Quoting and paraphrasing aren't interchangeable — each fits different situations, and getting the choice (and execution) right is what separates a smoothly integrated source from an awkward, citation-heavy paragraph.
Deciding Which to Use
| Use a direct quote when… | Use a paraphrase when… |
|---|---|
| The exact wording is distinctive or precise | You just need the idea, not the phrasing |
| You're quoting a definition or legal/technical language | The original wording is dense or jargon-heavy |
| The source's authority comes from who said it | You're integrating the idea into your own argument |
How to Quote Correctly
- Copy the wording exactly, including original punctuation and spelling
- Enclose it in quotation marks (or block-quote indent if 40+ words in APA, or 4+ lines in MLA)
- Add the in-text citation with a page number immediately after
- Introduce the quote with your own sentence — never drop a quote into the paragraph with no lead-in
How to Paraphrase Correctly
- Read the passage, then look away from it
- Write the idea in your own words and sentence structure, from memory
- Compare your version against the original to confirm you haven't accidentally mirrored its structure
- Add the citation — paraphrases need citations just as much as quotes do
Want Your Source Integration Reviewed?
Our editors check that your quotes and paraphrases are correctly cited and well-integrated into your argument.
Order Editing Help View ServicesBlending Quote and Paraphrase
You can paraphrase most of a sentence while quoting just a key phrase — this is a common and effective technique when only part of the original wording is worth preserving exactly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use the "as cited in" format your style provides, and try to find the original source if possible rather than relying on secondhand quotation.
There's no fixed cap, but quotes longer than a sentence or two should be rare — your essay should be driven by your own analysis, with quotes used sparingly for specific effect.
Yes — see our guide on types of citations in essays for how summary fits alongside quoting and paraphrasing.