Blokkidézetek

Blokkidézetek, often translated as block quotes or indented quotes, are a typographic convention used to set apart lengthy quotations from the main text. Unlike inline quotations that are integrated into a paragraph, block quotes are typically presented as a distinct paragraph or series of paragraphs, separated by extra vertical space and indented from the left margin. This visual distinction helps readers easily identify and process longer passages of borrowed text.

The primary purpose of a block quote is to improve readability and highlight the significance of the quoted material. By indenting the text and often using a smaller font size or a different typeface, it signals to the reader that this is not the author's original writing. This is particularly useful in academic papers, literary analysis, and other contexts where extensive citations are common.

The exact formatting of block quotes can vary slightly depending on the style guide being followed, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago. However, the general principle of indentation and separation remains consistent. Shorter quotations, usually fewer than four lines of prose or three lines of verse, are typically kept inline and enclosed in quotation marks. The decision to use a block quote is often based on the length of the passage and the desire to emphasize its content.