Guaranteed Higher Grade!
Plagiarism checker
Verify originality of an essay
essay
Get ideas for your paper
Plagiarism checker
Cite sources with ease

What is it Like Put Quotes in an Essay – The Ultimate Guide

blog author name

Table of Contents

Do you often find quotes that can say a lot more about your essay topics than you are saying? If yes, we want to let you know that you can always use quotes in your write-up. Quotes can play an effective and powerful role in your essay. It can increase the adaptability power of your writing and keep readers engaged when you are expressing your thoughts. But using quotes has a few specific processes. You need to understand them well before adding one. This blog will guide you in writing a quote in an essay. So, let’s begin.

What is a Quote?

Before you place a quote, you must understand what a quote is. Academic essays often use quotations as proof, also known by the acronym “quotes” or utilized within the framework of an academic writing service. Quotations are a powerful tool for supporting your points in essays and demonstrating your understanding of the material.

When someone who is not the original author of a text repeats a group of words from another text, it is called a quote. Indicative punctuation for paraphrasing another author’s work is expressed in quotation marks. The inverted commas (‘ ‘) or the double inverted commas (” “), respectively, are used to represent these quotation marks.

Regarding the kind of inverted commas to use for quotations, there is no standard practice in Australia. Australia prefers single inverted commas because it follows British convention. The double inverted comma is the preferred punctuation for quotations in the American style. You can write your essay papers using either format; just be consistent.

Why Should Students Use Quotes?

quotes

There are a number of benefits of using quotes that writers can avail of if they do. Here are a few benefits. Let’s have a look –

1. Expand the Scope of the Context

One of the key advantages of using a quotation is the chance for in-depth analysis and discussion of the subject. The context is widened, and the essay’s details are given by quotes. As a result, the author has the opportunity to include quotes from relevant sources to enhance the text.

2. Increase Credibility

Credibility is unquestionably one of the key characteristics of an excellent article. A reader needs to know that the material in the text is accurate and that the author is a subject-matter authority before continuing to read. As a result, the article needs quotes to reassure the reader that the justifications made in the text are credible.

3. The Topic Becomes More Comprehendible

Quoting also helps the reader understand the subject matter better. It is feasible to use quotations to provide an example or to clarify a specific problem. One of the main benefits of using different techniques and tools is to make the text easier to understand. So, a writer might use quotes in a variety of ways, such as to make the content easier to read.

4. Support Your Data

Furthermore, quotes are useful for giving a concept context. A student has the chance to cite a reliable source of information in support of their own opinion. Occasionally, authors struggle with a lack of justification, and quotations can be an excellent way to include compelling justification. Because of this, quotes are strong argumentation tools.

5. Coaxes the Readers

Notable examples of what are referred to as persuasion techniques include ethos, logos, and pathos. These resources are crucial in building the authority of an argument. As a result, quotes can help to strengthen the article’s symbols by providing compelling logic and ideas.

6. Enhances Writing Styles

The capacity of the quotations to enhance the way of writing and give the text a subtler feel is the following significant issue. The reader will find the material more engaging when there are quotations in it. Also, since the post will be expanded with the writer’s arguments and other points of view, effective quoting helps to avoid the content from becoming monotonous.

7. Gives Birth to Inquisitive Curiosity

The reader can be made more confused by using quotes. It is feasible to use quotations to grab attention to a specific subject or concept. Also, using a quote as a hook for a paragraph can keep the reader interested in the rest of the post. Consequently, an effective quotation can be used to pique readers’ interest in addition to supporting and persuading arguments.

So, these are the advantages of using quotes in your essay. But as there are various rules for using it, let’s understand what questions you must ask yourself before using quotes.

What Questions Should You Ask Yourself Before Using a Quote?

Here are a few questions that you must ask before using quotations in your essay. Let’s have a look –

1. Does the quote flow naturally into my argument?

2. Does my statement make sense as it stands?

3. Is it too difficult to understand for my audience?

4. Am I using proper grammar?

If you are satisfied with the answers, only then use quotes.

What are the Different Types of Quotes?

quotes

Every kind of quote can be used to start an essay. Below are some of the most well-known quotations.

  1. Summary – Gives a concise explanation of the main ideas in the opening quote.
  2. Direct Quote – Includes each and every phrase said or written
  3. Paraphrase – Remarks that have been rephrased but still convey the same ideas.

Students frequently use straight quotes in their academic papers without altering the original wording. Nonetheless, you can effectively utilise any of the formats mentioned earlier to avoid obscuring the actual meaning of the original reference.

How to Use Quotes in an Essay?

You need to follow the guidelines listed below to understand the process of using quotes in an essay –

1. Stay Away from Using Long Quotes

How long should a quote be in an essay? Essays with lengthy quotations raise red flags with teachers. It doesn’t matter whether the quote is fantastic. Long quotes should be avoided because many professors dislike them. There are too many pupils that write lengthy quotes. This will cost you major points.

2. Never Insert a Quote that Begins a sentence, Completes a Sentence, or Concludes a Paragraph

These are three common but deadly errors. Essay quotations that begin or end paragraphs give the impression that you are inactive. Your professor will assume that you are substituting analysis for your quote rather than using it to support it if you utilise a quotation to begin a line or conclude a paragraph in your essay.

Instead, begin the phrase with your own words before inserting the quote. It appears that you are speaking actively because of this. Similarly, you ought to conclude a paragraph by offering your own analysis rather than a quotation.

3. Juxtapose Quotes with Justifications and Examples

Quotations shouldn’t be used as the exclusive means of discourse. Quotations ought to be used for analysis, not for analysis’ sake.

4. Number of Quotes You Can Include in an Essay

How many quotations should be used in an essay has a straightforward rule. A good guideline is to use a quote every five paragraphs. You should expect one quote every maximum of 750 words, as a paragraph typically contains 150 words.

5. Don’t Forget to Use page Numbers while Citing Quotes

The fact that so many students struggle with citing quotes in essay tutoring is one of the main issues with quotations. A page number must be included in your citation in almost every citing style. This comprises the three most popular referencing styles: MLA, APA, and Harvard. You must include page numbers with all of your quotes.

6. Stop Italising Quotes

For some reason, kids like to highlight quotes in their writing. Despite the fact that this is incorrect in every single major referencing style, it occurs frequently.

Teachers catch on because it appears unkempt. These little but not insignificant flaws should not be present in a neat, clear, well-formatted essay. You must pay attention to minute things if you desire to become a top student.

7. Stop Using Quote Inside a Quote

Have you ever come across a wise saying and thought, “I want to quote that”? Although it may be tempting, it is not worthwhile to quote someone. It demolished your credibility in the eyes of your professors.

Phrases & Words to Introduce Quotes

Here are some phrases that you can use to introduce quotes in your essay –

  1. According to the author
  2. The author agrees when she/he writes
  3. In the author’s view
  4. As the author puts it
  5. The first author supports the second author’s views when she/he says

Here are also the action words that students can use while introducing the quote in their academic essays –

  1. The author writes
  2. The author says
  3. The author believes
  4. The author notes
  5. The author concludes
  6. The author claims
  7. The author adds
  8. The author insists
  9. The author predicts that
  10. And many more

It’s good practice if you can use these phrases when using a quote.

What is the SIEC Method?

In order to properly structure quotes in your writing services, use the SIEC method of sandwiching.

  1. Set Up a Quote

Sarah Jones (2017) also admits. She says,

  1. Insert Quote

“In 2016, all the universities and colleges in the UK saw the huge impact of social media on students.”

  1. Explain the Quote

Sarah’s quotes explain the negative impact of using social media on students.

  1. Cite Quote

The year was provided after the author’s name in this quote because the APA style is being used. The reference page’s source article will be identified for the reader by this.

When all of them sit together, you can find the following –

Sarah Jones (2017) also admits. She says, “In 2016, all the universities and colleges in the UK saw the huge impact of social media on students.” Sarah’s quotes explain the negative impact of using social media on students.

When Should Students Use Quotes in an Essay?

You can always use quotes in your writing but when. You must understand that well.

Highlighting a Vital Statement

The use of quotations in essays is frequently done to highlight a well-known claim made by a pioneering figure on the subject. The claim must be significant. It can’t be just any arbitrary remark.

Analysing a Crucial Statement

Using quotations in essays is also beneficial when you wish to study a point made by a certain author. Although this author may not be well-known, they may have stated something worth unpacking and dissecting. You can give a quote and then explain your understanding of it through the sentences that follow.

How to Cite a Quote?

How you cite a quote mostly depends on the citation style or method that you are required to employ. Every time you use a quote in your essay, for instance, you should cite it using the MLA (Modern Language Association) citation style, which requires you to give both the writer’s full name and the relevant page number. The year the quote was penned would also need to be included if you were to format your essay in APA style, both in the essay’s body and on the reference page.

1. Cite Short Quotes

A short quote is anything that is less than four written lines in length, as per MLA style requirements. If the quote you are using in your work satisfies these criteria, you must a) enclose it in double quotation marks, b) write the author’s last name, and c) provide the page number.

2. Cite Long Quotes

When you reference a lengthy quotation or a block quotation, the rules will change.

  • Long quotes in APA should contain at least 40 words.
  • As an alternative, MLA demands that your quote span over four lines.
  • Long quotes need to be typed on a separate block with a 12-inch indent on the left margin.
  • Following the block quotation’s final punctuation mark, cite sources.

3. Add/ Remove Words

There are a couple of procedures you should take when you want to extend or change a quote so that it fits the framework of your essay or when you have to delete terms that might not support your argument –

  • If you want to add information that will help the reader comprehend the perspective of a quotation, put it in brackets.
  • To omit a quote’s portions that are no longer important to your paper, use ellipses (…).

4. Cite Quotes that Have More than One Author

The names of the many authors must be separated with commas as well as the word “and” when you want to credit a quote that has numerous authors.

5. Cite Online Quotes

Because you won’t be able to locate pertinent details like page numbers, citing quotes from websites can be a little trickier than citing statements from magazines or books. However, you should make an effort to provide as much data as you can, such as the author’s name, the publication year, or the title of the source the statement was derived from.

What are the Advantages & Disadvantages of Using Quotes in an Essay?

There are several benefits and drawbacks of beginning your essay with a quote, as will be seen below –

Using Quotes Help to Set a Specific Tone of Your Writing

Quotes may be very succinct summaries of facts that frequently stir the reader’s emotions, or they may express universal truths. As a result, it’s uncommon to find any techniques that can so quickly draw readers into an in-depth conversation.

Quotes are Cliché

If the quote is powerful and directly to the point, this is typically not a problem. This introduction, however, disallows various essay-starting strategies, such as the kind where you could relate startling or unusual incidents that would illustrate the issue you’re discussing.

Attract Readers’ Attentions Immediately

Strong quotations are excellent at getting people’s attention, especially if they’re a little frightening, funny, contentious, or disclose important truths. Understanding the proper way to employ a quotation as a hook ensures a more seamless start and an increased likelihood that your work will spark curiosity.

They hasten the conclusion

It could be advisable to save a strong citation for the point in your writing where momentum will be at its peak since it may be the most powerful sentence in the entire essay.

Quotes Procure the Legitimacy of the Original Creators for Your Benefit

If the quotes from Newton, Tesla, or another authority are appropriately connected to your claims, it will be more difficult for readers to refute your assertions.

Finding a Strong and Appropriate Matching Quotation Could Take a Lot of Time

Each word must match because a student is not permitted to change these quotes in any way.

What is a Bad Example of Using Quotes in an Essay?

We want to let you know that many professors do not like the trend of using quotes in an essay. Even there are many academicians who hate when students use quotes in their writing. If you don’t follow the following information, you can be in trouble –

  1. When you overuse quotation marks.
  2. When you choose the incorrect citation style.
  3. When quotes aren’t followed up with an explanation.
  4. When you utilise quotation marks because you are unable to properly paraphrase.

If you want to convince your professor with your essay, keep in mind the above-mentioned pointers.

Examples of Using Quotes in an Essay Properly

Here is an example of using quotes in your essay in the greatest way possible –

Example 1
Example 2

Final Thoughts,

The most crucial thing to consider when choosing a quotation is whether or not readers will grasp it and how it relates to your writing. You are in a problem if the reader needs to read a quotation more than once to fully comprehend it. So, make sure they understand it.

Go ahead, and all the best for your career.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.1. Why start an essay with a quote?

You can start an essay with quotes if you want to hook your readers at first. Quotes also help essay writers to support their argument and their opinions or point of view. But try to stay away from using quotes at the beginning of the introduction or at the end of it.

Q.2. How do I choose a quote?

Using quotes in essays helps writers to reinforce their thoughts. Using a quote is like having a second voice that will echo your thoughts and arguments. So, choose a quote that explains what you want to say or establish in your essay. As it’s a challenging task to do, you can ask for experts’ help.

Q.3. Where do I place the quote in my essay?

It doesn’t matter where you are using quotes in your essay. But you need to remember one thing the quote is not your creation. So, you must have to give credit to the author. And always place it inside double quotation marks. And try not to use quotations at the beginning or end of an introduction.

Q.4. Do I need to introduce the quote?

You are using another writer’s work as a quote in your essay. So, it’s always needed to introduce the quotes or give some context about the quote. This contextual sentence will also support the reason for using the quote. Giving a quotation introduction also create a good transition between your words and the words you are taking from others to support your statement.

Q.5. How do I integrate the quote into my writing?

You can always integrate quotes into your writing. It means you are saying other thoughts in your words. Before you start integrating quotes into your writing, read the original source attentively and identify the major links. After that, you paraphrase it and use it in your writing. But don’t forget to cite the sources.

Q.6. What citation format should I use for quotes?

You can use APA and MLA in-text citation styles for formatting the quotes you have used in your essay. Write the author’s last name and the page numbers. If you don’t find the author’s name, you can use the title’s first words or all the words for formatting.
For example, “This is my first essay quote.” (Merlin 92)

Q.7. How do I format the quote?

The quotation should be placed at the beginning of a new line, double-spaced, and with the full quote spaced half an inch from the left margin. The final punctuation mark should occur after your parenthetical citation. Be sure to keep the original line breaks when quoting the verse. (Throughout your essay, double space should be used.)

Q.8. Can I use multiple quotes in my essay?

Generally speaking, there should be no more than three quotes in each paragraph, but you also shouldn’t stuff them. If you use too many quotations in your essay, you won’t be able to develop your thoughts, and your evaluator will think your work is too complicated. Try to follow this guideline while using quotes.

Q.9. What if I can’t find a relevant quote?

If you can recall the title in full or in part or a precise quote from the text, look it up in quotations in the archive you first discovered it in (or, if you can’t recall where you were seeking, try Google Scholar). Try searching by the author’s name if you know who the author or editor is.

Q.10. Should I end my essay with a quote?

The ending is a terrific place to use a brilliant quote you found during your research but didn’t quite fit into the body of the essay. Your thesis or closing views may take on a new perspective if you include a quote taken from any of your main or secondary sources. So, try once.

Read Some Trending Blogs-

Case Study On British Airways

Alice Anderson

Hi, I am Alice Anderson, a full-time academic writer at ABC and an essay writing expert at myassignmenthelp.com. My struggles as a non-native English speaking student taught me the most effective ways to deal with English essays and assignments in the most fruitful ways. Now, as a full-time academic writer, specializing in English essay writing, I help non-native students tackle their English essays like a pro. I am an active blogger who likes sharing his learning and experiences with everyone. I like to spend my free time with my furry friend "Balto". Yes, you guessed that right! I am a die-hard dog-lover!

Related Post

Join our 150К of happy users

Get original papers written according to your instructions and save time for what matters most.

Order Now
Plagiarism checker
Verify originality of an essay
essay
Get ideas for your paper
Plagiarism checker
Cite sources with ease
support
Whatsapp
callback
sales
sales chat
Whatsapp
callback
sales chat
close