How to Cite a Long Quote APA Style
Quoting extensively from a source is sometimes necessary to support your arguments or illustrate a point. However, long quotes require special formatting in APA style to avoid disrupting the flow of your paper and to give proper credit to the original author. This guide will walk you through the process.
What constitutes a "long quote" in APA Style?
In APA 7th edition, a long quote is generally considered to be any quote exceeding 40 words.
How to Format a Long Quote in APA Style:
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Block Quotation Format: Instead of using quotation marks, indent the entire quote one-half inch (or five spaces) from the left margin. Maintain the original spacing and paragraph breaks within the quote. Do not use quotation marks.
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Citation: The in-text citation for a block quote comes after the final punctuation mark of the quote. Place the citation outside the period. It should include the author's last name, year of publication, and page number(s) from which the quote was taken, enclosed in parentheses.
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Example:
Let's say you're quoting a lengthy passage from a book:
The impact of social media on political discourse is a complex and multifaceted issue. Researchers have found evidence suggesting that social media can both amplify and distort political messages, leading to increased polarization and the spread of misinformation. Further research is needed to fully understand the long-term consequences of this evolving relationship between technology and politics. (Smith, 2023, p. 157)
Important Considerations:
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Accuracy: Ensure the quote is reproduced exactly as it appears in the original source, including any spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. If you need to make any changes (e.g., correcting a typo), indicate the change in brackets [ ] within the quote.
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Ellipses: If you omit words or sentences from within the quote, use ellipses (...) to indicate the omission. However, avoid using ellipses at the beginning or end of a block quote unless it's necessary for clarity.
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Brackets: Use brackets [ ] to add clarifying words or to make grammatical adjustments to the quote without altering its meaning.
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Single Spacing: Block quotes are generally single-spaced, unlike the rest of your paper which is usually double-spaced.
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Page Numbers: Page numbers are crucial for long quotes, allowing the reader to locate the exact passage in the original source.
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Multiple Paragraphs: If the block quote spans multiple paragraphs in the original source, indent the first line of each paragraph an additional half-inch (or five spaces) beyond the initial block quote indentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if the quote is longer than a paragraph?
If the quote extends beyond one paragraph in the original source, maintain the original paragraph breaks. Indent the first line of each paragraph an extra half-inch (or five spaces) from the block quote indentation.
Can I use a long quote if the entire passage is essential to my argument?
While long quotes can be useful, strive to use them sparingly. Overusing them can make your paper difficult to read. Try to paraphrase or summarize information whenever possible, reserving long quotes for only the most crucial passages. Always ensure the quote directly supports your argument and adds significant value to your analysis.
What if I'm citing a long quote from a website without page numbers?
If the online source doesn't have page numbers, you can use a paragraph number (e.g., (Smith, 2023, para. 3)) or section headings if available to help locate the quote. If neither are available, cite the author's last name and year only.
By following these guidelines, you can correctly cite long quotes in APA style, ensuring both accuracy and proper attribution to your sources. Remember, clarity and effective use of quotations are key components of strong academic writing.
