Quoting

Quoting is the practice of reproducing another person's words in full or in part. It serves to convey exact language, preserve nuance, or provide authority or evidence in writing. Quoting is typically distinguished from paraphrasing or summarizing: a direct quotation reproduces the source's wording verbatim, while an indirect quotation, or paraphrase, renders the meaning in the writer's own words.

Direct quotations require quotation marks around the exact words. Short quotes can be integrated within a sentence; longer passages are often formatted as block quotes, which are set apart by indentation and spacing according to style guidelines. Punctuation placement and the use of ellipses or brackets to indicate editorial changes follow specific conventions in different styles and jurisdictions. Always attribute the quotation to its source and provide a citation.

Indirect quotations or paraphrases restate the meaning without reproducing the original wording. Although quotation marks are not used for paraphrase, attribution remains essential. Paraphrases should be faithful to the original idea and sufficiently distinct in wording to avoid plagiarism; in academic writing, page numbers or section references may accompany a citation.

Citations and attribution are governed by style guides such as APA, MLA, or Chicago, and by journalistic standards. Quoting raises ethical and legal considerations: one should avoid misquoting, taking statements out of context, or exceeding fair use limits. When quoting from translations, indicate the original language and provide a translation if needed.

Best practices include verifying the exact wording in the original source, preserving context, and using brackets to clarify or note changes, and ellipses to indicate omitted material. For translations, supply the original text alongside a faithful translation when possible. Clear attribution and careful handling of quotes enhance accuracy and credibility in writing.