Apa Quoting A Quote Within A Quote
When it comes to academic writing and research, APA (American Psychological Association) style is often the preferred formatting style. One common issue that arises when using APA style is how to quote a quote within a quote. This may sound confusing, but it’s actually quite simple once you understand the rules and guidelines.
What is a Quote Within a Quote?
A quote within a quote is a direct quote that is included within another direct quote. This is also known as an indirect quote, nested quote, or quotation within a quotation. Essentially, it’s when you’re quoting someone who has themselves quoted someone else.
For example, let’s say you’re writing a paper about a book that includes a quote from the author, but that quote itself includes a quote from another source. To properly include both quotes in your paper, you need to know how to quote a quote within a quote using APA style.
How to Quote a Quote Within a Quote in APA Style
When quoting a quote within a quote in APA style, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
1. Use Single Quotation Marks
When you’re quoting a quote within a quote, the innermost quote should be enclosed in single quotation marks (‘ ’). The outer quote (the one that includes the inner quote) should be enclosed in double quotation marks (“ ”).
For example:
According to Smith (2018), “Jones (2015) stated, ‘The results were inconclusive,’ but Smith (2018) argues that this conclusion is premature” (p. 22).
2. Use Parentheses to Indicate the Source of the Quote Within a Quote
When you’re quoting a quote within a quote, it’s important to indicate the source of the inner quote. To do this, use parentheses after the quotation marks of the inner quote.
For example:
According to Smith (2018), “Jones (2015) stated, ‘The results were inconclusive’ (p. 10), but Smith (2018) argues that this conclusion is premature” (p. 22).
3. Use Ellipses When Omitting Words
If you need to omit words from the inner quote, use ellipses (…) to indicate the missing words. However, be sure to follow APA guidelines for when and how to use ellipses.
For example:
According to Smith (2018), “Jones (2015) stated, ‘The results … were inconclusive’ (p. 10), but Smith (2018) argues that this conclusion is premature” (p. 22).
4. Include Page Numbers for Both Quotes
When you’re including both quotes in your paper, be sure to include the page numbers for both quotes. This helps readers easily find the quotes if they want to refer back to them.
For example:
According to Smith (2018), “Jones (2015) stated, ‘The results were inconclusive’ (p. 10), but Smith (2018) argues that this conclusion is premature” (p. 22).
Conclusion
Quoting a quote within a quote may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple once you understand the rules and guidelines of APA style. Remember to use single quotation marks, include parentheses to indicate the source of the inner quote, use ellipses when omitting words, and include page numbers for both quotes. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your paper is properly formatted and adheres to APA style.