Citing A Quote Within A Quote Mla
Citing a quote within a quote is a common practice in academic writing. In the Modern Language Association (MLA) style of citation, there are specific rules to follow when citing a quote within a quote.
What is a Quote Within a Quote?
A quote within a quote is a quotation that appears within another quotation. For example:
"The author states, 'According to John Smith, "the only way to learn Mathematics is to do Mathematics"'."
In this example, the quote "the only way to learn Mathematics is to do Mathematics" is a quote within a quote.
How to Cite a Quote Within a Quote in MLA Style
When citing a quote within a quote in MLA style, there are two methods:
Method 1: Use Single Quotation Marks
If the quote within the quote is enclosed in double quotation marks, use single quotation marks to enclose the quote within the quote. For example:
"The author states, 'According to John Smith, "the only way to learn Mathematics is to do Mathematics'" (Smith 57)."
Method 2: Use Double Quotation Marks and Brackets
If the quote within the quote is enclosed in single quotation marks, use double quotation marks to enclose the quote within the quote. Use square brackets to indicate the change in quotation marks. For example:
"The author states, 'According to John Smith, "[t]he only way to learn Mathematics is to do Mathematics"' (Smith 57)."
Why is Citing Sources Important?
Citing sources is important in academic writing because it:
- gives credit to the original author
- allows readers to verify the information
- shows that the writer has done research and is knowledgeable about the topic
- avoids plagiarism
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When citing a quote within a quote in MLA style, there are common mistakes to avoid:
- Do not use single quotation marks for emphasis. Use italics instead.
- Do not use double quotation marks for emphasis. Use italics instead.
- Do not use quotation marks for long quotes (more than four lines). Use block quotes instead.
Conclusion
Citing a quote within a quote in MLA style may seem complicated, but it is important to follow the rules to give credit to the original author, allow readers to verify the information, show that the writer has done research, and avoid plagiarism. By following the rules, writers can ensure that their work is clear, concise, and professional.
