What Is A Block Quote In MLA?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The block quote is used

for direct 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 .

What is considered a block quote?

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.

How do you do a block quote in MLA format?

  1. Introduce the quote with a colon and set it on a new line.
  2. Indent the whole quote 0.5 inches from the left margin.
  3. Place the MLA in-text citation after the period at the end of the block quote.

What is a block quotation 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.

What is a block quote format?

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.

What is MLA citation example?

MLA in-text citation style uses

the author's last name and the page number from which the quotation or paraphrase is taken

, for example: (Smith 163). If the source does not use page numbers, do not include a number in the parenthetical citation: (Smith).

How do you format long quotations?

Long quotations


Start the quotation on a new line

, with the entire quote indented 1/2 inch from the left margin while maintaining double-spacing. Your parenthetical citation should come after the closing punctuation mark. When quoting verse, maintain original line breaks.

How do you introduce a block quote?

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).

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 create a block quote in Word?

Start on a new line and set off a block quote of more than 40 words

by indenting it to the same position as a new paragraph

… like this… Type your quote, pressing enter at the start and end of the quote.

Can you start a paper with a block quote?


Yes, an essay may start with a block quotation

. The quotation should be important to your discussion and referred to in your prose. This distinguishes it from an epigraph, which is ornamental in nature.

How many block quotes can I use?


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 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.

How do you format a block quote in turabian?

Indicate that you are citing a source by placing a superscript number at the end of the sentence. If the quotation is five lines or longer,

set the quotation off

as a block quotation, without quotation marks. The block quotation should be single spaced, leaving a blank line before and after.

How do you cite more than 40 words in text?


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.

What are ellipsis used for in a quotation?

Use an ellipsis in the middle of a quotation to

indicate that you have omitted material from the original sentence

, which you might do when it includes a digression not germane to your point.

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.