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Types of quotes

Direct quotes are often more convincing because they haven't been interpreted by you.

There are lots of different types of quotes. Use the one that best suits what you're trying to achieve in your example.

In-text quotes

An in-text quote is a short quote that fits into and completes a sentence you've written. It's great for introducing ‘scare quotes' and short phrases that add interest to your writing.

Discrete quotes

Discrete quotes are usually longer quotes that sit apart from your writing and are indented. They are the perfect way to use a piece of text that has a clear voice and speaks for itself – as quotes from primary and secondary sources so often do.

Indirect quotes

An indirect quote is when you paraphrase ideas from a source. They're useful when the main idea is important, but the quote itself is too long or complex. You don't use quotation marks for these.

Direct quotes

A direct quote is when you take text directly from a source without changing anything. Direct quotes often sum up exactly the point you're trying to make and need no further explanation.

For example

Below is an in-text quote that tries to show Fawkner's belief in equal voting rights for all men:

[...] Acccording to John Pascoe Fawkner, 'all men have equal political rights,' whether they had once been convicts or not.

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For example

Any quote that you take straight from another source is a direct quote. All the quotes in the Explore history section of this site are direct quotes.

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