How to Cite a Long Quote APA Style: A Comprehensive Guide
Quoting sources correctly is crucial for academic integrity. When incorporating lengthy quotations into your APA Style paper, specific formatting rules apply to ensure clarity and avoid plagiarism. This guide will walk you through the process, addressing common questions and providing clear examples.
What constitutes a "long quote" in APA Style?
In APA 7th edition, a long quote is any quotation exceeding 40 words. These require a different format compared to shorter quotations.
Formatting Long Quotes (Block Quotes):
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Indentation: Instead of using quotation marks, long quotes are presented as a block quote. This means the entire quotation is indented 0.5 inches (or one tab) from the left margin. The left margin remains unchanged; only the right margin is affected.
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No Quotation Marks: Block quotes do not use quotation marks. The indentation itself signals that it's a direct quote.
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Punctuation: The final punctuation of the block quote comes after the parenthetical citation.
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Double-Spacing: Maintain double-spacing throughout the block quote, consistent with the rest of your paper.
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Parenthetical Citation: The parenthetical citation (author, year, page number) follows the final punctuation of the block quote.
Example:
This is a long quote example exceeding forty words. It demonstrates the appropriate formatting for a block quote in APA style. Notice the indentation and lack of quotation marks. The citation comes after the final punctuation. (Smith, 2023, p. 123)
Addressing Specific Scenarios:
How do I cite a long quote with multiple paragraphs?
If the quote spans multiple paragraphs, indent the first line of each paragraph an additional 0.5 inches. Maintain the 0.5-inch indentation for the remaining lines. The parenthetical citation appears after the final punctuation of the last paragraph.
Example:
This is the first paragraph of a multi-paragraph long quote. Note the additional indentation for the first line of the paragraph.
This is the second paragraph. It maintains the same indentation as the preceding paragraph. The citation appears only after the final punctuation of the last paragraph. (Jones & Brown, 2022, pp. 456-457)
What if I need to omit words or add clarifying information?
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Omissions: Use ellipses (...) to indicate omitted words within a quotation. If you omit an entire sentence, use four periods to represent the omitted sentence.
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Additions: Enclose your additions in brackets [ ].
Example:
The original quote stated: "The experiment was successful, although some challenges were encountered." The edited quote incorporating omissions and additions may read: "The experiment was successful...[despite some unforeseen setbacks]. (Garcia, 2021, p. 78)"
How do I cite a long quote from an online source without page numbers?
For online sources lacking page numbers, use paragraph numbers (if available) or a descriptive location (e.g., section heading).
Example:
"This is a long quote from an online source without page numbers. We will use paragraph numbers instead." (Rodriguez, 2024, para. 5)
Can I use a long quote if only a portion is relevant?
While not ideal, you can extract only the relevant parts, presenting them as a block quote. Clearly mark omissions with ellipses. However, consider paraphrasing whenever possible for better readability and flow.
Remember that excessive use of long quotes can hinder the readability of your paper. Strive for a balance between using direct quotes for impactful phrases and paraphrasing to maintain a clear and concise writing style. Always prioritize the proper application of APA Style for academic integrity.
