Quoting sources correctly is crucial for academic integrity and avoiding plagiarism. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to quote in APA format, covering various scenarios and offering tips for clear and effective citation. Mastering APA style quoting will significantly enhance the credibility and professionalism of your academic work.
Understanding APA In-Text Citations
The core of APA style quoting lies in its in-text citation system. This system allows readers to easily locate the full source information in your reference list at the end of your paper. Every quote, paraphrase, or summary needs a corresponding in-text citation. Failing to do so constitutes plagiarism.
Short Quotes (Fewer than 40 words)
Short quotes are integrated directly into your text, enclosed in double quotation marks. Remember to cite the author, year, and page number (if available).
Example:
"The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" (Smith, 2023, p. 15).
Notice the punctuation: the period comes after the parenthetical citation.
Long Quotes (40 words or more)
Long quotes are presented as block quotes. These are indented 0.5 inches from the left margin, single-spaced, and do not require quotation marks. The citation is placed after the final punctuation mark of the block quote.
Example:
This is a long quote that exceeds forty words and therefore requires a block quote format. It demonstrates the proper formatting for long quotes in APA style. The citation comes after the final punctuation mark. (Smith, 2023, pp. 15-16)
Quoting Dialogue
When quoting dialogue, maintain the original punctuation and capitalization. Use square brackets [ ] to add clarifying words or correct grammatical errors. Ellipses (...) indicate omitted words.
Example:
He said, "I'm going to the store, but I'll be back soon" (Jones, 2022, p. 20).
Or, if you need to add clarity:
She exclaimed, "It's [absolutely] beautiful!" (Brown, 2021, p. 5).
Handling Different Quote Situations
Quoting from Secondary Sources
Ideally, quote directly from the original source. However, if you must quote from a secondary source, cite both the original and the secondary source.
Example:
As Smith (as cited in Jones, 2023, p. 25) argued, "..."
Quoting Electronic Sources
Electronic sources may lack page numbers. If this is the case, use paragraph numbers (¶) or section headings to direct the reader to the specific location of the quote. If neither is available, cite the author and year only.
Example:
(Smith, 2023, ¶ 5)
Emphasis Added
If you add emphasis (italics) to a quote that wasn't originally italicized, indicate this by adding "[emphasis added]" after the in-text citation.
Example:
"The findings were significant." (Brown, 2021, p. 10) [emphasis added]
Key Considerations for Effective Quoting
- Accuracy: Ensure your quotes are verbatim.
- Relevance: Only quote material that directly supports your argument.
- Brevity: Avoid over-quoting. Paraphrase when possible.
- Context: Provide sufficient context to make the quote understandable.
- Integration: Smoothly integrate quotes into your writing.
Beyond the Quote: Paraphrasing and Summarizing
While quoting is important, paraphrasing and summarizing are equally essential skills. They demonstrate your understanding of the source material and help maintain the flow of your writing. Remember that even paraphrased or summarized information requires proper citation.
By mastering these techniques, you will effectively utilize quotes to strengthen your academic writing and ensure complete adherence to APA formatting guidelines. Careful and accurate quoting builds trust and credibility with your readers.
