How to Do Quotes in MLA Format: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’re writing a research paper or any academic work that requires citing sources, you’ll likely encounter the need to quote directly from other texts. Using quotes effectively can strengthen your arguments and support your claims. However, it’s crucial to adhere to specific formatting guidelines to ensure clarity and avoid plagiarism. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is widely used in the humanities and social sciences, and it has established rules for quoting sources accurately.
Why Use Quotes in MLA Format?
Citing sources and quoting them verbatim are essential for several reasons:
- Accuracy: Quotes ensure that the original author’s words are presented precisely, avoiding any potential bias or misinterpretation.
- Credibility: Properly citing sources adds credibility to your work by demonstrating your research and acknowledging the contributions of others.
- Avoidance of Plagiarism: Using direct quotes without proper attribution constitutes plagiarism, which can have serious consequences.
Formatting Quotes in MLA Format
MLA format has specific rules for quoting sources, depending on the length of the quote:
Quoting Short Passages (Less than Four Lines)
- For short quotes (less than four lines), incorporate them directly into your text, enclosed in double quotation marks (" ").
- Example: According to Shakespeare, "A rose by any other name would smell as sweet."
Quoting Long Passages (Four or More Lines)
- For long quotes (four or more lines), create a block quote:
- Indent the entire quote ten spaces from the left margin.
- Do not use quotation marks.
- Double-space the lines within the quote.
- Example:
Shakespeare’s famous quote on the power of names explores the idea that the essence of something remains unchanged regardless of its label:
A rose by any other word would smell as sweet.
The essence of a thing is not dependent on its name, but rather on its inherent qualities.
Special Cases for Quotes Within Quotes
- If your source contains a quote within a quote, use single quotation marks (‘ ‘) for the inner quote.
- Example: The character exclaims, "I can’t believe she said, ‘Get out of my house!’"
Ellipses for Omitted Text
- Use three ellipses (…) to indicate omitted text within a quote.
- Example: The author argues that "…the government’s policies have led to a decline in economic prosperity."
Square Brackets for Clarification or Additions
- Add square brackets [ ] to clarify or add information that is not present in the original quote.
- Example: The article states that "[the president] proposed a new tax plan."
Punctuation and Quotation Marks
- Place commas and periods inside quotation marks.
- Place colons, semicolons, and question marks outside quotation marks.
- Example: The author asks, "Can we truly understand the complexities of human nature?"
Citing the Source
- After the quote, provide a parenthetical citation that includes the author’s last name and page number(s) from where the quote was taken.
- Example: (Shakespeare 123)
Comparison Table: How to Do Quotes in MLA Format vs. Competitors
| Feature | How to Do Quotes in MLA Format | Competitors |
|---|---|---|
| Short Quotes | Double quotation marks (" ") | May not have specific formatting guidelines |
| Long Quotes | Block quote, indented ten spaces | May require specific line spacing or indentation |
| Quotes Within Quotes | Single quotation marks (‘ ‘) | May not have a specific formatting style |
| Ellipses | Three ellipses (…) for omitted text | May not have a specific symbol for omissions |
| Square Brackets | For clarification or additions | May not allow for additional information in the quote |
| Punctuation | Commas and periods inside quotation marks | May have different rules for punctuation placement |
| Citation | Parenthetical citation (Author’s last name, page number) | May have different citation formats |
Conclusion
Quoting sources accurately in MLA format is essential for academic writing. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can ensure that your quotes are presented clearly and without risk of plagiarism. Remember to check with your instructor or the specific publication you are writing for to confirm any additional requirements or variations in MLA format. For more information and guidance, explore our other articles on citing sources and avoiding plagiarism.
FAQ about MLA Format Quotes
What are the P-A-S guidelines for quoting in MLA format?
Answer: P-A-S stands for "Parenthetical-Author-Section." The guidelines for quoting in MLA format are:
- For short quotations (under four lines), incorporate the quotation into your text and provide the author and page number in parentheses at the end of the quotation.
- For long quotations (four or more lines), indent the quotation one inch from the left margin and double-space it. Do not use quotation marks. Provide the author and page number in parentheses at the end of the quotation.
How do I cite a direct quote from a source?
Answer: For a direct quote, include the author’s last name and the page number from which the quote is taken in parentheses at the end of the quote. For example: (Smith 12).
How do I cite an indirect quote or paraphrase?
Answer: For an indirect quote or paraphrase, include only the author’s last name in parentheses at the end of the sentence. For example: (Smith).
How do I cite a quote that spans multiple pages?
Answer: Use an en dash (-) to indicate a page range when citing a quote that spans multiple pages. For example: (Smith 12-14).
How do I cite a quote from a secondary source?
Answer: If you are quoting from a secondary source that is quoting another work, include the original author and page number followed by "qtd. in" and the last name of the author of the secondary source. For example: (Shakespeare qtd. in Smith 12).
How do I cite a quote from a play or poem?
Answer: For a quote from a play or poem, include the act, scene, and line numbers (if applicable) in parentheses after the quotation. For example: (Hamlet 3.1.50).
How do I cite a quote from a website or online article?
Answer: For a quote from a website or online article, include the author’s last name (if available), the title of the article in quotation marks, the name of the website in italics, the date of publication, and the URL in angle brackets. For example: (Smith, "Title of Article" Website Name Date of Publication
How do I cite a quote from a book with multiple authors?
Answer: For a quote from a book with multiple authors, include all of the authors’ last names in parentheses at the end of the quote, separated by commas. For example: (Smith, Jones, and White 12).
How do I cite a quote from an anthology?
Answer: For a quote from an anthology, include the author’s last name, the title of the individual piece in quotation marks, the title of the anthology in italics, the editor’s name, and the page number in parentheses at the end of the quote. For example: (Smith, "Title of Piece" Title of Anthology ed. Editor’s Name 12).
How do I avoid plagiarism when quoting?
Answer: To avoid plagiarism, always cite your sources correctly and use quotation marks to indicate direct quotes. If you paraphrase or summarize, make sure to put the information in your own words and cite the source.
