When writers insert or alter words in a direct quotation, square brackets—[ ]—are placed around the change. The brackets, always used in pairs, enclose words intended to clarify meaning, provide a brief explanation, or to help integrate the quote into the writer’s sentence.
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How do you modify a quote?
If you need to edit quotes in your writing, keep the following in mind:
- Use an ellipsis to indicate omissions in the text.
- Mark additions or changes by placing the edited text in square brackets.
- Use the term “[Sic]” to show that you’ve duplicated an error from a source.
Is it okay to edit quotes?
According to the AP style guide, which is considered standard in many newsrooms around the country, reporters should “[n]ever alter quotations even to correct minor grammatical errors or word usage. Casual minor tongue slips may be removed by using ellipses but even that should be done with extreme caution.”
How do you remove words from a quote?
Ellipsis points are used to represent an omission from a direct quotation when it is cited by another writer. This series of three dots—with a space before, after, and between them ( . . . )—is inserted where a word, phrase, sentence (or more) is left out.
How do you cut down a quote?
You can shorten quotes by removing words from the middle of the quote and adding ellipses to indicate that you have removed some words. Shortening quotes helps the reader focus on the key information. You can remove words that are redundant or irrelevant to the point you are making.
Can I change a quote?
You can change direct quotations under certain circumstances. Some changes require you to explain the change, and others you can make without indicating the change to readers.
How do you correct a mistake in a quote?
Quotations That Include Errors
- A quotation that includes an error may be distracting, so consider paraphrasing instead.
- If any incorrect spelling, punctuation, or grammar in the source might confuse readers, insert the word “[sic],” italicized and in brackets, immediately after the error in the quotation.
How do you put your own words in a quote?
If you want to insert your own words, or different words, into a quotation, put them in square brackets ( [ ] ). For example: “The computer lab [in the science building] was well designed.”
How do you change capitalization in a quote?
After a Verb of Saying
If the first quoted word begins with a lowercase letter in your source, use a capital letter enclosed in square brackets to indicate that you’ve altered the source: In A Room with a View E. M.
How do you properly cite a quote?
In-text citations include the last name of the author followed by a page number enclosed in parentheses. “Here’s a direct quote” (Smith 8). If the author’s name is not given, then use the first word or words of the title. Follow the same formatting that was used in the Works Cited list, such as quotation marks.
How do you skip part of a quote?
The rule: Indicate that you have skipped material within a quote by placing three periods (an ellipsis) in place of the missing material. Do not place an ellipsis at the beginning or end of a quote, ever: only to indicate skipped material in the middle of a quote.
How do you cut a quote mid sentence?
Use an ellipsis in the middle of a quotation to indicate that you have omitted material from the original sentence, which you might do when it includes a digression not germane to your point. However, take care when omitting material to preserve the original meaning of the sentence.
What does a partial quote look like?
A partial quotation is one that does not constitute a complete thought or is a complete thought has been incorporated into a framing sentence. Capitalization and punctuation depend on circumstances, as shown in these examples. Original: His comment left me wondering whether I’d be “invited to resign”, as he had put it.
How do you use ellipsis?
Ellipses
- Use an ellipsis to omit information at the beginning and end of quotes. With quoted material, use an ellipsis to indicate an omission at the beginning, within, or at the end of a sentence.
- Use an ellipsis to omit whole sentences in quotations.
- Use an ellipsis in dialogue.
How do you use quotation marks?
We use quotation marks with direct quotes, with titles of certain works, to imply alternate meanings, and to write words as words. Block quotations are not set off with quotation marks. The quoted text is capitalized if you’re quoting a complete sentence and not capitalized if you’re quoting a fragment.
Can you change a quoted price?
A quote (or quotation) is an exact price for the job being offered. As such it is fixed and CANNOT be changed once it has been accepted by the customer (unless the customer changes the amount/type of work required or you discover something completely outside of the scope of what was agreed).
What do brackets do?
Brackets are used to insert explanations, corrections, clarifications, or comments into quoted material. Brackets are always used in pairs; you must have both an opening and a closing bracket. Do not confuse brackets [ ] with parentheses ( ).
How do you edit quotes on Instagram?
To add, edit or delete a caption:
- Tap above your photo or video.
- Tap Edit.
- Edit, delete or add a caption to your post, then tap Save.
Should I fix grammar in a quote?
When quoting text with a spelling or grammar error, you should transcribe the error exactly in your own text. However, also insert the term sic in italics directly after the mistake, and enclose it in brackets.Johnson says of the experience, “It’s made me reconsider the existence of extraterestials [sic].”
What is a silent correction?
In less formal contexts, you can employ silent correction, the strategy of simply editing the original material without comment. Writers must used sound judgment, however, in minimizing the alterations and refraining from altering the meaning or intent of the original content.
What do you do if a quote you are using is over 4 lines long?
Long quotations
For quotations that are more than four lines of prose or three lines of verse, place quotations in a free-standing block of text and omit quotation marks. Start the quotation on a new line, with the entire quote indented 1/2 inch from the left margin while maintaining double-spacing.