Rules for Using Quotation Marks

Altering the Source Material in a Quotation

The author has the responsibility to quote another’s words precisely. There is no room for inaccuracy when representing other people’s words as this may be construed as an act of plagiarism. In light of this complexity, there are approved methods for modifying quotes for brevity.

a. Quote Length

If you think that the original quote is too verbose, you may leave out parts of the quote. Use an ellipsis (a punctuation mark consisting of three dots) to replace the words you decided to omit.  

Original Quote: The defense counsel told the jury, “He is not guilty of this crime. I will prove his innocence by presenting facts and evidence that will undoubtedly rebut the allegations against him.”

Omitted Material: The defense counsel told the jury, “He is not guilty of this crime. I will … undoubtedly rebut the allegations against him.”

You have to make certain that the omitted words do not modify the main gist of the original quote. Additionally, make sure that the shortened version of the quote is still grammatically correct.

b. Quote Context

If the quote’s context seems ambiguous, you may include a few words to make it comprehensible. Use brackets to enclose the additional words you included.

Added Material: The defense counsel told the jury, “He [the defendant]is not guilty of this crime. I will prove his innocence by presenting facts and evidence that will undoubtedly rebut the allegations against him.”

c. Quotations within a Quotation

Single quotation marks are used in nested quotations. These are quotations inside of another quotation.

The defense counsel told the reporter, “When I cross examined the prosecution’s witness, he said ‘I didn’t see him in the act.’“

d. Quotation Marks Beyond Quoting

Quotation marks may also be used even if nothing is being quoted. They may be used to indicate irony or some reservations on the part of the author.

The “bloodless” revolution paved the way for the country’s newfound democracy.

Exception:

Use italics instead of quotation marks when words are used as words themselves.

The word schadenfreude is a borrowed word from German meaning “joy over someone’s misfortune.”