Skip to Main Content

Citation Styles Guide: Using Direct Quotes

Introduce Quotations

When you quote directly from a source, you need to introduce or contextualize the quote before including it in your paper. See below for some examples of how to introduce or contextualize quotes in your paper.

Examples

You can use a full sentence...

Examples:

  • The setting emphasizes deception: "Nothing is as it appears" (Smith 1).
  • Piercy ends the poem on an ironic note: "To every woman a happy ending" (25).

You can also begin a sentence with your own words...

Examples:

  • Hamlet's task is to avenge a "foul and most unnatural murder" (Shakespeare 925).
  • The speaker is mystified by her sleeping baby, whose "moth-breath / flickers among the flat pink roses" (Plath 17).

You can use an introductory phrase naming the source...

Examples:

  • According to Smith, "[W]riting is fun" (215).
  • In Smith's words, " . . .
  • In Smith's view, " . . .

You can use a descriptive verb...

Examples:

  • Smith states, "This book is terrific" (102).
  • Smith remarks, " . . .
  • Smith writes, " . . .
  • Smith notes, " . . .
  • Smith comments, " . . .
  • Smith observes, " . . .
  • Smith concludes, " . . .
  • Smith reports, " . . .
  • Smith maintains, " . . .
  • Smith adds, " . . 
  • Smith agrees, " . . 
  • Smith rejects, " . . 
  • Smith argues, " . . 
  • Smith asserts " . . 
  • Smith claims, " . . 

Sample sentences:

Despite criticism, Johnston agrees that smoking should be banned in all public places (in-text citation).

The author argues that "subjecting non-smokers to toxic second-hand smoke is not only unfair, but a violation of their right to a safe environment" (in-text citation).

Rosentrhaw emphasizes that "second-hand smoke can kill" (in-text citation).

Though bar owners disagree, Johnston maintains that banning smoking in all public places will not negatively affect bar business (in-text citation).

Joley endorses the bridge, saying "our goal is to make this city more accessible to those who live outside of it" (in-text citation).

Adapted from: 
https://www.ccis.edu/offices/academicresources/writingcenter/essaywritingassistance/suggestedwaystointroducequotations.aspx

https://www.gallaudet.edu/tutorial-and-instructional-programs/english-center/the-process-and-type-of-writing/words-that-introduce-quotes-or-paraphrase