Using Quotations

Direct Quotes A direct quote is an exact, word for word copy of the original source. For example, “In a paper analyzing primary sources such as literary works, you will use direct quotation extensively to illustrate and support your analysis” (Aaron 257). This quote comes from the source exactly as the author had written it.

Direct quotes must use a lead-in or tag phrase. In other words, direct quotes must be attached to your own writing. If you look at the previous direct quote, you will notice the phrase “For example,” which is enough to satisfy the lead-in requirement. For example, “In a paper analyzing primary sources such as literary works, you will use direct quotation extensively to illustrate and support your analysis” (Aaron 257).

The author writes that Mariah Carey is, “One of the most commercially successful pop performers of the 1990s ” ( When attributing a quote to an author in your text, the following verbs will prove helpful: notes, argues, observes, writes, emphasizes, says, reports, suggests, claims, and comments.

You try Use a lead in phrase to attach this to your writing. “By the age of 3, Mariah had already begun to show an enthusiasm for singing…” (

Examples The author states, “By the age of 3, Mariah had already begun to show an enthusiasm for singing…” ( The website reports, “By the age of 3, Mariah had already begun to show an enthusiasm for singing…” (

In Your Own Words Both paraphrase and summary restate someone else’s ideas using your own words. Someone else’s ideas should not be confused with your own.

Do I cite this? YES!!!! After the author’s ideas have been summarized or paraphrased, page numbers are included. Include the author’s name in the first sentence Follow with a summary or paraphrase, and End with the page numbers from which the ideas can be found in the original source

Consider the following summary. Robertson argues that Elizabeth I is an unrecognized military genius. Although she is often portrayed herself as the queen-mother figure, she was also viewed as the king. This is accentuated by her appearance at the defeat of the Spanish Armada, when she dressed in completely in masculine clothing ( Robertson 133-4).

Why do we cite a paraphrase? In the previous example, the author, Robertson, is mentioned in the first sentence. The page numbers that follow the summary let the reader know when Robertson’s ideas stop and where your ideas begin. Note that a properly written paraphrase or summary does not need quotation marks.

You try Read the following quote. “(Beagles)…are very friendly and playful, and they like to be around other dogs and humans” (Encyclopedia Britannica). Now, put it in your own words.

Possible answers Encyclopedia Britannica notes beagles enjoy playing. They can definitely be described as a people-friendly dog (Encyclopedia Britannica). Encyclopedia Britannica mentions beagles are a fun-loving breed. They are social dogs (Encyclopedia Britannica). A good rule to remember is to not have more than 3 of the author’s words in a row.