How to Properly Format Quotes in an Essay (APA, MLA, Chicago)

In the world of academic writing, correctly formatting citations can be the deciding factor between a mediocre paper and a polished, professional one. Whether you're crafting an essay, case study, research report, literature review, business plan, or even a dissertation, proper citation is a fundamental skill. Platforms like EssayShark offer invaluable support by helping students handle such tasks efficiently and effectively. Not only does EssayShark assist with writing a wide array of academic projects — from annotated bibliographies and presentations to creative writing and critical thinking assignments — but it also ensures every piece meets the highest academic standards, including accurate citation formatting. With expert writers on hand, students can feel confident knowing their papers adhere to the latest guidelines of APA, MLA, or Chicago style.

Why Citation Matters
Quoting sources in an essay is more than just academic protocol — it's a way to build credibility, demonstrate your research depth, and give credit where it's due. Misquoting or failing to cite sources correctly can lead to accusations of plagiarism, reduced grades, or a lack of trust in your academic integrity. This is why understanding the nuances of formatting styles like APA, MLA, and Chicago is essential. Each citation style has unique rules regarding how to integrate quotations into your text, how to cite sources in the bibliography, and how to present different kinds of references.

This article will walk you through the most important elements of quoting and citing in three major academic styles — APA, MLA, and Chicago. We’ll explore the differences in how each system treats short and long quotations, in-text citations, and bibliographic entries, giving you a solid foundation for your next academic paper.

APA Style: Precision and Clarity
In-Text Citations
The American Psychological Association (APA) style is widely used in the social sciences. APA requires author-date citation in parentheses within the body of the text. When quoting directly, include the author’s last name, year of publication, and page number:

“Social identity theory explains intergroup behavior” (Tajfel, 1979, p. 34).

If the author is already mentioned in the sentence, only the year and page number are needed:

According to Tajfel (1979), “Social identity theory explains intergroup behavior” (p. 34).

Short vs. Long Quotes
Short quotes (under 40 words) are incorporated into the text using quotation marks.

Long quotes (40 words or more) are formatted as block quotations, which are indented 0.5 inches from the left margin, without quotation marks.

Reference List
APA style uses a "References" page at the end of the paper. Each entry must include the author’s last name, initials, year, title of the source, and publication information. For example:

Tajfel, H. (1979). Human groups and social categories. Cambridge University Press.

MLA Style: Literary and Liberal Arts Precision
In-Text Citations
The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is predominantly used in the humanities. It uses author-page style for in-text citations:

“The past is not dead. It’s not even past” (Faulkner 92).

If you mention the author's name in the sentence:

Faulkner writes, “The past is not dead. It’s not even past” (92).

Formatting Quotes
Short quotes (fewer than four lines) are included in the body with quotation marks.

Long quotes (four lines or more) are formatted as block quotes: start on a new line, indent one inch from the left, and omit quotation marks.

Works Cited Page
MLA uses a "Works Cited" page. A typical citation includes the author’s full name, title of the source, publisher, and date of publication:

Faulkner, William. Requiem for a Nun. Vintage, 1975.

Chicago Style: History and Scholarship
Notes and Bibliography System
The Chicago Manual of Style offers two systems: author-date and notes and bibliography. The latter is most common in history and some humanities disciplines. Citations are provided via footnotes or endnotes and a bibliography.

“History is written by the victors.”¹
¹Winston S. Churchill, The Second World War (Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1948), 45.

Block Quotes
Quotes of five or more lines are block-indented without quotation marks.

Footnote numbers are placed after the final punctuation of the sentence.

Bibliography
Bibliography entries differ slightly from footnotes. For example:

Churchill, Winston S. The Second World War. Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1948.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mixing Citation Styles
Always stick to one citation style throughout your essay.

Improper Use of Page Numbers
Ensure page numbers are included when quoting directly — especially in APA and MLA.

Misplaced Punctuation
Punctuation varies across styles. In MLA and APA, periods come after the citation, while in Chicago they usually precede footnote numbers.

Neglecting Bibliography Formatting
Pay attention to italics, capitalization, and punctuation in the bibliography or reference list.

Tools and Tips for Success
Use Citation Generators
Tools like Zotero, EndNote, or even built-in Word functions can simplify citation formatting.

Check the Latest Style Guide
APA, MLA, and Chicago styles are updated periodically. Always refer to the latest edition for rules.

Proofread Carefully
Even a perfectly written essay can be downgraded due to citation errors. Always double-check quotes and references.

Writing with Integrity and Style
Mastering the art of quoting and citing isn’t just about avoiding plagiarism — it’s about writing with integrity, showing your research skills, and contributing thoughtfully to scholarly conversation. APA, MLA, and Chicago styles each have their strengths, and understanding their nuances helps you write with precision and professionalism. Whether you're tackling a reflective essay or a full-length thesis, strong citation skills will elevate your work and show your academic maturity.

If citation feels overwhelming, remember that help is always within reach. Platforms like EssayShark not only assist in writing but also ensure each citation and reference is formatted to perfection. With expert support, you can focus more on ideas — and less on technicalities.