Block Quotes

Question

Do I use a block quote when the text reaches four lines in the book or when I'm typing it on the computer? And is it when it reaches four lines or goes past four lines? Please help. Thank you so much!

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

It depends on the style guide you are using. Here are two. There are others.

Chicago Style guide:
A block format is required for quotations longer than 8 lines or 100 words or more. You may choose, however, to block a direct quotation less than 100 words for style sake. A block quote uses no quotation marks, indents the complete quote 5 spaces from the left margin, always starts on a new line, and is usually introduced with a colon although a period or nothing may be used, depending on the context. Double-spacing is standard, but single-spacing may also be used.

APA Style Guide:
Place direct quotations that are 40 words, or longer, in a free-standing block of typewritten lines, and omit quotation marks. Start the quotation on a new line, indented 1/2 inch from the left margin, i.e., in the same place you would begin a new paragraph. Type the entire quotation on the new margin, and indent the first line of any subsequent paragraph within the quotation 1/2 inch from the new margin. Maintain double-spacing throughout. The parenthetical citation should come after the closing punctuation mark.

Block Quotes

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