Quoting long quotes in APA style involves setting the quotation in a block format: indented 0.5 inches from the left margin, double-spaced, with the citation placed after the closing punctuation. This format applies to direct quotations longer than 40 words.
APA 7th edition specifies that long quotes-those exceeding 40 words-must be presented as block quotations. They are not enclosed in quotation marks. Instead, they are offset from the main text using a 0.5-inch indentation on the left side, with no quotation marks. The entire block remains double-spaced, including the citation.
For example, when quoting a passage from a book by Smith (2020), the correct format is:
According to Smith (2020), the findings suggest that "participants reported a significant increase in motivation when working in small groups. This effect was consistent across multiple sessions and remained stable over time. The results indicate that collaborative learning environments may improve engagement more effectively than individual study methods" (p. 142).The block begins on a new line, is indented 0.5 inches, and ends with the citation in parentheses after the period. The page number is included only when citing a specific location in the original text.
Long quotes in APA are designed to improve readability and signal to readers that the quoted material is distinct from the author's own words. The block format visually separates the quote from the surrounding text, reducing clutter and emphasizing the source.
Each block quotation must include the author's last name, year of publication, and page number (or paragraph number for online sources without page numbers). The citation appears in parentheses after the final punctuation of the quote, not before.
When quoting from a source without page numbers-such as a webpage or e-book-the citation should reference a section heading or paragraph number. For example:
As noted in the discussion section, "the data show a clear trend toward increased participation in remote settings" (Johnson, 2021, para. 6).A correctly formatted long quote in APA includes four elements: the introductory sentence, the block quotation itself, the citation, and the reference list entry. All are required for academic integrity.
The introductory sentence should lead into the quote smoothly. Avoid abrupt transitions. For example: "Smith (2020) emphasized the role of group dynamics in learning outcomes." Then follow with the block quote.
Block quotes must be double-spaced throughout. Even if the original source uses single spacing, the APA version must be double-spaced. The indentation is measured from the left margin, not the beginning of the text.
| Element | Required? | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Indentation | Yes | 0.5 inches from left margin |
| Spacing | Yes | Double-spaced, including after the quote |
| Quotation marks | No | Not used in block quotes |
| Citation | Yes | Author, Year, Page/Para # in parentheses after the quote |
Many writers mistakenly place quotation marks around long quotes or fail to indent them. These errors violate APA guidelines and reduce credibility. The rule is strict: no quotation marks, and indentation is mandatory.
Another frequent error is placing the citation before the quote. The citation must come after the final punctuation. For example:
"The results were consistent across all test groups" (Smith, 2020, p. 142).Incorrect: "The results were consistent across all test groups" (Smith, 2020, p. 142).
Also, avoid adding extra spaces between the quote and the citation. The citation follows immediately after the period, with no space before the parentheses.
A lesser-known rule: if the quote spans multiple paragraphs, each new paragraph within the block must be indented again. This maintains visual consistency and avoids confusion.
In a psychology research paper analyzing student engagement, a researcher quoted a 65-word excerpt from a journal article. The original text read:
"Students who participated in peer-led study sessions showed higher retention rates compared to those who studied independently. The difference was statistically significant (p <.01), and participants reported greater confidence in their understanding of course material."
To cite this correctly in APA, the researcher wrote:
Students who participated in peer-led study sessions showed higher retention rates compared to those who studied independently. The difference was statistically significant (p < .01), and participants reported greater confidence in their understanding of course material (Lee & Patel, 2019, p. 210).This format ensures clarity and adherence to standards. The quote is indented, double-spaced, and cited properly.
Long quotes in APA are standard in social sciences, education, and business research. They appear in literature reviews, methodology sections, and discussions where direct evidence supports a claim.
Use long quotes sparingly. Overuse weakens argument flow and suggests reliance on others' words rather than original analysis. The APA manual advises that "direct quotations should be used only when the exact wording is essential" (American Psychological Association [APA], 2020, p. 253).
When paraphrasing is sufficient, it's better. Direct quotes should serve a purpose-clarifying complex ideas, highlighting unique phrasing, or citing authoritative statements.
Quoting long quotes APA is not the same as summarizing. A summary condenses the idea in your own words. A quote reproduces the original text verbatim.
It is also not interchangeable with short quotes. Short quotes (40 words or fewer) are enclosed in quotation marks and integrated into the sentence. For example:
"Group work enhances learning outcomes" (Smith, 2020, p. 142).
Using a block quote for short passages violates APA formatting and confuses readers.
Finally, a long quote is not a substitute for proper citation. Even if the quote is correctly formatted, failing to include the source in the reference list invalidates the work. Always verify that every in-text citation has a matching entry in the reference list.
I once reviewed a graduate thesis where the student used block quotes for every paragraph from secondary sources. The result was dense, repetitive, and lacked critical analysis. After revising to limit quotes to only essential passages and replacing others with summaries, the paper gained clarity and stronger academic voice.
That experience reinforced the principle: quotes should support your argument, not replace it.
Quoting long quotes APA is not optional-it's required for accuracy and professionalism in scholarly writing. Follow the 40-word threshold, indent 0.5 inches, double-space, and place the citation after the final punctuation. Always cross-check with the official APA Publication Manual (7th ed.) and APA Style website.