A long quote in MLA format is a direct quotation that is five or more lines of prose or three or more lines of poetry. It must be set off from the main text with a 0.5-inch left margin, double spacing, and no quotation marks.
Long quotes in MLA are used to emphasize significant passages from a source, especially when analyzing tone, structure, or argument. They are not used for minor excerpts or paraphrased ideas. The formatting ensures the quote stands out visually while remaining integrated into the document's flow.
The Modern Language Association (MLA) Handbook, 9th edition, specifies that long quotes require a separate block format. This rule applies to both print and digital sources. Failure to follow the block format results in a loss of clarity and may affect grading in academic settings.
When a quote exceeds four lines of prose or three lines of poetry, it must be formatted as a block quote. Begin the quote on a new line, indent the entire passage 0.5 inches from the left margin, and maintain double spacing throughout. Do not use quotation marks around the quote.
Place the parenthetical citation after the final punctuation of the quote. The citation includes the author's last name and page number, separated by a space. For example: (Smith 23).
If the quote spans multiple paragraphs, indent the first line of each new paragraph an additional 0.5 inches. This maintains visual separation and signals a new thought within the quoted material.
There are two primary types of long quotes: prose and poetic. Prose quotes are typically used in literary analysis, historical research, or critical essays. Poetic quotes are reserved for verse, such as Shakespearean drama or lyric poetry, where line breaks matter.
For prose, the block format applies to any quotation longer than four lines. For poetry, the rule is three or more lines. This distinction reflects the different pacing and rhythm of verse compared to prose.
| Type | Length Threshold | Format Requirement | Example Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prose | 5+ lines | Block format, no quotes | Quoting a novel's narrative passage |
| Poetry | 3+ lines | Block format, preserve line breaks | Citing a sonnet's stanza |
When citing poetry, retain the original line breaks and capitalization. Indent the entire poem excerpt 0.5 inches. If the poem uses stanzas, leave a blank line between stanzas to reflect the source's layout.
One frequent error is using quotation marks around block quotes. MLA explicitly prohibits this. Quotation marks are reserved for short quotes embedded within the text. Using them in block format disrupts the visual separation intended by the style.
Another mistake is failing to indent the quote. Without proper indentation, the quote blends into the surrounding text, making it difficult for readers to distinguish source material from original analysis. The 0.5-inch margin is non-negotiable.
A less obvious error is placing the citation before the quote. The MLA Handbook states that the parenthetical citation goes after the final punctuation of the quote. Placing it earlier misrepresents the source's location and violates standard citation practice.
Before inserting a long quote, introduce it with a signal phrase or context-setting sentence. This tells the reader why the quote matters and how it supports your argument. For example: "In her analysis of urban decay, Alice Walker describes the psychological toll of displacement."
After the quote, follow up with analysis. Explain how the passage supports your claim. Avoid leaving the quote unexplained. A standalone quote without interpretation weakens your argument and suggests lack of engagement with the source.
For example, after quoting a 6-line passage from Toni Morrison's *Beloved*, write: "Morrison's use of fragmented syntax mirrors Sethe's fractured memory, illustrating how trauma disrupts coherent narrative." This connects the quote to your thesis.
Suppose you're writing about climate change in environmental literature. You want to quote a passage from Bill McKibben's *The End of Nature*:
Global warming is not a metaphor. It is a physical reality. The planet is heating up, and we are the cause. The ice caps are melting, sea levels are rising, and extreme weather events are becoming routine. We have altered the atmosphere's chemistry. There is no debate among scientists about the cause. The evidence is overwhelming. We are living through the beginning of a new geological epoch-the Anthropocene.This passage is seven lines long, so it qualifies as a long quote. Format it as follows:
Global warming is not a metaphor. It is a physical reality. The planet is heating up, and we are the cause. The ice caps are melting, sea levels are rising, and extreme weather events are becoming routine. We have altered the atmosphere's chemistry. There is no debate among scientists about the cause. The evidence is overwhelming. We are living through the beginning of a new geological epoch-the Anthropocene.
(McKibben 112)Begin on a new line, indent 0.5 inches, and place the citation after the period. No quotation marks. Double-space the entire passage.
Before the quote, include a lead-in sentence: "McKibben's stark assessment of human impact on Earth underscores the urgency of climate action." After the quote, analyze: "This passage frames climate change as an irreversible transformation, shifting the focus from policy to existential risk."
Correct MLA formatting ensures readability and academic integrity. It allows readers to locate the source quickly and verify your claims. It also demonstrates attention to detail, which reviewers value in scholarly work.
According to the MLA Handbook, 9th edition, consistent formatting reduces ambiguity and strengthens credibility. Misformatted quotes can lead to accusations of plagiarism, even if unintentional.
When in doubt, refer to the official MLA guidelines or use tools like the Purdue OWL, which provides verified examples. Always verify the source's page numbers and formatting rules before submitting your paper.