how do i put a quote into and essay in apa format

how do i put a quote into and essay in apa format

To include a quote in an essay in APA format within your 1000-word essay, follow these guidelines:

1. Introduce the Quote:

• Provide context for the quote by introducing it with a sentence or phrase. Explain who the author is and the significance of the quote to your argument or topic.

2. Use Quotation Marks:

• Place quotation marks around the quote to indicate that it is someone else’s words. Use double quotation marks (” “) for short quotes (less than 40 words) and format them as part of your paragraph.

3. Include the Author and Year:

• Immediately after the quote, add an in-text citation that includes the author’s last name and the publication year in parentheses. If the quote has page numbers, include those as well.
• Example: “This is a sample quote” (Smith, 2021, p. 45).

4. Punctuation:

• Place the period or comma after the citation, not inside the quotation marks.
• Example: “This is a sample quote” (Smith, 2021, p. 45).

5. Quote Length:

• For quotes longer than 40 words, format them as a block quote. Start a new line, indent the entire quote by 0.5 inches (or 1.27 cm) from the left margin, and do not use quotation marks. Maintain double-spacing throughout the block quote.

6. Ellipses ( … ):

• If you omit a portion of the quote, use an ellipsis (three spaced periods) within square brackets to indicate the omission.
• Example: “This is a sample quote […].” (Smith, 2021, p. 45).

7. Square Brackets:

• If you need to add your own words within the quote for clarity or to match your sentence’s grammatical structure, enclose those words in square brackets.
• Example: “This is a sample quote [that] demonstrates the concept.” (Smith, 2021, p. 45).

8. Keep Quotes Brief:

• Use quotes sparingly and keep them relevant to your essay’s argument or content. Avoid lengthy quotes that overwhelm your own analysis and discussion.

9. Citations and References:

• Include the full citation for the source in your reference list at the end of your essay. Ensure that it follows APA formatting guidelines.

By following these steps, you can effectively integrate quotes into your essay in APA format while maintaining proper citation and formatting. Make sure to balance quotes with your own analysis and insights to create a cohesive and well-supported argument.