As a language and literature expert with a focus on academic writing, I'm well-versed in various citation styles, including the Modern Language Association (MLA) format. Citing a quote in MLA style is crucial for academic integrity and proper attribution of sources. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to do it correctly.

When you're quoting a source in MLA style, there are a few key elements to keep in mind:


1. Quotation Length: If the quote is four lines or fewer of prose, or four lines of verse, you should incorporate it into the text of your paper. For longer quotes, you'll need to use a block quote format.


2. Integration into Text: For shorter quotes, you can integrate them into your sentence structure. Use quotation marks to indicate the exact words from the source.


3. Citation Placement: The citation should follow the quote, usually after the closing quotation mark. Include the author's last name and the page number(s) where the quote can be found in the source.


4. Punctuation: The punctuation for the sentence should come after the parenthetical citation, except for block quotes where the punctuation is part of the quote itself.


5. Block Quotes: For longer quotations, use a block quote. This involves:
- Starting the quote on a new line.
- Indenting the entire quote one inch from the left margin.
- Omitting quotation marks.
- Indenting the first word of any subsequent paragraphs within the quote if it spans multiple paragraphs.
- Using double spacing throughout the quote.


6. MLA In-Text Citation: The in-text citation typically includes the author's last name and the page number(s). If the author's name is mentioned in the signal phrase, only the page number is needed in the parenthetical citation.

7.
Signal Phrase: A signal phrase is a group of words that introduces the quote. It can include the author's name and can be followed by the page number in parentheses.

8.
Quotation Marks: Use double quotation marks for quotes that are integrated into your text. For block quotes, no quotation marks are needed.

9.
Ellipses: If you need to omit words from a quote, use ellipsis points (...). If the omission occurs at the end of a sentence, place the ellipsis before the closing quotation mark and period.

10.
Square Brackets: Use square brackets for any changes made to the original quote, such as clarifying words or correcting grammatical errors.

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1. Omissions: For omissions within a sentence, use an ellipsis with spaces between the periods. For omissions between sentences, use an ellipsis with a space before the first period and no space after the last period.

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2. Punctuation with Quotations: If the quoted material is a complete sentence, it should end with a period inside the quotation marks. If it is a fragment, the period should be placed outside the closing quotation mark.

Remember, the goal of citing is to give credit to the original author and to allow readers to locate the source material easily. It's also important to follow the specific guidelines provided by your instructor or institution, as there can be slight variations in MLA style.

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Long direct quotations in MLA formatUse a free-standing block of text (block quote).Omit the quotation marks.Start the direct quotation on a new line.Indent one inch from the left margin.Indent the first word of paragraphs ONLY if quoting multiple paragraphs.Use double spacing in the quotation.More items...read more >>