How To Add Block Quotes In MS Word - OfficeBeginner

It is often necessary to quote from a source when writing academic papers.

Blockquotes help in indenting and separating a quoted comment from the main writing. This is different from normal indents. Because it is necessary to follow additional steps when adding block quotes in MS Word.

Following styling standards strictly is an important feature of academic writing. Academic writing follows various styles, where the requirement for block quotes may vary.

For instance, for both MLA and APA styles, the block quotes must start on their own line, with the left indent as 0.5 inches. In the MLA style, quotes must be at least 4 inches long, in the APA style, block quotes must be at least 40 words in length.

Refer to the style guide if you are using a different academic style. This will ensure the proper indent sizing you should be using.

3 ways to create block quote in MS Word

• Use the Paragraph settings in the Layout menu
• Use the Paragraph settings in the Home menu
• Use the ruler bar

We will show how you can use all three methods in simple step-wise instructions. Let us begin.

Method #1: Use the Paragraph settings in the Layout menu.

Step #1: Open the Word document

Open the Word document.

Navigate to the position where you would like to introduce the quotation.

Step #2: Write your quotation, and select it.

Select the lines you want as a block quotation.

Step #3: Open the Layout tab

Click on the Layout tab in the top menu bar to change the ribbon.

Step #4: Change the indents

In the paragraph section, under indent, click inside the space next to Left.

Change the number to 0.5 inches, and hit the Enter key to confirm.

If you are following the MLA style, make the quote at least four lines long.

Click inside the space next to Right.

Change the number to 0.5 inches, and hit the Enter key to confirm.

Word will change the block quote accordingly.

Method #2: Use the Paragraph settings in the Home menu

Step #1: Open the Word document

Open the Word document.

Navigate to the position where you would like to introduce the quotation.

Step #2: Write your quotation, and select it.

Select the lines you want as a block quotation.

Step #3: Open the Home tab

Click on the Home tab in the top menu bar to change the ribbon.

Step #4: Change the indents

In the section Paragraph, click on the down arrow.

This will open the Paragraph dialog box.

If you are following the MLA or UPA style, change the left indent to 0.5 inches.

For this, under Indentation, click inside the box next to Left. Enter 0.5 inches.

For MLA style, make the quote at least four lines long.

For this, click inside the box next to Right. Enter 0.5 inches.

Click on OK at the bottom to exit the dialog box.

Word will change the block quote accordingly.

Method #3: Use the ruler bar

Step #1: Open the Word document

Open the Word document.

Navigate to the position where you would like to introduce the quotation.

Step #2: Write your quotation, and select it.

Select the lines you want as a block quotation.

Step #3: Change the indents

If you are following the MLA or APA style, change the left indent to 0.5 inches.

In the horizontal ruler, click on the combination square for the left indent and drag it to the 0.5 inch location.

For MLA style, make the quote at least four lines long.

For this, click on the right indent and drag it to 0.5 inches within the right margin of the document.

Word will change the block quote accordingly.

Conclusion

We have shown you three methods of introducing block quotations in MS Word. Use any one method that is most suitable to your purpose.