How to Use Quotation and Quote Correctly

Writers often confuse the words "quote" and "quotation" because as nouns they're often used interchangeably in everyday speech. If your instructor has pointed out that you have word choice problems around "quote" and "quotation," or if you're never sure which one to use, you can master these words with attention to simple rules.

Instructions

1. Know the definitions. "Quote" generally means either to repeat another's words or to present a price or estimate for goods or services. Informally, it can be a shorthand way to refer to quotation marks or to a passage that you're repeating, whether in speech or writing. "Quotation" generally means the passage that's being quoted or the price that's being presented.

2. Understand how the two words function as parts of speech. Though "quote" can serve as a noun or a verb, "quotation" only functions as a noun.

3. Determine whether you're using the words in a formal or informal situation. Though you can use "quote" as either a noun or a verb, its use as a noun is informal. Use "quotation" in formal settings when you need a noun.

Tips & Warnings

• If you aren't sure whether you should write a paper in formal or informal diction, ask your instructor. Though most papers you'll write in school are formal, sometimes an instructor asks you to write in informal diction to reach a different audience.

• Though you should only use "quote" as a noun in informal situations, you can also use the word "quotation" in informal situations if you prefer.