APA In-Text Citation Example: Direct Quote

What do you mean by APA in-text citation?

In-Text Citations - Citing While Writing Using APA - GSU Library — In-Text Citations – Citing While Writing Using APA – GSU Library

APA in-text citation is a method used in academic writing to acknowledge and give credit to the sources you have used within the text of your paper. It is a brief reference that directs readers to the full citation in the reference list. In APA style, in-text citations are typically included after a direct quote or paraphrased information.

How to use APA in-text citation for a direct quote?

To use APA in-text citation for a direct quote, follow these steps:

Start with the author’s last name followed by a comma and the publication year in parentheses. For example, (Smith, 2022).
Include the page number where the quote can be found. Insert it after the publication year, separated by a comma. For example, (Smith, 2022, p. 45).
Place the direct quote within double quotation marks. Make sure to reproduce the quote exactly as it appears in the original source.
End the citation with a period.

In-Text Citations: The Basics - Purdue OWL® - Purdue University — In-Text Citations: The Basics – Purdue OWL® – Purdue University

Here’s an example of an APA in-text citation for a direct quote:

The best way to predict the future is to create it (Smith, 2022, p. 45).

What is known about APA in-text citation for a direct quote?

APA in-text citation for a direct quote is known for its specific format and guidelines. In APA style, it is important to accurately cite your sources to avoid plagiarism and give proper credit to the original authors. The in-text citation provides brief information about the source and allows readers to locate the complete reference in the reference list.

Solution for using APA in-text citation for a direct quote

To ensure you are using APA in-text citation correctly for a direct quote, follow these tips:

Always include the author’s last name and publication year.
Provide the page number for direct quotes.
Place the direct quote within double quotation marks.
Check the punctuation and formatting of your citation.
Double-check the accuracy of the information to avoid errors.

Additional Information about APA in-text citation for a direct quote

Here are some additional details to keep in mind when using APA in-text citation for a direct quote:

If the author’s name is mentioned in the sentence, only include the publication year and page number in parentheses.
If the quote is longer than 40 words, format it as a block quote and omit the quotation marks. Start the quote on a new line, indent it from the left margin, and use double spacing.
If there are multiple authors, use an ampersand (&) instead of and between their names.
If the source does not have page numbers, use paragraph numbers (para.) or section headings (sec.) instead.
When citing electronic sources without page numbers, provide the paragraph number, if available, or use the heading or section name.

Conclusion

In-text citation is an essential component of academic writing, particularly in APA style. Using APA in-text citation correctly for direct quotes helps you avoid plagiarism and enhances the credibility of your work by giving proper credit to the original authors. By following the guidelines and examples provided, you can ensure that your APA in-text citations are accurate and adhere to the required format.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the purpose of APA in-text citation?

The purpose of APA in-text citation is to acknowledge and provide credit to the sources used in academic writing, allowing readers to locate the full citation in the reference list.

2. Can I use APA in-text citation for paraphrased information?

Yes, APA in-text citation is used not only for direct quotes but also for paraphrased information. In such cases, you include the author’s last name and the publication year.

3. How do I cite multiple authors in an APA in-text citation?

When citing multiple authors in an APA in-text citation, use an ampersand (&) between their names. For example, (Smith & Johnson, 2022).

4. What should I do if the source does not have page numbers?

If the source does not have page numbers, you can use other indicators such as paragraph numbers (para.) or section headings (sec.) to locate the relevant information.

5. Is there a difference between APA in-text citation for print and electronic sources?

Yes, there are slight differences in APA in-text citation for print and electronic sources. When citing electronic sources without page numbers, you may use paragraph numbers or section headings instead.