Quotation vs. Citation: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on October 10, 2023
A direct excerpt from a text, often surrounded by quotation marks. A reference that directs readers to the source of information, without necessarily including the text itself.
Key Differences
A "Quotation" is the act of repeating someone else's statement or thoughts verbatim, usually in written form and often within quotation marks. In contrast, a "Citation" serves as a formal acknowledgment or reference to the original source, but does not necessarily include the content itself.
When you use a "Quotation," you are taking a specific segment of text directly from the original source. On the other hand, when you use a "Citation," you are pointing the reader toward the place where the original information can be found, often in a bibliography or footnotes.
Grammatically, "Quotations" are often embedded within a sentence and require quotation marks. "Citations," however, follow a specific style guide like APA, MLA, or Chicago, and typically appear as footnotes, endnotes, or parenthetical references.
In academic and research contexts, a "Quotation" requires a "Citation" to provide context and credit to the original author. However, a "Citation" does not necessarily require a "Quotation" to be valid; it can stand alone as a reference to a source.
While "Quotations" are generally explicit and demand attention to retain the original wording, "Citations" are more implicit, guiding the reader toward additional material without being intrusive.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Purpose
To repeat text verbatim
To point to the original source
Grammatical Requirements
Quotation marks usually required
Style guide compliance needed
Content Included
Direct excerpt from text
Reference only
Contexts Used
Academic, journalistic, literary
Academic, legal, scientific
Relationship
Requires a citation for credit
Can stand alone as a reference
ADVERTISEMENT
Quotation and Citation Definitions
Quotation
A remark made by a character in fiction.
The Quotation from the protagonist was thought-provoking.
Citation
A reference to an authoritative source.
The Citation directed readers to the original study.
Quotation
A direct excerpt from a text.
He used a Quotation from Shakespeare in his essay.
Citation
An act of quoting a passage.
The essay contained multiple Citations.
Quotation
A specific price for a service or product.
We received a Quotation for the repair work.
Citation
A reference to legal precedents.
The judge provided a Citation for his ruling.
Quotation
The act of quoting.
Citation
The act of citing.
Quotation
A passage quoted.
Citation
A quotation of or explicit reference to a source for substantiation, as in a scholarly paper.
Quotation
An explicit reference or allusion in an artistic work to a passage or element from another, usually well-known work
"Direct quotations from other paintings are fairly sparse" (Robert Hughes).
Citation
(Law) A reference to a previous court decision or other authority for a point of law, usually by case title and other information.
Quotation
The quoting of current prices and bids for securities and goods.
Citation
An official commendation for meritorious action, especially in military service
A citation for bravery.
Quotation
The prices or bids cited.
Citation
A formal statement of the accomplishments of one being honored with an academic degree.
Quotation
A fragment of a human expression that is repeated by somebody else, for example from literature or a famous speech.
Citation
An official summons, especially one calling for appearance in court.
Quotation
A price that has been quoted for buying or selling.
Let's get a quotation for repairing the roof before we decide whether it's worth doing.
Citation
An official summons or notice given to a person to appear.
Quotation
The act of setting a price.
Citation
The paper containing such summons or notice.
Quotation
(obsolete) A quota, a share.
Citation
The act of citing a passage from a text, or from another person, using the exact words of the original text or speech and giving credit to the original by referencing.
Quotation
The act of quoting or citing.
Citation
An entry in a list of sources from which information was taken, typically following a prescribed bibliographical style; a reference.
Quotation
That which is quoted or cited; a part of a book or writing named, repeated, or adduced as evidence or illustration.
Citation
The passage or words quoted; a quotation.
Quotation
The naming or publishing of the current price of stocks, bonds, or any commodity; also, the price named.
Citation
(lexicography) A quotation with attached bibliographical details demonstrating the use of a particular lexical item in a dictionary, especially a dictionary on historical principles.
Quotation
Quota; share.
Citation
Enumeration; mention.
It's a simple citation of facts.
Quotation
A piece of hollow type metal, lower than type, and measuring two or more pica ems in length and breadth, used in the blank spaces at the beginning and end of chapters, etc.
Citation
A reference to decided cases, or books of authority, to prove a point in law.
Quotation
A short note recognizing a source of information or of a quoted passage;
The student's essay failed to list several important citations
The acknowledgments are usually printed at the front of a book
The article includes mention of similar clinical cases
Citation
A commendation in recognition of some achievement, or a formal statement of an achievement.
Quotation
A passage or expression that is quoted or cited
Citation
An official summons or notice given to a person to appear; the paper containing such summons or notice.
Quotation
A statement of the current market price of a security or commodity
Citation
The act of citing a passage from a book, or from another person, in his own words; also, the passage or words quoted; quotation.
This horse load of citations and fathers.
Quotation
The practice of quoting from books or plays etc.;
Since he lacks originality he must rely on quotation
Citation
Enumeration; mention; as, a citation of facts.
Quotation
A statement repeated verbatim.
She included a famous Quotation in her speech.
Citation
A reference to decided cases, or books of authority, to prove a point in law.
Quotation
A musical phrase taken from another composition.
The jazz solo included a Quotation from a classical piece.
Citation
An official award (as for bravery or service) usually given as formal public statement
Citation
(law) the act of citing (as of spoken words or written passages or legal precedents etc.)
Citation
A short note recognizing a source of information or of a quoted passage;
The student's essay failed to list several important citations
The acknowledgments are usually printed at the front of a book
The article includes mention of similar clinical cases
Citation
A passage or expression that is quoted or cited
Citation
A summons that commands the appearance of a party at a proceeding
Citation
Thoroughbred that won the triple crown in 1948
Citation
An official summons, as for a violation.
He received a Citation for speeding.
Citation
A commendation or award.
She earned a Citation for bravery.
FAQs
Can a Citation stand alone?
Yes, a Citation can stand alone as a reference to a source.
Do Quotations require Citations?
In academic and formal contexts, Quotations generally require Citations for credit.
Are Citations used in legal contexts?
Yes, Citations are commonly used to refer to legal precedents or regulations.
Can you have a Quotation without a Citation?
In formal writing, a Quotation without a Citation is generally considered plagiarism.
What is a Quotation?
A Quotation is a direct excerpt from a text, often enclosed in quotation marks.
What is a Citation?
A Citation is a reference to the original source of information.
What are the grammatical rules for Quotations?
Quotations usually require quotation marks and should be verbatim.
Can a Quotation be a price estimate?
Yes, in commerce, a Quotation can refer to a price estimate for goods or services.
How do I include a Quotation in my writing?
Include the text verbatim and enclose it in quotation marks.
Can a Quotation be paraphrased?
A paraphrase is not a Quotation; a Quotation is a direct excerpt.
How do I include a Citation in my writing?
Follow the guidelines of the style guide you are using, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago.
What are the grammatical rules for Citations?
Citations follow specific style guides like APA, MLA, or Chicago.
Can a Citation be verbal?
In speech, one can verbally cite a source, but in writing, formal Citations are preferred.
Can you have a Citation without a Quotation?
Yes, you can cite a source without quoting it directly.
Is a Citation ever an award?
Yes, in some contexts, a Citation can refer to an award or commendation.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
