How to use direct quotations

An effective quotation will express your idea succinctly, and have an impact on the reader. There is a danger, however, in using too many quotations within your work without careful consideration. Whilst adding lots of quotations in this way may give the impression that you know what others are saying within your field, you could be in danger of your own voice becoming lost and the reader wondering what point you are trying to make. You need therefore to integrate quotations thoughtfully within your work.

If you are studying on a degree programme, it is a good idea to seek guidance on how much direct quotation you are allowed to use in an assignment.

Where do we use quotations?

One way to do this would be to follow a structure when writing. One such structure could be described as a ‘quotation sandwich’. Here you see the quotation is sandwiched between the point that you wish to make and then interpreting and commenting on the quotation itself and showing how it supports the point of view that you initially state; as in this example. Before using a quotation you need to think about whether a quotation is really required, or whether your work would benefit more from you writing the evidence out in your own words as a paraphrase. As mentioned, quotations generally should be used sparingly but there are instances when using a quotation may be particularly effective.

When do we use quotations?

If you are describing a term, perhaps offering a definition, then a quotation may be appropriate. The same is true if the choice of words the author used is particularly important, as in words within laws or guidelines. In addition, if you were going to analyse a quotation at some length, offering your own interpretation, then using quotations would be appropriate. You must though ensure you reference these correctly.

© Sohail Khan, M. & Cotton, A. (2003). Public Private Partnerships and the poor in water supply projects. WELL website. Retrieved March 22 2019.

• author’s surname
• year of publication
• page number (if appropriate)
• quotation marks.

© Kessides, I. (2004). Reforming Infrastructure: Privatization, Regulation, and Competition World Bank Policy Research Report. Retrieved September 11, 2017.

As Henry (2010) claims ‘We shouldn’t accept all that we read…..questioning is a human skill that we must preserve’.

It is often argued that ‘[social injustice] will always exist in capitalist societies’ (Murphy 2011:4)

Summary

• Use quotations sparingly within your work and when you do use them remember to always comment on them.

• Make sure you use the exact wording and punctuation.

• Indicate when you are omitting or adding words of your own.

• Provide information on the author, year and page number.

• For short quotations, also include quotation marks.

• For long quotations, indent the quotation instead of using quotation marks.

• Put full details of the source within the bibliography.