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APA 6: Block Quotes

Tips and information on using APA formatting and styling on your research

Block Quote Rules

  • Any quotation containing 40 or more words should be formatted as a block quote
  • Do not use quotation marks to enclose block quotations. Do use double quotation marks to enclose any quoted material within a block quotation
  • Place period at the end of the quote rather than after the citation
  • Block quotes should start on a new line and indent the block a ½ inch from the left margin
  • If there are additional paragraphs within the block quote, indent the first line of each an additional half inch.
  • Double space the entire quotation

    For further information and examples, consult pages 92 and 171 of the APA Manual.

Block Quote Examples

Introduce the author at the beginning of the quote (narrative in-text citation).

Khoravi (2018) notes the irony in the changes of symbolism and function of humanity's barriers over time.

The current border barriers are built to defend the economic interests of specific units called nation‐states, to safeguard the welfare of the members of these nation‐states, called citizens. Similar to the old walls, the new border walls indicate the nationalist desire for eternity, built to give the impression of being timeless. However, history shows that walls are doomed to fall and, in many cases, to become nothing more than tourist sites. Paradoxically they attract those they were supposed to keep out, the foreigners. (p. 413)

Or include the author at the end of the quote (parenthetical in-text citation).

The symbolism and function of humanity's barriers change over time in a way that is richly ironic.

The current border barriers are built to defend the economic interests of specific units called nation‐states, to safeguard the welfare of the members of these nation‐states, called citizens. Similar to the old walls, the new border walls indicate the nationalist desire for eternity, built to give the impression of being timeless. However, history shows that walls are doomed to fall and, in many cases, to become nothing more than tourist sites. Paradoxically they attract those they were supposed to keep out, the foreigners. (Khoravi, 2018, p. 413)