10 + Purdue Owl Block Quote

Visit:2916   Updated: 2023/05/20

1.Direct quotes: When you are directly quoting the words of a text, indent the quote by 1/2 inch.

2.Not using quotation marks: Quotes should always be enclosed in quotation marks when using them in academic writing.

3.Failing to properly format the quote: Ensure that the quote is correctly formatted according to your citation style guidelines.

4.Long quotes: If the quote is longer than 40 words, you should use a block quote format instead of a direct quote. A block quote is indented on the left-hand side and doesn’t require quote marks.

5.Indent: Use your word processor’s paragraph indentation settings to indent the selected text by 1/2 inch from the left margin.

6.Inappropriate quotes: Make sure that the quotes you use are directly related to the topic under discussion to avoid confusing the reader.

7.Helps to establish the credibility of the author’s research: Indenting a quote helps to establish a clear distinction between the writer’s ideas and the researcher’s findings. This makes it clear that the writer is drawing on the expertise of others and indicating that they have researched the topic well.

8.Facilitates the reader’s understanding: Indenting a quote makes it easier for the reader to follow the writer’s line of reasoning. Moreover, it gives the reader an idea of what arguments are being made and the sources behind them.

9.Avoiding plagiarism: Indenting quotes is an indication of ethical writing, which ensures that the original author’s content is being treated with due respect and that the original text is given the credit it deserves.

10.Poetry: In poetry, indents can be used for many different purposes, from indicating a shift in the speaker’s tone to highlighting a certain word or phrase. Be sure to adhere to the specific formatting guidelines for the particular style you are using.