How to quote directly
When you quote another person’s words, it is recommended that you create a context for the quote.
Here are some examples based on the article we read earlier: “We’re losing connection to the workplace” by Jennifer Moss, published in the Globe and Mail on October 12, 2021.
Use a full sentence followed by a colon to introduce a quotation.
The article highlights the negative effects of decreased employee interaction: “The lack of office socializing and collaboration is contributing to the weakening of our work relationships and increasing employee stress” (Moss, 2021, para. 1).
Moss ends her article with a suggestion: “Given that many organizations keep pushing the dates forward for a return to the office, it’s crucial that leaders act now to prevent further damage to the culture of their workplaces” (2021, para. 11).
Begin a sentence with your own words, then complete it with quoted words.
Employers should consider listening to employee concerns, for “flexibility and agency remain one of the better solutions for preventing burnout” (Moss, 2021, para. 7).
Quote the author by beginning with an introductory phrase naming the author, followed by a comma.
According to Moss, “the lack of office socializing and collaboration is contributing to the weakening of our work relationships and increasing employee stress” (Moss, 2021, para. 1).
In Moss’s view, ” . . .”
In Moss’s words, “. . .”
Quote the author by using a verb, followed by a comma,
| Instead of using “Moss (or the author) says”, try using one of the verbs below, instead. | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| states | points out | concludes | adds |
| remarks | counters | recaps | writes |
| concedes | notes | summarizes | highlights |
| contends | comments | reports | emphasizes |
| suggests | observes | maintains |
Note on vocabulary: the verbs used in the above examples have nuanced meanings. To ensure that you understand the difference between contends and concede, for example, look up the listed verbs in a dictionary.
Note on punctuation: Notice that the above examples include a comma. The comma is correct if the information after it follows this pattern
Moss writes, “the ideal is a scenario where teams come in at the same time and are out of the office at the same time”(2021, para. 8).
Note the difference in the examples below.
If your lead-in sentence includes that or as, omit the comma.
Moss remarks that “the ideal is a scenario where teams come in at the same time and are out of the office at the same time” (2021, para. 8).
Moss describes individualism as “leading to diminished learning capacity, poor decision-making and an elevated threat response” (2021, para. 12).
Exercises
Integrating direct quotes practice
Activity 1: Quiz
To check your understanding, try the quiz linked below.
In-Text Citations Quiz Questions And Answers (https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=ODQ1NjA5TMQI)
Activity 2: Sentence Generation
Refer to the articles referenced below. Using the tips outlined above, write sentences in which you quote the information below. Statements 1 and 2 are from Jetelina’s article, and statements 3 and 4 are from Ahsan’s article.
- Over the last decade or so, skilled workers have been granted permanent residence to Canada based largely on their credentials and technical skills.
- But many immigrants believe it’s their technical skills and know-how that should be considered above all else.
- Employers can also set universal goals such as increasing the number of applicants from diverse backgrounds making it past the initial screening and to the job-offer stage, and being at or above the 80th percentile for equity in promotions and salary earned after a specific period.
- Much of this bias is due to prevailing stereotypes of certain cultures, and it’s the same force that allows a bold and brash white man to be viewed as confident, even as an outspoken Black or brown woman is seen as cocky or aggressive.
References
- Ahsan, S. (2021, April 9). Why the quest for good soft skills can often be the same as looking for ‘whiteness’: Soft skills are those skills which define the way we interact with each other in the workplace. The Globe and Mail (Online). http://ra.ocls.ca/ra/login.aspx?inst=centennial&url=https://www.proquest.com/blogs-podcasts-websites/why-quest-good-soft-skills-can-often-be-same-as/docview/2510008903/se-2?accountid=39331 [Link accessible only to Centennial students]
- Jetelina, M. (2012). Improve your cultural fit, a.k.a soft skills for a competitive advantage. Canadian Immigrant. https://canadianimmigrant.ca/careers-and-education/improve-your-cultural-fit-a-k-a-soft-skills-for-a-competitive-advantage