FAQ about Using Quotes
What if the source has no page numbers, such as a website?
If there is no page number available, the paragraph or section should be noted, if possible: (Tish, 2008, para. #).
What do I do with long quotes?
Sometimes (rarely) a writer decides a long quote from the original source is necessary. If the quote is longer than approximately 40 words, it should be indented as a separate block from a paragraph, with the parenthetical citation after the period.
How do I introduce the quote?
A whole orpartial quote can be added to a sentence in a variety of ways. Here are some sample sentences using the same quote. Notice how the author uses signal phrases and commentary to frame the quote:
“ The promotion of Slovakiaas a tourist destination is considered to be lacking both abroad and in Slovakiaitself, ” a ccording to Euromonitor International(2010, para.4).
Euromonitor International (2010) claimed that “ promotion of Slovakia as a tourist destination is considered to be lacking both abroad and in Slovakia itself ” (para.4).
In their analysis of the tourism industry in Slovakia, Euromonitor International (2010) maintained that marketing the country as a desirable location is “ lacking both abroad and in Slovakia itself ” (para.4).
Not surprising, perhaps, is the recent claim that “promotion of Slovakia as a tourist destination is ... lacking both abroad and in Slovakia itself ” since the industry has gone through major changes in the last twenty years (Euromonitor, 2010, para.4).
What should I do if the quote is too long and I want to take out some words?
Use three periods (called an ellipsis) to indicate wherethe quote has been shortened. (See the last example above.)
What should I do when the quote needs added words for clarity or correct grammar?
In this case, add the necessary words in brackets [...] to indicate they are not part of the original.
Example: “ The environmental damage [from the Gulf oil spill] will be felt for generations to come ” countered James Dalton, a shrimp fisherman in Louisiana, expressing doubts that BP would be able to rectify the damages (cited in Fields, 2010,p.3).
What if I want to use an indirect quote (a quote in my source which is from another source I don’t have)?
As for any other indirect citation, give the original source in the text of your sentence and indicate the source where you found it in parentheses. (Do not put the original source in your References list: you have not read it!)
Wesson (2005) stated that “ ... ” (quoted in Smith, 2009, p. 12).