1. Basic Quote Format:
* Use quotation marks: This is the most basic way to indicate a quote. Enclose the quoted text in double quotation marks (" ").
* Indicate the speaker: If the quote is attributed to someone, follow the quote with "— [Speaker's name]."
* Use proper capitalization and punctuation: The first word of the quote should be capitalized, and any punctuation within the quote should be included as part of the quote.
Example:
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do." — Steve Jobs
2. Block Quote Format:
* Use a separate paragraph: If the quote is longer than a few sentences, it's often better to set it apart from the main text as a block quote.
* Indent the entire quote: Indent the entire quote by about one inch from the left margin.
* Don't use quotation marks: Block quotes typically don't use quotation marks.
* Attribution goes on a separate line: If the quote is attributed, place the speaker's name on a separate line after the quote, typically right-aligned.
Example:
> The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle.
>
> — Steve Jobs
3. In-text Quote:
* Use quotation marks and attribution: This is used when you only want to include a short portion of a quote within your own text.
* Place the attribution after the quote: You can use different formats, such as: "[Quote]" — [Speaker's name]
* Use a comma or colon to separate the quote from the attribution: "[Quote],” [Speaker's name] said. or "[Quote]:” [Speaker's name].
Example:
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do," Steve Jobs said.
Additional Tips:
* Cite your sources: If you're quoting someone, be sure to cite your source to give proper credit.
* Use ellipses for omitted text: If you're leaving out parts of a quote, use ellipses (...) to indicate the omission.
* Use brackets for changes: If you need to make a small change to a quote, such as adding a word or changing the tense, enclose the change in brackets.
Choosing the right format for your quote depends on the specific situation and your writing style. Remember to be clear, concise, and accurate when writing quotes.