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Grammar Hotline >>> Writing & Grammar Resources
Introducing a Quote
Introducing a quote is an important part of writing a research paper. Although the person you are quoting may be an expert, it is still your paper. Without introducing and explaining quotes, the paper is nothing more than a collection of other people's ideas. By introducing quotes you help the paper flow more smoothly. You also keep your sense of style and control over the paper. In addition, after introducing and giving the quote, don't forget to explain how it fits into your paper.
Here are some examples from Diana Hacker's A Writer's Reference (217-218):
DROPPED QUOTATION (no introduction):
Although the bald eagle is still listed as an endangered species, its ever-increasing population is very encouraging. "The bald eagle seems to have stabilized its population, at the very least, almost everywhere" (96)
QUOTATION WITH SIGNAL PHRASE (with an introduction):
Although the bald eagle is still listed as an endangered species, its ever-increasing population is very encouraging. According to ornithologist Jay Sheppard, "The bald eagle seems to have stabilized its population, at the very least, almost everywhere" (96).
Below is a list from A Writer's Reference of some signal phrases you could use to introduce a quote. Be sure to think about which phrase will be most helpful for the type of paper you are writing. (Is the quote arguing a point, stating a fact, describing something, stating a belief, drawing a conclusion, or doing something else?)
(Hacker 218)
| acknowledges |
comments |
endorses |
reasons |
| adds |
compares |
grants |
refutes |
| admits |
confirms |
illustrates |
rejects |
| agrees |
contends |
implies |
reports |
| argues |
declares |
insists |
responds |
| asserts |
denies |
notes |
suggests |
| believes |
disputes |
observes |
thinks |
claims
|
emphasizes |
points out |
writes |
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In the words of Herbert Tarrace, "..."
As Flora Davis has noted, "..."
The Gardeners, Washoe's trainers, point out that, "..."
"…," claims linguist Noam Chomsky.
Psychologist H.S. Terrace offers an argument for this view: "..."
Terrace answers these objections with the following analysis: "..."
1) INTRODUCE the quote to help the paper flow smoothly.
2) GIVE the quote.
3) EXPLAIN the quote so your reader understands why it is important.
Hacker, Diana. A Writer's Reference. 2nd ed. Boston: Bedford Books, 1992.
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