How to Quote in Under 5 minutes | Scribbr 🎓

Summary

This video provides a step-by-step guide on how to properly quote in academic writing, focusing on APA style. It covers key principles such as surrounding quotes with quotation marks, correctly citing the author, and ensuring the quote is identical to the original. The video explains how to introduce quotes, differentiate between short and long quotes, and modify quotes using ellipses or square brackets. It also advises on when and why to use quotes in writing, helping viewers strengthen their arguments with authority. By the end, viewers will be quoting with confidence.

Takeaways

• 😀 Quoting requires understanding three key principles: using quotation marks, citing the author, and keeping the quote identical to the original.
• 📝 Citation in APA style needs to include the author's name, the year, and the page number for books or journals.
• 🔍 Quotes must remain identical to the original, unless changes are made, in which case specific guidelines must be followed.
• 📖 Quotes shorter than 40 words need quotation marks and in-text citations; longer quotes (over 40 words) should be formatted as block quotes without quotation marks.
• ✏️ When shortening a quote, ellipses (dot dot dot) can be used to omit irrelevant parts.
• 🗣️ You can introduce quotes using full sentences followed by a colon, or a signal phrase followed by a comma.
• ✍️ Information can be added to a quote using square brackets to clarify missing details, such as replacing pronouns.
• 🔄 If a quote contains errors, you can highlight them by adding [sic] after the mistake to show it was in the original text.
• 📚 Quotes are useful for supporting arguments or analyzing language in writing, but they should be used thoughtfully.
• 💡 Quotes should support your points, critique opposing viewpoints, or elaborate on theories relevant to your topic.

Q & A

What are the three basic principles of quoting mentioned in the video?

The three basic principles are: 1) The quote must be surrounded by quotation marks, 2) The author must be cited correctly, including the author's name, year, and the page number if it's from a book or journal, and 3) The quote must be identical to the original source.

How should you handle quotes that are longer than 40 words?

For quotes longer than 40 words, instead of using quotation marks, the quote should be set on a new line and indented to form a separate block of text.

What is the purpose of using ellipses in a quote?

Ellipses (the dot dot dot) are used to indicate that certain words, phrases, or sentences have been removed from the original quote, usually because they are irrelevant or unnecessary.

How can you introduce a quote with an introductory sentence?

You can introduce a quote with a full sentence followed by a colon. This helps set up the context for the quote before presenting it.

What is the difference between using a colon and a comma when introducing a quote?

A colon is used after a full introductory sentence, while a comma is used when introducing a quote with a signal phrase that mentions the author or source but doesn’t form a full sentence.

When should you use square brackets in a quote?

Square brackets are used to add information to a quote that is necessary for understanding. For example, you might use them to clarify a pronoun or provide missing context.

What should you do if the quote contains a grammatical or spelling error?

If the quote contains an error, you can indicate this by adding [sic] after the mistake. This shows that the error is part of the original text and not your own.

When is it appropriate to frequently use quotes in a paper?

Frequent quoting is appropriate when analyzing a specific author’s language and style or when trying to convince readers of your argument by supporting it with authoritative quotes.

Why is it important to not overuse quotes in your writing?

Overusing quotes can make it seem like you are relying too heavily on other sources instead of providing your own analysis. It's important to only use quotes when they add significant value to your argument.

What is the focus of the video in terms of citation style?

The video focuses on the APA citation style, but viewers are encouraged to check other links if they are using different citation styles.

Outlines

00:00

🎯 Introduction to Quoting

The speaker introduces the video, addressing viewers who may be struggling with quoting. The video promises to guide viewers step by step through the process of quoting, ensuring they become experts by the end. The speaker humorously mentions quoting someone and teases the three basic principles of quoting, which include: surrounding the quote with quotation marks, citing the author correctly with the author's name, year, and source, and ensuring the quote is identical to the original. Changes to quotes are possible, but the speaker hints that more details will follow later.

📝 Quoting Principles

The three essential quoting principles are explained: quotes must be enclosed in quotation marks, citations must be properly formatted (author’s name, year, source, and page number), and quotes must remain unchanged. The speaker emphasizes that these principles can vary based on the citation style, but APA will be the focus of the video. Viewers using other citation styles are encouraged to check the link in the description.

📜 Introducing Quotes

This section explains how to introduce quotes into your writing. There are three main ways: using an introductory sentence with a colon, using an introductory signal phrase followed by a comma, or integrating the quote into a sentence. Signal phrases such as 'argues,' 'claims,' or 'explains' can be used to introduce a quote without forming a full sentence. This section provides examples for each method.

🔍 Short vs. Long Quotes

The speaker explains the differences between short and long quotes. Quotes with fewer than 40 words should be enclosed in quotation marks and followed by an in-text citation. For quotes exceeding 40 words, quotation marks are not used; instead, the quote is set on a new line and indented, creating a block of text. This segment highlights the importance of adhering to the established guidelines for each quote length.

✂️ Modifying Quotes

Here, viewers learn how to modify quotes. If a quote is too long or contains irrelevant information, parts of it can be omitted using ellipses (...). If important context is missing, it can be added using square brackets. For example, pronouns in a quote can be replaced with names for clarity. When a quote contains spelling or grammatical errors, you can mark the mistake with '[sic]'. This part helps viewers understand when and how to modify quotes appropriately.

📚 When to Use Quotes

The speaker outlines scenarios where quoting is appropriate. For example, when writing about a modernist author’s novels, frequent quoting is necessary for analyzing language and style. Quotes are also helpful in supporting an argument, providing authority, or critiquing a position. The speaker stresses that quotes should support the writer’s points and must be used sparingly to avoid over-reliance on them.

🎬 Conclusion and Further Resources

The video concludes with a summary of the key points about quoting, inviting viewers to refer to the article in the description for more information. The speaker thanks the audience for watching and encourages them to check out additional resources on quoting. The tone is friendly and supportive, ensuring viewers leave with a sense of accomplishment and readiness to apply what they've learned.

Keywords

💡Quotation marks

Quotation marks are punctuation marks used to enclose direct speech or a direct quote from a source. In the video, the speaker emphasizes the importance of using quotation marks to correctly frame the quoted text, ensuring the reader understands that these words are directly borrowed from another author. For example, a quote shorter than 40 words should always be enclosed in quotation marks.

💡Cite the author

Citing the author refers to the practice of giving credit to the original creator of the words or ideas you are quoting. In the video, the speaker stresses that it is important to include the author's name, the year of publication, and the page number if applicable. This is essential for maintaining academic integrity and acknowledging the source of the information.

💡Signal phrase

A signal phrase is a phrase used to introduce a quote or paraphrase, often mentioning the author. It helps to integrate the quoted material smoothly into the text. The video gives examples of how signal phrases can be used with or without forming a full sentence. For example, using verbs like 'argues' or 'claims' as part of a signal phrase to lead into the quotation.

💡In-text citation

In-text citation refers to the brief reference within the body of your text that directs readers to the full citation in the reference list. The video explains how to properly format an in-text citation in APA style, including the author's last name, year of publication, and page number for quotes. This allows readers to easily locate the source material.

💡Ellipses

Ellipses are three dots (…) used to indicate that part of a quote has been omitted. The video explains that if a quote is too long or includes irrelevant information, you can use ellipses to remove unnecessary words while still maintaining the meaning of the original quote. This allows for a more concise use of quotes.

💡Square brackets

Square brackets are used to add or modify information within a quote. In the video, the speaker explains that if a pronoun or unclear reference is used in a quote, you can add clarification in square brackets, such as replacing 'he' with the person's name to help readers understand the context of the quote.

💡Sic

Sic is a Latin term meaning 'thus' or 'so' and is used in square brackets after a quoted error to indicate that the error is from the original source. In the video, the speaker mentions that if a quote contains spelling or grammatical mistakes, the error should be marked with [sic] to show that the mistake is part of the original text and not introduced by the person quoting.

💡Block quote

A block quote is a long quotation that is set apart from the rest of the text by starting it on a new line and indenting it. The video explains that if a quote is longer than 40 words, it should be formatted as a block quote without quotation marks. This visually distinguishes longer quotes from the main text, making them easier to identify.

💡Short quote

A short quote is a quotation of fewer than 40 words, which is integrated into the body of the text and enclosed in quotation marks. The video contrasts short quotes with block quotes, emphasizing that short quotes are framed by quotation marks and followed by in-text citations. They can be seamlessly introduced into a sentence using introductory phrases.

💡APA citation style

The APA citation style is a standardized method for citing sources in academic writing, developed by the American Psychological Association. In the video, the speaker focuses on how to quote using APA format, which includes providing the author's last name, the year of publication, and the page number in parentheses after the quote. APA style is commonly used in social sciences and requires precision in citing to maintain scholarly credibility.

Highlights

Introduction to quoting, with a promise of becoming an expert by the end of the video.

Explanation of the three basic principles of quoting: use of quotation marks, proper citation of the author (name, year, source), and the need for an identical quote to the original.

Different citation styles contain different information, with a focus on APA in this video.

The three ways to introduce a quote: with an introductory sentence followed by a colon, with a signal phrase followed by a comma, or by integrating the quote into your own sentence.

Explanation of short vs. long block quotes: short quotes are less than 40 words and use quotation marks; long block quotes are more than 40 words, indented, and don't use quotation marks.

How to modify quotes: remove irrelevant parts using ellipses, or add necessary clarifications with square brackets.

Using ellipses to replace unnecessary parts of a quote, and adding square brackets to clarify references like pronouns.

How to handle mistakes in quotes: use '[sic]' to indicate an error in the original text.

Quoting can be useful to strengthen arguments, show authority on a topic, or critique an opposing viewpoint.

Use quotes sparingly and appropriately, especially when analyzing language and style, or supporting key arguments.

Example of when to use quotes: to support your argument, to provide authoritative backing, or to offer critiques.

Guidance on introducing a quote with verbs like 'argues,' 'claims,' or 'explains' for more engagement.

Visual and verbal breakdown of using introductory signal phrases or integrating quotes into a sentence.

Advanced tips on adjusting quotes: handling grammar mistakes and using proper citation adjustments.

Closing remarks: encouraging viewers to refer to an additional article for more detailed guidance.

Transcripts

If you're watching this video you're probably struggling one way or another with quoting.

In this video, we'll learn how to quote together step by step

and by the end of this video, you'll be an expert!

Yes, we can.

Hold on. Did I just quote someone?

Now there are three basic principles of quoting

The quote itself has to be surrounded by quotation marks

Cite the author correctly

so make sure you include the author's name, the year, and if it's from a book or journal,

You need the exact page number as well.

The quote also has to be identical to the original, so no changing it.

If you do end up changing it, there are a few points

you need to be aware of, which I would explain later in the video.

Of course, depending on your citation style, the citation contains different information.

In this video we'll be focusing on APA. But don't worry if you're using other styles, just check the link in the description.

We just talked about the three principles of quoting, now we're diving deeper into how to quote in a bigger picture.

Let's begin with how to introduce a quote.

There are three ways to introduce a quote. The first is with an introductory sentence.

Consider this example. You can introduce the quote with the full sentence followed by a colon.

You can also use introductory signal phrase.

Now take a look at this example.

You can 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 the comma instead of a colon.

Of course you can also use other dialogue verbs

such as argues, claims or explains.

If you want to quote a phrase that's not a full sentence, or if it flows well with your paragraph

You can also integrate it in your own sentence as you can see from this example.

Now that we know how to introduce a quote,

let's tackle the differences between a short and a long block quote.

If the quote you want to use is less than 40 words

Remember the principles we mentioned earlier?

Quotation marks and in-text citation?

But if it's more than 40 words

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

Now that we've learned the basics of quoting, let's get more advanced and take a look at how quotes can be changed

Let's say you found the perfect quote, but it's a bit too long and some of the information is irrelevant so you want to take that out.

we can do that by removing words, phrases or sentences and replace them with ellipses.

that's the dot dot dot

You can also add information to a quote. If a quote is missing information that's essential for you to understand it

You can add it in square brackets

In this example, the quote uses a pronoun that refers to someone mentioned before.

But without the previous sentence, the readers might not know who that is referred to.

Then you can replace the pronoun with the person's name in brackets

If you just so happen to come across a piece of text you want to quote, but it contains some errors

In this scenario there are spelling and grammatical mistakes.

You can notice the error by adding square bracket sic after the mistake

Of course, quotes are extremely useful and often a basic requirement when you're writing a paper

with this in mind try not to go overboard with it and only use it in the following cases

Let's say you're writing a paper about the novels of a modernist author.

In this case, you'll probably have the quote frequently in order to analyze their language and style

To convince the readers of your argument, interpretation or your position on a topic,

you should include quotes that support your point.

You can quote to show that your point is supported by an authority on that topic

or to critique a position that you disagree with

For example, you've found the sentence that perfectly sums up a theory of your topic.

So you quote the author before elaborating on your understanding of that theory

And that's it for this video on how to quote.

Thanks for watching and I hope you learned something useful

For more information on quoting, check out the article in the description box below.

See you next time!