How Long Should A Block Quote Be?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Block are only used if the text is

longer than 40 words (APA) or four lines (MLA)

. Double space all lines. Do not add an extra space before or after the block quote. Unlike quotes integrated into your text, block quotes do not need .

Can a block quote be too long?


There are no official limits to quotation length

, though any quotations that are more than four lines should be formatted as a separate block quote. However, it is generally better to paraphrase the sources you cite rather than use direct quotations.

How long should a block quote be MLA?

The block quote is used for direct quotations that are

longer than four lines of prose

, or longer than three lines of poetry.

What is a block quote example?

An example of a block quote includes

any passage you cite that is more than 40 words

. The block quote consists of a lead-in line, and it is set off with a 1/2 inch indent for the entire passage. You also need to include a citation, either at the beginning or end of the passage.

Should a block quote be on one page?

In a manuscript or student paper, it

is fine for a block quotation to be split across two pages

or for the entire quotation to be moved to the top of the next page. In a professionally published work, the publisher will determine how the quotation should be set.

What is the maximum length of a block quote?

Block quotes are used for direct quotations that are longer

than 40 words

. They should be offset from the main text and do not include quotation marks. Introduce the block quote on a new line. Indent the entire quote 1⁄2 inch or 5-7 spaces; the block quote may be single-spaced.

What do you do when a quote is too long?

  1. Shorten long quotes with ellipses. You can shorten quotes by removing words from the middle of the quote and adding ellipses to indicate that you have removed some words. …
  2. Clarify Quotes with Brackets. …
  3. Mix your own words and snippets of quotes in the same sentence.

When should you not use a block quote?

Block quotations are only used if the text is

longer than 40 words (APA) or four lines (MLA)

. Double space all lines. Do not add an extra space before or after the block quote.

How do I do a block quote in Word?

To set a block quote indent, select your quote, then

drag the hourglass-style icons on the top of the menu bar until both the top and bottom icons sit at the 0.5cm point

. This will create a block quote indent that is 0.5cm in size, suitable for APA and MLA academic style documents.

How do you do a block quote in APA 7?

  1. Any quotation containing 40 or more words should be formatted as a Block Quote.
  2. Do not use quotation marks to enclose block quotations. …
  3. Place period at the end of the quote rather than after the citation.
  4. Block quotes should start on a new line and indent the block about 1⁄2 inch from the left margin.

Are block quotes double spaced APA 7?

The block quote

should be double spaced

. Block quotes can be cited in either a narrative or parenthetical form. The citation information at the end is not considered part of the sentence and comes after the period. Use p.

How do I do a block quote in APA?

Block quotes are

used for direct quotations that are longer than 40 words

. They should be offset from the main text and do not include quotation marks. Introduce the block quote on a new line. Indent the entire quote 1⁄2 inch or 5-7 spaces; the block quote may be single-spaced.

How do you put a quote longer than 4 lines?

For quotations that are more than four lines of prose or three lines of verse,

place quotations in a free-standing block of text and omit quotation marks

. Start the quotation on a new line, with the entire quote indented 1/2 inch from the left margin while maintaining double-spacing.

How should a quotation of more than 40 words be documented?

Place direct quotations longer than 40 words in a

free-standing block of typewritten lines

, and omit quotation marks. Start the quotation on a new line, indented five spaces from the left margin.

How do you paraphrase?

  1. Read the passage several times to fully understand the meaning.
  2. Note down key concepts.
  3. Write your version of the text without looking at the original.
  4. Compare your paraphrased text with the original passage and make minor adjustments to phrases that remain too similar.

What do you do with a quote over 40 words long?

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.

Amira Khan
Author
Amira Khan
Amira Khan is a philosopher and scholar of religion with a Ph.D. in philosophy and theology. Amira's expertise includes the history of philosophy and religion, ethics, and the philosophy of science. She is passionate about helping readers navigate complex philosophical and religious concepts in a clear and accessible way.