When should you not use a block quote?

The dos and don’ts of block quotes: A primer

• DON’T use a block quote for a quote you obtained firsthand.
• DON’T use a block quote for any quoted segment that is both less than three full lines of text in the editing interface and fewer than five sentences.
• DON’T use quotation marks to open and close a block quote.

What are the rules for block quotes in MLA?

An MLA block quote is set on a new line, indented 0.5 inches, with no quotation marks….To format a block quote in MLA:

1. Introduce the quote with a colon and set it on a new line.
2. Indent the whole quote 0.5 inches from the left margin.
3. Place the MLA in-text citation after the period at the end of the block quote.

How many sentences require a block quote?

The block quote is used for direct quotations that are longer than four lines of prose, or longer than three lines of poetry.

How do you set off a block quote?

Set it off from your text by beginning a new line, indenting one inch from the left margin. Type it double-spaced, without adding quotation marks. If you quote only a single paragraph or part of one, do not indent the first line more than the rest. One inch is equivalent to 10 spaces.

Can a block quote be too long?

There are no official limits to quotation length, though any quotations that are more than four lines should be formatted as a separate block quote. However, it is generally better to paraphrase the sources you cite rather than use direct quotations.

How do you lead a block quote?

Basics

1. Block quotations start on their own line.
2. The entire block quotation is indented 0.5 inches, the same as the indentation for a new paragraph, and is double spaced.
3. Block quotations are not surrounded by any quotation marks.
4. The punctuation at the end of the block quotation goes before the citation.

How do you block quote in Word?

Here’s how:

1. Hit enter before the first word of the quote, and after the last word of the quote.
2. Highlight the text.
3. Right click and select paragraph.
4. Under indent change left to . 5″

How do you put a quote longer than 4 lines?

For quotations that are more than four lines of prose or three lines of verse, place quotations in a free-standing block of text and omit quotation marks. Start the quotation on a new line, with the entire quote indented 1/2 inch from the left margin while maintaining double-spacing.

How do you insert a block quote?

Forming a Block Quote in MLA Use a block quote for quotations longer than 3 to 4 lines. Introduce the quote with a short sentence. Add the quote on a new line without quotation marks. Indent the quote 1⁄2 inch (1.3 cm) from the left margin. Keep the quote double-spaced. Add the author and page number in parentheses at the end of the quote.

How do you introduce a block quote into your text?

Introduce the block quote with a colon (unless the context of your quote requires different punctuation) and start it on a new line. Indent the entire quote 1-inch from the left margin and double-space it (even if the rest of your paper is not double-spaced). Include the page number at the end of your block quote outside of the ending period.

What punctuation is allowed to be used in block quotations?

Comma. The comma is the mark most frequently used to introduce quoted material.

Colon. A colon should be used when the text introducing the quoted material could stand as a sentence on its own.

Period. A period can be used to introduce a block quotation when the introductory text stands on its own as a complete sentence.

No punctuation

When do you use a block quotation?

A block quotation is a direct quotation that is indented from the left margin and begins on a new line. Block quotations are used when a quotation exceeds a specific length. Requirements for length vary, depending on the style guide being used.