The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) offers specific guidelines for formatting block quotes, which are long quotations (generally 40 words or more) set off from the main text. Mastering this formatting is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and presenting your research professionally. This guide breaks down how to properly handle block quotes in Chicago style, covering both the 17th and 16th editions.
Understanding Block Quotes in Chicago Style
Block quotes are visually distinct from the surrounding text, improving readability and emphasizing the quoted material. They're essential when you want to reproduce a significant portion of another author's work. The key differences between block quotes and short quotations lie in their formatting and punctuation.
Key Differences Between Block Quotes and Short Quotations
- Length: Short quotations (under 40 words) are integrated into your text and enclosed in double quotation marks. Block quotes are set apart as separate blocks of text.
- Formatting: Block quotes are indented, usually 0.5 inches from the left margin, without quotation marks. Short quotations are not indented and are enclosed in double quotation marks.
- Punctuation: Punctuation differs slightly, as we'll see in the examples below.
Formatting Block Quotes: Chicago 17th Edition
The 17th edition of CMOS simplifies block quote formatting, emphasizing clarity and consistency.
Rules for Block Quotes (Chicago 17th Edition)
- Indentation: Indent the entire block quote 0.5 inches from the left margin. Do not use quotation marks.
- Line Spacing: Maintain double-spacing throughout the block quote, consistent with the rest of your paper.
- Citation: Place the citation after the final punctuation mark of the block quote. Use a parenthetical citation with the author's last name, year, and page number(s).
- Multiple Paragraphs: If the block quote spans multiple paragraphs, indent the first line of each subsequent paragraph an additional 0.5 inches.
- Omissions: Use ellipses (...) to indicate omissions within the block quote. Use square brackets [ ] to indicate your own additions or clarifications within the quote.
Example (Chicago 17th Edition):
This is a long quotation that requires block quote formatting. It demonstrates the proper indentation and spacing according to the 17th edition of the Chicago Manual of Style. Note the placement of the citation after the final punctuation. (Smith 2023, 125)
Formatting Block Quotes: Chicago 16th Edition
While the 17th edition streamlines the process, understanding the 16th edition's approach is helpful, especially when referencing older sources.
Rules for Block Quotes (Chicago 16th Edition)
The 16th edition's rules are largely similar to the 17th, but the citation placement might differ depending on the note system used.
- Indentation: Indent the entire block quote 0.5 inches from the left margin. Do not use quotation marks.
- Line Spacing: Maintain double-spacing throughout the block quote, consistent with the rest of your paper.
- Citation: The citation placement varies depending on whether you're using notes or author-date style. In the author-date system, the citation follows the block quote, similar to the 17th edition. In the notes system, a note number would appear at the end of the quote.
Example (Chicago 16th Edition - Author-Date):
This is a long quotation demonstrating the Chicago 16th edition formatting. Observe the indentation and double-spacing. (Jones, 2022, p. 150)
Essential Considerations for All Chicago Style Block Quotes
- Accuracy: Always double-check the accuracy of your quotations. Any errors can undermine the credibility of your work.
- Attribution: Properly attribute all quoted material to its original source. Failing to do so constitutes plagiarism.
- Context: Provide sufficient context before and after the block quote to ensure readers understand its relevance to your argument.
By following these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately incorporate block quotes into your Chicago-style papers, enhancing the clarity and impact of your research. Remember to always consult the latest edition of the Chicago Manual of Style for the most up-to-date information.
