When quoting more than 40 words directly from a source in APA style, use a block format: indent the entire quote 0.5 inches from the left margin, omit quotation marks, and place the parenthetical citation after the period. This format applies to both in-text citations and references.
Long quotes in APA are not enclosed in quotation marks. Instead, they are presented as a standalone block of text, visually separated from the rest of the paragraph. The block begins on a new line and is indented five spaces (or 0.5 inches) from the left margin. The entire quote is double-spaced, just like the rest of the paper. The citation appears after the final punctuation, outside the quotation marks, and includes the author's last name, year of publication, and page number (e.g., Smith, 2020, p. 142).
Use this format only for direct quotations longer than 40 words. For shorter quotes (40 words or fewer), integrate the text into your paragraph and enclose it in quotation marks, followed by the citation within the sentence.
The block format serves to distinguish extended quotations from the writer's own analysis. It signals to readers that the content is a direct excerpt from another source, preserving the original wording while marking ownership. This prevents plagiarism and maintains academic integrity.
Each line of the block quote is indented 0.5 inches. The indentation is consistent throughout the entire quote, even if it spans multiple lines. The quote remains double-spaced, and no extra spacing is added between the quote and the following text. The citation is placed on the same line as the last word of the quote, after the period.
For example:
According to Smith (2020), the findings suggest that "participants reported higher levels of satisfaction when they were involved in the decision-making process. This sense of agency contributed to their engagement, particularly in group settings where roles were defined" (p. 142).This example shows a standard in-text citation for a short quote. Compare it to the block format for a longer passage:
Smith (2020) found that participants reported higher levels of satisfaction when they were involved in the decision-making process. This sense of agency contributed to their engagement, particularly in group settings where roles were defined. Participants noted that being consulted improved trust in leadership and reduced resistance to change. These results indicate that inclusive practices improve both morale and productivity in organizational contexts (p. 142).Notice the absence of quotation marks and the 0.5-inch indentation. The citation appears after the period, outside the block.
A properly formatted APA long quote consists of four elements: indentation, no quotation marks, double spacing, and a correct citation. Missing any one of these breaks the standard.
Indentation is measured from the left margin, not from the beginning of the paragraph. Most word processors default to 0.5 inches for hanging indents, which makes it easy to apply. Ensure the entire block is indented uniformly-do not mix styles.
Page numbers are required for all direct quotes, including long ones. If the source lacks page numbers (such as a webpage or e-book without pagination), use paragraph numbers (e.g., para. 5) or section headings (e.g., "Results" section).
| Feature | Required? | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Indentation (0.5 inches) | Yes | Left margin: 0.5" |
| Quotation marks | No | Not used |
| Double spacing | Yes | Same as rest of paper |
| Citation placement | After period, outside block | (Smith, 2020, p. 142) |
Long quotes appear in research papers, literature reviews, and scholarly essays when the original phrasing is essential to the argument. They are common in humanities and social sciences, especially when analyzing qualitative data, historical documents, or theoretical texts.
Using a long quote avoids paraphrasing when the original wording carries precise meaning. For example, citing a philosopher's exact definition preserves nuance that may be lost in rewording. Similarly, quoting a participant's response in a study maintains authenticity and supports thematic analysis.
According to the American Psychological Association (APA), "Direct quotations should be used sparingly and only when the exact wording is critical" (APA, 2020, p. 253). Overuse of long quotes weakens original analysis and suggests reliance on others' ideas rather than independent synthesis.
Many writers assume that long quotes must be set off with quotation marks. This is incorrect. Quotation marks are reserved for short quotes within the text. Block quotes are visually distinct through indentation and lack quotation marks entirely.
Another error is placing the citation before the quote or inside the block. The citation must come after the final punctuation, on the same line. Placing it earlier disrupts the flow and violates APA guidelines.
A less obvious mistake is failing to maintain double spacing within the block. Some students insert a blank line between the quote and the citation or between lines of the quote itself. This is not permitted. The entire block must be double-spaced, with no extra space above or below.
In a 2021 study on remote work, researchers analyzed interviews with 37 employees. One participant described their experience:
Working from home gave me freedom I'd never had before. I could start my day when I wanted, take breaks when I needed them, and adjust my schedule around family responsibilities. But after six months, the isolation became overwhelming. I missed casual conversations, team lunches, and even the sound of people moving around the office. I realized that flexibility came with emotional costs I hadn't anticipated (Chen, 2021, p. 78).This 62-word excerpt qualifies as a long quote. It is indented 0.5 inches, double-spaced, and cited after the period. The author's name, year, and page number are included in parentheses.
I once reviewed a student paper where the long quote was formatted with quotation marks and no indentation. The instructor returned it with a note: "This is not a block quote. Reformat using 0.5-inch indentation and remove quotation marks." The student corrected it and earned full credit.
APA distinguishes between block quotes and regular in-text citations. A block quote is not a substitute for proper paraphrasing. Even when using a long quote, the writer must still introduce it with context and explain its relevance.
Some sources incorrectly state that long quotes require a colon before the quote. This is false. A colon is optional only when introducing a quote with a signal phrase. For example:
Smith (2020) stated:
Participants reported higher levels of satisfaction when they were involved in the decision-making process. This sense of agency contributed to their engagement, particularly in group settings where roles were defined (p. 142).Here, the colon follows the signal phrase. But if the quote stands alone, no colon is needed. The block begins immediately after the introductory sentence.
Another correction: the term "long quote" is informal. In APA documentation, it is referred to as a "block quotation" or "long quotation." Always use the formal term in academic writing.