How to quote a quote

Have you ever found yourself in the midst of writing an essay or crafting a presentation when you came across an impressive quote that perfectly encapsulated your thoughts? You want to include this powerful statement, but you’re unsure how to properly attribute it within your work. This common dilemma can leave many scratching their heads, especially when striving for clarity and respect for the original author’s words. Fear not, as understanding how to quote a quote will elevate your writing and ensure you convey your ideas with precision and integrity.

To accurately quote a quote, use quotation marks around the quote itself, followed by a citation that includes the original author’s name, the source, and page number if applicable.

When quoting a quote, it’s essential to maintain the original integrity while providing context. Begin with the initial quotation you want to use, followed by the phrase “as quoted in” or “qtd. in” to reference the source where you found it. This shows respect for both the original author and the secondary source providing the quote. For example, if you want to quote a passage from John Doe that you found in Jane Smith’s book, it would look like this: Doe argues, “Example quote” (qtd. in Smith 45). Remember to use proper citation style (like MLA, APA, or Chicago) as required by your institution or publication for consistency and clarity. This practice not only enhances the credibility of your writing but also protects you from potential plagiarism, showing that you’ve done your research and that you’re transparent about your sources.