When writing a research paper, it is important to properly cite your sources. The Modern Language Association (MLA) citation style is one of the most commonly used styles in the humanities. In this article, we will discuss short quotes in MLA and how to properly use them in your research paper.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
When writing a research paper, it is important to properly cite your sources. The Modern Language Association (MLA) citation style is one of the most commonly used styles in the humanities. In this article, we will discuss short quotes in MLA and how to properly use them in your research paper.
What are Short Quotes?
Short quotes are direct quotes that are less than four lines in length. They should be enclosed in quotation marks and incorporated into the text of your paper. Short quotes are used to support your argument or provide evidence for your ideas.
How do I Cite Short Quotes in MLA?
When citing short quotes in MLA, you should include the author's last name and the page number in parentheses after the quote. For example:
"The best way to predict the future is to create it" (Abraham Lincoln 45).
Can I Change Short Quotes?
If you need to make a minor change to a short quote, such as correcting a spelling error, you can indicate the change by placing it in square brackets. For example:
"The [best] way to predict the future is to create it" (Abraham Lincoln 45).
When Should I Use Short Quotes?
Short quotes should be used sparingly and only when necessary. They should be used to support your argument or provide evidence for your ideas. If you can paraphrase the information, it is better to do so instead of using a direct quote.
How to Introduce Short Quotes?
When introducing a short quote, you should provide context for the quote and explain how it supports your argument. You can use a signal phrase to introduce the quote, such as "According to" or "As stated by." For example:
According to Abraham Lincoln, "The best way to predict the future is to create it" (45).
What Should I Do with Long Quotes?
If a quote is longer than four lines, it should be indented and formatted as a block quote. Block quotes do not require quotation marks but should still be properly cited. The citation should come after the punctuation at the end of the quote.
What is the Importance of Short Quotes in MLA?
Short quotes are an important tool in research writing. They allow you to use the words of experts and scholars to support your argument and provide evidence for your ideas. Properly using short quotes in MLA can help you to create a strong and persuasive research paper.
Conclusion
Short quotes in MLA are an important tool for research writing. They should be used sparingly and only when necessary. When using short quotes, it is important to properly cite your sources and introduce the quote with context. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use short quotes in your research paper.
