collect sources on a specific topic and write an annotation for each source. An annotation is a short text that describes and sometimes evaluates the source.

The elements included in journal article citations across APA , MLA , and Chicago style are the name(s) of the author(s), the title of the article, the year of publication, the name of the journal, the volume and issue numbers, the page range of the article, and, when accessed online, the DOI or URL.

In MLA and Chicago style, you also include the specific month or season of publication alongside the year, when this information is available.

In APA , MLA , and Chicago style citations for sources that don’t list a specific author (e.g. many websites ), you can usually list the organization responsible for the source as the author.

If the organization is the same as the website or publisher, you shouldn’t repeat it twice in your reference:

• In APA and Chicago, omit the website or publisher name later in the reference.
• In MLA, omit the author element at the start of the reference, and cite the source title instead.

If there’s no appropriate organization to list as author, you will usually have to begin the citation and reference entry with the title of the source instead.

The main elements included in website citations across APA , MLA , and Chicago style are the author, the date of publication, the page title, the website name, and the URL. The information is presented differently in each style.

When you want to cite a specific passage in a source without page numbers (e.g. an e-book or website ), all the main citation styles recommend using an alternate locator in your in-text citation . You might use a heading or chapter number, e.g. (Smith, 2016, ch. 1)

In APA Style , you can count the paragraph numbers in a text to identify a location by paragraph number. MLA and Chicago recommend that you only use paragraph numbers if they’re explicitly marked in the text.

For audiovisual sources (e.g. videos ), all styles recommend using a timestamp to show a specific point in the video when relevant.

The abbreviation “ et al. ” (Latin for “and others”) is used to shorten citations of sources with multiple authors.

“Et al.” is used in APA in-text citations of sources with 3+ authors, e.g. (Smith et al., 2019). It is not used in APA reference entries .

Use “et al.” for 3+ authors in MLA in-text citations and Works Cited entries.

Use “et al.” for 4+ authors in a Chicago in-text citation , and for 10+ authors in a Chicago bibliography entry.

Check if your university or course guidelines specify which citation style to use. If the choice is left up to you, consider which style is most commonly used in your field.

• APA Style is the most popular citation style, widely used in the social and behavioral sciences.
• MLA style is the second most popular, used mainly in the humanities.
• Chicago notes and bibliography style is also popular in the humanities, especially history.
• Chicago author-date style tends to be used in the sciences.

Other more specialized styles exist for certain fields, such as Bluebook and OSCOLA for law.

The most important thing is to choose one style and use it consistently throughout your text.

The main elements included in all book citations across APA , MLA , and Chicago style are the author, the title, the year of publication, and the name of the publisher. A page number is also included in in-text citations to highlight the specific passage cited.

In Chicago style and in the 6th edition of APA Style , the location of the publisher is also included, e.g. London: Penguin.

In academic writing , there are three main situations where quoting is the best choice:

• To analyze the author’s language (e.g., in a literary analysis essay )
• To give evidence from primary sources
• To accurately present a precise definition or argument

Don’t overuse quotes; your own voice should be dominant. If you just want to provide information from a source, it’s usually better to paraphrase or summarize .

Every time you quote a source , you must include a correctly formatted in-text citation . This looks slightly different depending on the citation style .

For example, a direct quote in APA is cited like this: “This is a quote” (Streefkerk, 2020, p. 5).

Every in-text citation should also correspond to a full reference at the end of your paper.

A quote is an exact copy of someone else’s words, usually enclosed in quotation marks and credited to the original author or speaker.

The DOI is usually clearly visible when you open a journal article on an academic database. It is often listed near the publication date, and includes “doi.org” or “DOI:”. If the database has a “cite this article” button, this should also produce a citation with the DOI included.

If you can’t find the DOI, you can search on Crossref using information like the author, the article title, and the journal name.

A DOI is a unique identifier for a digital document. DOIs are important in academic citation because they are more permanent than URLs, ensuring that your reader can reliably locate the source.

Journal articles and ebooks can often be found on multiple different websites and databases. The URL of the page where an article is hosted can be changed or removed over time, but a DOI is linked to the specific document and never changes.

When a book’s chapters are written by different authors, you should cite the specific chapter you are referring to.

When all the chapters are written by the same author (or group of authors), you should usually cite the entire book, but some styles include exceptions to this.

• In APA Style , single-author books should always be cited as a whole, even if you only quote or paraphrase from one chapter.
• In MLA Style , if a single-author book is a collection of stand-alone works (e.g. short stories ), you should cite the individual work.
• In Chicago Style , you may choose to cite a single chapter of a single-author book if you feel it is more appropriate than citing the whole book.

Articles in newspapers and magazines can be primary or secondary depending on the focus of your research.

In historical studies, old articles are used as primary sources that give direct evidence about the time period. In social and communication studies, articles are used as primary sources to analyze language and social relations (for example, by conducting content analysis or discourse analysis ).

If you are not analyzing the article itself, but only using it for background information or facts about your topic, then the article is a secondary source.

A fictional movie is usually a primary source. A documentary can be either primary or secondary depending on the context.

If you are directly analyzing some aspect of the movie itself – for example, the cinematography, narrative techniques, or social context – the movie is a primary source.

If you use the movie for background information or analysis about your topic – for example, to learn about a historical event or a scientific discovery – the movie is a secondary source.

Whether it’s primary or secondary, always properly cite the movie in the citation style you are using. Learn how to create an MLA movie citation or an APA movie citation .

To determine if a source is primary or secondary, ask yourself:

• Was the source created by someone directly involved in the events you’re studying (primary), or by another researcher (secondary)?
• Does the source provide original information (primary), or does it summarize information from other sources (secondary)?
• Are you directly analyzing the source itself (primary), or only using it for background information (secondary)?

Some types of source are nearly always primary: works of art and literature, raw statistical data, official documents and records, and personal communications (e.g. letters, interviews ). If you use one of these in your research, it is probably a primary source.

Primary sources are often considered the most credible in terms of providing evidence for your argument, as they give you direct evidence of what you are researching. However, it’s up to you to ensure the information they provide is reliable and accurate.

Always make sure to properly cite your sources to avoid plagiarism .

Common examples of secondary sources include academic books, journal articles , reviews, essays , and textbooks.

Anything that summarizes, evaluates or interprets primary sources can be a secondary source. If a source gives you an overview of background information or presents another researcher’s ideas on your topic, it is probably a secondary source.

Common examples of primary sources include interview transcripts , photographs, novels, paintings, films, historical documents, and official statistics.

Anything you directly analyze or use as first-hand evidence can be a primary source, including qualitative or quantitative data that you collected yourself.

The Scribbr Citation Generator is developed using the open-source Citation Style Language (CSL) project and Frank Bennett’s citeproc-js . It’s the same technology used by dozens of other popular citation tools, including Mendeley and Zotero.

You can find all the citation styles and locales used in the Scribbr Citation Generator in our publicly accessible repository on Github .

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Anthony Albanese's government can't be accused of excessive caution any longer

Analysis Anthony Albanese's government can't be accused of excessive caution any longer

Commentators used to complain the Albanese government was being too cautious. That charge can't easily be levelled now.

Take two totally different issues on which the government in recent days has defined itself by its robust stances.

One is the Israel-Hamas conflict. The other is the swing to a highly interventionist industry policy, spelled out by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in a major address on Thursday. Let's look at each.

The government has steadily ramped up its criticisms of Israel's conduct in Gaza over the months, as civilian casualties have mounted into the tens of thousands, international opinion demanded proportionality, and Labor felt the pressure of pro-Palestinian opinion in some key seats.

But the April 1 killing of Australian Zomi Frankcom and other aid workers by an Israeli strike was a trigger point that has taken reaction to a new level.

This week the government named a former chief of the Australian Defence Force, Mark Binskin, as its adviser to examine the adequacy of the Israeli investigation of the attack.

Regardless of whether it was a good or bad move, that was an extraordinary action. It sent a clear message – Australia was not satisfied Israel's account could be trusted without being checked.

It remains to be seen whether Binskin will get full access to all the data he needs. While he is probing the Israeli inquiry, rather than doing an inquiry of his own, for proper scrutiny he'll presumably have to see quite sensitive military information. It's difficult to believe the Israelis will be happy to hand over such material during a war.

The government's move is likely to be well received domestically, however, given the appalling circumstances in which Ms Frankcom and her colleagues died.

Meanwhile, this week Foreign Minister Penny Wong toughened, albeit cautiously, Australian policy. She floated the possibility of recognising a Palestinian state ahead of agreement on a two-state solution.

This course is being canvassed by countries internationally, and could come to a vote on Palestinian membership at the United Nations before long. But Wong's comments were denounced by sections of the Australian Jewish community and the opposition. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton accused Wong of "irreparably" damaging Australia's relations with Israel "for a crass domestic political win".

Wong justified raising Palestinian recognition by pointing to the fact other countries, including Britain, are discussing it. Albanese also invoked the wider world, when he said Australia has to "break with old orthodoxies" and embrace a more interventionist approach to industry policy.

Albanese argued that in a changed international situation, we need "sharper elbows" to follow our national interest. "We have to think differently about what government can – and must – do to work alongside the private sector to grow the economy, boost productivity, improve competition and secure our future prosperity".

He highlighted a range of countries, from the United States to South Korea, pursuing activist government intervention. Most notably, the Biden administration, under its Inflation Reduction Act, has huge subsidies to attract investment for re-industralisation, with an emphasis on green energy.

Albanese insists the reburnished interventionism was "not old-fashioned protectionism". We had to recognise "there is a new and widespread willingness to make economic interventions on the basis of national interest and national sovereignty." To an extent, this a reaction to the pandemic, which spurred fears of blocked supply chains.

Albanese is extremely comfortable with the interventionist pivot. After all, it takes him back to his political roots, when as a young left-winger he was critical of Labor's embrace of the free market. It also taps into a broad Labor pro-manufacturing strand, partly but not only based in the union movement. Remember Kevin Rudd saying "I never want to be prime minister of a country that doesn't make things anymore"?

To a degree, Albanese's interventionism is driven by the acute needs of the energy transition – that requires a massive capital injection only realisable by tangible government encouragement (like its underwriting scheme and other incentives to come). Australia can't compete with the US incentives but it will be trying a mini-me approach.

Albanese's interventionism will be reflected in the May 14 budget but it will also stretch right up to the election, gathering together a wide range of current and future initiatives under a "Future Made in Australia Act".

The obvious question is: what does Treasurer Jim Chalmers think of this? Treasury has traditionally been a manufacturer of free-market Kool-Aid, selling it to its political bosses where it can. So you'd expect Chalmers might be sceptical.

But the treasurer, while he might not be the interventionist zealot Albanese is, walks a separate path towards a similar destination.

More than a year ago, Chalmers set out his views in a major essay about "values-based capitalism". This revolved around public-private co-investment and collaboration and renovating economic institutions and markets. He has been busy with the latter task: changes have been made to the Reserve Bank and reforms are under way to aspects of competition policy, including announcing a new merger regime this week.

Chalmers has also pointed approvingly to a speech delivered last year by Jake Sullivan, National Security Advisor in the Biden administration, in which Sullivan set out the US approach.

"A modern American industrial strategy identifies specific sectors that are foundational to economic growth, strategic from a national security perspective, and where private industry on its own isn't poised to make the investments needed to secure our national ambitions," Sullivan said.

"It deploys targeted public investments in these areas that unlock the power and ingenuity of private markets, capitalism, and competition to lay a foundation for long-term growth."

While what the Australian Treasury bureaucrats (who are at the centre of the work) privately think of the Albanese interventionism is unclear, some of those working on free trade agreements in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade will be finding the approach challenging.

Many economists will welcome the plan. But some, like independent economist Saul Eslake, will be harsh critics.

Eslake says terms like "national sovereignty" and "national security" are "covers for bad policy" and a way of stifling questioning or criticism ("we can't let grubby concepts of cost and benefit get in the way of 'security'"). He recalls such talk when the Morrison government did not make enough efforts to get COVID vaccines from abroad because it had its eyes on local production, leading to delays.

Eslake also derides the "manufacturing fetish" that is one driver of interventionism. In Australia (unlike some other countries) manufacturing is an area of below-average labour productivity, he says – so shifting resources there lowers rather than increases productivity.

As for following other countries' example, "as my mother used to say, just because your sister puts her head down the toilet doesn't mean you should too".

Wherever the economic wisdom lies, the focus groups are telling Labor it is likely to be on a winner with the new interventionism. People will warm to the sound of it, accompanied by the mantra of extra jobs. There are a lot of manufacturing fetishists about.

Michelle Grattan is a professorial fellow at the University of Canberra and chief political correspondent at The Conversation , where this article first appeared.

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