Using Quotes Effectively In Writing

English 11R

Ways to Introduce and Embed

  1. Use an introductory phrase. Readers understand that Daisy’s voice is compelling yet empty when Nick describes, “Her voice compelled me forward breathlessly as I listened-- then the glow faded…” (14).
  1. Use an independent clause + colon. Nick describes the effect of Daisy’s voice: “Her voice compelled me forward breathlessly as I listened-- then the glow faded…” (14).
  1. Embed right into the context of the sentence. Nick describes how Daisy’s voice “compelled [him] forward breathlessly,” but that immediately after, “the glow faded…” (14). Do not capitalize the quote when using this method. *Note: If the quote you wish to use is only part of a sentence, embedding it into the context of your sentence is the best option.*

Using Ellipses and Brackets

●Use brackets when you alter a word or phrase from the quotation. This is sometimes necessary when embedding quotes into the context of your sentence because you have to make the quote fit smoothly into what you’ve already written (See #3 above).

●Use ellipses within a bracket when cutting out middle parts of a quote. Be careful, though-- if you do this, the beginning and the end of the quote you DO include must read as a complete thought.

○Ex.) “He had come a long way to this blue lawn [...] He did not know that it was already behind him.”

General Rules for all Usage

1. Quote the Good Stuff. Beware of using quotations that do not mean anything or add substance to your essay.

2. Avoid Over-quoting. Remember "less is more." Do not pad your essay with other people's ideas.

3. Keep Quotations Short. Keep your quotations 1–2 sentences long or use a few key words/phrases.

4. Copy Quotations Correctly. Misspellings and use of incorrect grammar when it's obvious that the source couldn't have made those mistakes affects your own credibility as a writer. Accuracy indicates care for one's work.

5. Do Not Start a Paragraph with a Quotation. A paragraph should begin with your ideas. The first sentence of a paragraph is known as the topic sentence which supports the focus of the essay. In turn, the quotation supports the topic sentence.

6. Do Not End a Paragraph with a Quotation. Always conclude the paragraph with your ideas.

7. Do Not Use Fragments. No matter what you quote from the text, do not use/embed it in your paper as a fragment.

*Adapted from: Ashford University Writing Center