When quoting over 40 words in APA 7th edition, you must use a block quote. This involves indenting the entire quote one inch from the left margin, starting on a new line, and omitting quotation marks.
Quoting More Than 40 Words in APA 7th Edition: A Comprehensive Guide
Navigating academic writing can feel like a maze, especially when it comes to proper citation. One common point of confusion is how to correctly incorporate longer quotations into your work according to the APA 7th edition style guide. Fear not! This guide will demystify the process of quoting over 40 words, ensuring your citations are accurate and your writing flows seamlessly.
Understanding the Block Quote Format
The key difference between short and long quotations lies in their presentation. For any quote exceeding 40 words, APA 7th edition mandates the use of a block quote. This format visually separates the quoted material from your own text, signaling to the reader that these are not your original words.
Here’s how to format a block quote:
- Start on a New Line: Always begin your block quote on a fresh line of text.
- Indent the Entire Quote: Indent the entire block quote one inch from the left margin. This is a deeper indent than standard paragraph indents.
- Omit Quotation Marks: Unlike shorter quotes, block quotes do not use quotation marks at the beginning or end. The indentation itself signifies that it’s a quote.
- Introduce the Quote: You should introduce the block quote with a signal phrase. This phrase typically ends with a colon, especially if the introductory sentence is grammatically complete.
- Placement of the Period: The period (or other terminal punctuation) for the quote should come before the parenthetical citation.
Crafting Your Introductory Signal Phrase
Your introductory phrase is crucial. It sets the context for the quote and smoothly integrates it into your narrative. Aim for a phrase that accurately reflects the source’s contribution to your argument.
For instance, you might write:
- As Smith (2020) argues, "…" (p. 15).
- According to a recent study on renewable energy sources, "…" (Jones & Lee, 2021, p. 45).
- The author emphasizes the importance of community engagement: "…" (Garcia, 2019, p. 112).
Remember, the goal is to make the transition from your words to the quoted material feel natural and logical.
Example of a Block Quote in APA 7th Edition
Let’s illustrate with an example. Imagine you are writing about the impact of technology on education and want to quote a passage longer than 40 words.
Incorrect Short Quote:
The study found that "students who used interactive simulations showed a 20% increase in conceptual understanding compared to those who relied solely on traditional lectures" (Davis, 2022, p. 78).
Correct Block Quote:
Davis (2022) highlights the significant benefits of interactive learning tools:
Students who used interactive simulations showed a 20% increase in conceptual understanding compared to those who relied solely on traditional lectures. This finding suggests that hands-on digital experiences can greatly enhance learning outcomes in complex subjects, moving beyond passive information reception. (p. 78)
Notice how the entire quoted section is indented, and there are no quotation marks. The period appears before the page number citation.
When to Use Block Quotes
While the 40-word rule is a good guideline, consider the flow of your writing. Sometimes, even a quote slightly under 40 words might benefit from block quote formatting if it’s a substantial point you want to emphasize. Conversely, a quote just over 40 words might be integrated as a regular, punctuated quote if it fits more smoothly.
However, for clarity and adherence to APA style, sticking to the 40-word threshold is the safest bet. This ensures your work is consistently formatted and easily understood by your readers and instructors.
Key Differences: Short vs. Long Quotes
To further clarify, let’s look at a side-by-side comparison:
| Feature | Short Quote (Under 40 words) | Long Quote (Over 40 words) |
|---|---|---|
| Formatting | Integrated into the text, enclosed in double quotation marks | Presented as a block, indented 1 inch from the left margin |
| Quotation Marks | Used at the beginning and end of the quote | Not used |
| Indentation | Standard paragraph indentation | Entire quote indented 1 inch from the left margin |
| Citation Placement | After the closing quotation mark | After the terminal punctuation of the quote |
Common Mistakes to Avoid with Block Quotes
- Using Quotation Marks: This is the most frequent error. Remember, block quotes do not use quotation marks.
- Incorrect Indentation: Ensure you indent the entire block quote by one inch, not just the first line.
- Placing the Period Incorrectly: The terminal punctuation of the quote should precede the parenthetical citation.
- Forgetting the Signal Phrase: Always introduce your block quote with a lead-in sentence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Quoting in APA 7th Edition
### How do I introduce a block quote?
You introduce a block quote with a signal phrase that leads into the quoted material. This phrase often ends with a colon, especially if it forms a complete sentence. For example, "The research indicates the following:" followed by the indented quote.
### Can I use italics in a block quote?
Yes, you can use italics within a block quote if the original source used them for emphasis. However, avoid adding your own italics for emphasis within a block quote; instead, use bracketed phrases like "[emphasis added]".
### What if the quote itself contains quotation marks?
If the original source material you are quoting contains quotation marks, you should retain them within your block quote. The block quote formatting (indentation, no surrounding quotation marks) still applies to the overall quote.
### How do I cite a block quote from a website without page numbers?
If a source lacks page numbers, you can cite other locators like paragraph numbers (para. 3), section headings, or chapter numbers. For instance, (Smith, 2020, para. 5) or (Jones & Lee, 2021, Chapter 2).
### When should I paraphrase instead of quoting directly?
Paraphrasing is often preferred as it shows your understanding of the source material in your own words. Quote directly only when the original wording is particularly impactful, precise, or essential to your argument. Always cite paraphrased material as well.
Next Steps for Perfect APA Citations
Mastering the art of quoting