Quotes are words or sayings repeated by an individual or group of people in speech or writing. A quote is basically the repetition of a word, phrase, passage or sentence from either verbal speech or writing. In spoken word, it is basically the repetition of an introduction by a quoting quotient, like a verb of stating. For instance:
There are three forms of quotes: indirect, direct, and paraphrase. Indirect quotes are statements whose meaning is understood throughout the communication process, whereas direct quotes imply a clear and obvious statement of fact. On the other hand, paraphrases are statements that are understood only on the immediate context of the quotation, as in “John said” or “She was speaking slowly”.
Quotes can be enclosed in parentheses if they denote a particular phrase. Parenthesis marks indicate the exact place where the quotation begins. Paraphrase marks indicate a general concatenation, and multiplication marks indicate the total number of times the quote is repeated. Parenthesis and multiplication marks are used more frequently in English than other forms of Quotations.
The primary purpose of Quotations is to provide information about a specific subject. To this end, quotations always go inside single quotes, single clauses, and single sentences. Inside single quotes are better for presenting a single idea. However, inside single clauses and sentences, Quotations are used to provide examples, prove concepts, and display expertise. For example, a teacher would usually write a lecture about ‘A good teacher is one who gives a good class.’
Quotations can also serve as block quotes. Block quotes are quotations about something or someone. They make a statement that the whole passage or essay is related to but without using all the words. In a single quote, the writer could have written ‘A block quotation is a quotation about…’ However, in a block quote the writer uses all or most of the words, without using the entire passage or essay for support. A single idea can be expressed by a few words enclosed within single quotes.
Quotations can also be written within quotation marks, showing the complete meaning of the sentence. However, quotes are also written within quotation marks to emphasize the main idea of the quotation. Quotes that precede or follow another quote belong to the same category. Quotes that serve to support a thesis are called argumentative quotes. Quotations that oppose a thesis are called negatory quotes.