Quotation vs. Citation: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Grammatical Requirements
Quotation marks usually required
Style guide compliance needed
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
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Quotation and Citation Definitions
Quotation
A remark made by a character in fiction.
The Quotation from the protagonist was thought-provoking.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 18, 2023
Citation
A reference to an authoritative source.
The Citation directed readers to the original study.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 18, 2023
Quotation
A direct excerpt from a text.
He used a Quotation from Shakespeare in his essay.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Quotation
A specific price for a service or product.
We received a Quotation for the repair work.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 18, 2023
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Citation
A reference to legal precedents.
The judge provided a Citation for his ruling.
Janet White
Sep 18, 2023
Citation
A quotation of or explicit reference to a source for substantiation, as in a scholarly paper.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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).
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Citation
(Law) A reference to a previous court decision or other authority for a point of law, usually by case title and other information.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Citation
An official commendation for meritorious action, especially in military service
A citation for bravery.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Citation
A formal statement of the accomplishments of one being honored with an academic degree.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Quotation
A fragment of a human expression that is repeated by somebody else, for example from literature or a famous speech.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Citation
An official summons, especially one calling for appearance in court.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Citation
An entry in a list of sources from which information was taken, typically following a prescribed bibliographical style; a reference.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Quotation
That which is quoted or cited; a part of a book or writing named, repeated, or adduced as evidence or illustration.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Quotation
The naming or publishing of the current price of stocks, bonds, or any commodity; also, the price named.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Citation
A reference to decided cases, or books of authority, to prove a point in law.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Citation
A commendation in recognition of some achievement, or a formal statement of an achievement.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Citation
An official summons or notice given to a person to appear; the paper containing such summons or notice.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Quotation
The practice of quoting from books or plays etc.;
Since he lacks originality he must rely on quotation
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Quotation
A statement repeated verbatim.
She included a famous Quotation in her speech.
Harlon Moss
Sep 18, 2023
Citation
A reference to decided cases, or books of authority, to prove a point in law.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Quotation
A musical phrase taken from another composition.
The jazz solo included a Quotation from a classical piece.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 18, 2023
Citation
An official award (as for bravery or service) usually given as formal public statement
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Citation
(law) the act of citing (as of spoken words or written passages or legal precedents etc.)
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 17, 2023
Citation
An official summons, as for a violation.
He received a Citation for speeding.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 18, 2023
FAQs
Can a Citation stand alone?
Yes, a Citation can stand alone as a reference to a source.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Do Quotations require Citations?
In academic and formal contexts, Quotations generally require Citations for credit.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Are Citations used in legal contexts?
Yes, Citations are commonly used to refer to legal precedents or regulations.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Can you have a Quotation without a Citation?
In formal writing, a Quotation without a Citation is generally considered plagiarism.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
What is a Quotation?
A Quotation is a direct excerpt from a text, often enclosed in quotation marks.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
What is a Citation?
A Citation is a reference to the original source of information.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
What are the grammatical rules for Quotations?
Quotations usually require quotation marks and should be verbatim.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Can a Quotation be a price estimate?
Yes, in commerce, a Quotation can refer to a price estimate for goods or services.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
How do I include a Quotation in my writing?
Include the text verbatim and enclose it in quotation marks.
Sara Rehman
Oct 10, 2023
Can a Quotation be paraphrased?
A paraphrase is not a Quotation; a Quotation is a direct excerpt.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
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.
Harlon Moss
Oct 10, 2023
What are the grammatical rules for Citations?
Citations follow specific style guides like APA, MLA, or Chicago.
Janet White
Oct 10, 2023
Can a Citation be verbal?
In speech, one can verbally cite a source, but in writing, formal Citations are preferred.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Can you have a Citation without a Quotation?
Yes, you can cite a source without quoting it directly.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
Is a Citation ever an award?
Yes, in some contexts, a Citation can refer to an award or commendation.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 10, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
