Q. What is a Block Quotation, and how do I format one?

A block quotation is a quotation set apart from your writing or the text of your paper.

A block quotation is created by not using quotation marks but by indenting the entire quote 0.5 inches from the margin. Do not add a space before or after the block quotation.

The block quotation ends with the punctuation before the in-text parenthetical citation. There is no punctuation following the in-text parenthetical citation.

If the paragraph continues after the block quotation, do not indent your following line of text, but do indent if you are beginning a new section.

In MLA style, create a block quotation for any quotation longer than four lines of prose and three lines of verse.

In APA style, create a block quotation for any quotation longer than 40 words.

The Citing Sources research guide offers tips on the MLA In-Text Citations and APA In-Text Citation pages.