How to Do a Block Quote in Google Docs

how to do a block quote in google docs
by David Harris // January 21  

Creating a block quote in Google Docs can be tricky if you’re unsure about the steps involved. A block quote stands out from the main text through indentation, which is commonly used to highlight longer quotes. This format is common in academic and professional writing but can also enhance blog posts or articles by highlighting important text from another source.

To format a block quote in a document in Google Docs effectively, follow the steps below:

Step-by-Step Guide to Formatting a Block Quote

  1. Select the Text to Quote:
    • Highlight the portion of text that you want to use as a block quote. This text can be a sentence or multiple sentences from a source.
  2. Insert the Block Quote:
    • With the highlighted text, go to the toolbar and click “Format.”
    • Navigate to “Align & indent,” then select “Indentation options” from the submenu.
  3. Adjust Indentation:
    • In the dialog box that appears, look for the “Special indent” dropdown menu and choose “Hanging.”
    • Set the indentation distance to 0.5 inches or more, depending on your preference.
  4. Apply Block Quote Styling:
    • Click “Apply” to create the hanging indent. The block quote should now be indented from the left margin.
    • You can italicize the text or change the font size for further emphasis.
  5. Add Citation:
    • It’s important to credit the source of your quote. You can include a parenthetical citation right after the block quote or a footnote, depending on your citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).
  6. Review Your Formatting:
    • Ensure the block quote is separated from the surrounding text for easier readability. Verify that the quotation is correctly cited.

Example Scenario

Imagine you’re writing a research paper about climate change. You find a compelling passage that reads:

“In efforts to combat climate change, every action counts, from reducing plastic use to switching to renewable energy.”

To use this as a block quote, select the entire sentence. Follow the outlined steps above to format it as a block quote.

The result would look like this:

> In efforts to combat climate change, every action counts, from reducing plastic use to switching to renewable energy.
> (Author’s Last Name, Year)

Pros and Cons of Using Block Quotes

Using block quotes effectively can enhance your writing, but there are advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

  1. Clarity: Block quotes help emphasize important text and make your argument clearer.
  2. Visual Break: They offer a visual break in the text, helping to keep readers engaged.
  3. Authority: Including block quotes from credible sources bolsters your argument, showcasing that established experts back your claims.

Cons

  1. Overuse: Relying too heavily on block quotes can overshadow your voice and make your writing less original.
  2. Space: They take up more space on the page, which could affect the layout, especially in shorter texts.
  3. Formatting Issues: Improperly formatted block quotes could confuse or distract readers.

Best Practices for Block Quotes

When using block quotes, keep these best practices in mind:

  1. Limit Length: A block quote is usually reserved for four or more lines long. For shorter quotes, standard quotation marks are sufficient.
  2. Integrate Thoughtfully: Add context to your block quote. Before introducing the quote, provide a lead-in sentence that explains its significance to your argument.
  3. Paraphrase When Appropriate: Sometimes, paraphrasing rather than quoting verbatim might be more effective, especially for longer passages. This practice keeps your voice prominent while conveying essential information.
  4. Formatting Consistency: Ensure that your block quotes follow one consistent style throughout your document, whether you’re using MLA or APA formatting or another style guide.

Potential Pitfalls to Avoid

Here are some common missteps people make when formatting block quotes in Google Docs:

  1. Ignoring Citation Rules: Failing to cite a block quote properly can lead to plagiarism accusations. Always abide by the citation requirements of your chosen format.
  2. Neglecting Context: Introducing a block quote without sufficient lead-in context may confuse your readers. Explain why the quote is relevant to your argument.
  3. Formatting Errors: Inconsistent indentation or font differences can make your document seem unprofessional. Regularly check that your formatting is uniform.
  4. Quoting Out of Context: Ensuring the block quote accurately reflects the author’s original intent is essential. Misquoting can mislead readers and weaken your argument.

Additional Tips for Enhancing Block Quotes

Here’s how to ensure your block quotes are impactful:

  • Vary Your Text: Mix up sentence structures and narratives leading into your block quotes. This approach will maintain reader interest.
  • Use Annotations: If the quotes come from a source that allows it, consider adding annotations or comments to clarify meaning or relevance directly in the document.
  • Consider Visual Elements: Sometimes, incorporating visuals or charts alongside block quotes reinforces their importance and provides extra context.

Real-World Application

To illustrate these tips in action, consider a student writing a paper on technology’s impact on education. They could write:

“The integration of technology in classrooms encourages collaboration among students.”

After formatting this into a block quote and surrounding it with context, it might appear in the paper as follows:

While traditional teaching methods are valuable, different techniques can foster team learning.

> “The integration of technology in classrooms encourages collaboration among students.”

> (Smith, 2021)

Troubleshooting Common Issues with Block Quotes in Google Docs

Using block quotes in Google Docs can enhance the clarity of your work, but sometimes, you might run into issues while trying to format them correctly. Here are some common problems and solutions to help you troubleshoot when your block quotes aren’t right.

1. Block Quote Formatting Doesn’t Appear

Scenario: You select a paragraph to format as a block quote, but it still appears as regular text.

Solution: First, ensure you follow the right steps: highlight the text you want to quote, then navigate to “Format” in the top menu. Select “Align & indent,” then choose “Indentation options.” Set the left and right indent to at least 0.5 inches. If it still doesn’t look correct, try refreshing your document or recounting the steps, as sometimes formatting glitches can occur.

2. Text Doesn’t Indent Properly

Scenario: Your block quote is indented, but the text appears too far off the margin.

Solution: Check your indentation settings. Click on the ruler at the top of the document. You should see a blue triangle (the First Line Indent) and a rectangle (the Left Indent). Ensure the rectangle is set to the desired indent (0.5 inches is standard for block quotes), and the triangle should be aligned with the left indent for a clean look. If they’re misaligned, just drag them to the correct positions.

3. Double Spacing Issues

Scenario: After formatting your block quote, the spacing between lines seems off, making it hard to read.

Solution: Highlight the block quote text and go to “Format”> “Line spacing.” Ensure it’s set to “Single” or “1.15,” commonly used for block quotes. If it’s set to “Double,” that can create extra space in your block quote, making it look messy.

4. Issues with Adding Borders or Shading

Scenario: You want to add a background color to your block quote, but it doesn’t apply.

Solution: After selecting the text, go to “Format”> “Paragraph styles”> “Borders and shading.” If you want to add a background color, ensure you choose the “Background color” option rather than other features like borders that might not be visible if you don’t choose a contrasting color. Click “Apply” after selecting your color to see the changes.

5. Text Style Changes Aren’t Sticking

Scenario: You change your block quote’s font style or size, but it reverts to the default when you click away.

Solution: This issue often happens if you inadvertently apply the changes to only part of the text or your document has established styles that take precedence. To avoid this, select the entire block quote text and change the font style from the toolbar. If you’re still having issues, try clearing the formatting with “Format”> “Clear formatting” (or press Ctrl + ) and then reapply your chosen styles to the highlighted text.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to How To Do A Block Quote In Google Docs

Q. What is a block quote?
A. A block quote is a long quotation set apart from the main text. It typically starts on a new line and is indented from the left and right margins.

Q. How do I start a block quote in Google Docs?
A. To start a block quote, type the text you want to quote. Then, press “Enter” to move to a new line and indent the quote.

Q. How do I indent a block quote in Google Docs?
A. You can indent a block quote by clicking on the ruler at the top of the document. Drag the left indent marker to the right, usually by half an inch.

Q. Do I need to use quotation marks for a block quote?
A. No, you do not need to use quotation marks around a block quote. The indentation shows it’s a quote on its own.

Q. How do I add a citation for a block quote in Google Docs?
A. After the block quote, add your citation to a new line. You can format it in italics or use a standard citation format, like APA or MLA.

Q. Can I change the font or size of a block quote in Google Docs?
A. Yes, you can change the font or size of a block quote just like regular text. Highlight the text and use the toolbar to select different font styles or sizes.

Q. How do I change/format a block quote with multiple paragraphs?
A. If your block quote has multiple paragraphs, each new paragraph should be indented the same way, but the first line of each paragraph should not have an extra indent.

Q. Is there a keyboard shortcut to create a block quote in Google Docs?
A. While there is no specific keyboard shortcut for block quotes, you can quickly indent text using the Tab key after placing your cursor at the beginning of the paragraph.

Q. Can I use a different color or highlight for a block quote?
A. Absolutely! Changing text color or applying a highlight to your block quote involves selecting the text and choosing either the “Text color” or “Highlight” options in the toolbar.

Q. How do I remove a block quote formatting?
A. Select the indented text and drag the left indent marker back to the left on the ruler to remove the block quote formatting. Alternatively, pressing your keyboard’s “Tab” key shifts it back.

Conclusion

Learning to format block quotes in Google Docs is an important skill for anyone who writes or researches. Following our outlined steps, you can easily highlight long passages from other texts, making your work more informative and professional. Remember to check your document’s formatting to ensure your block quotes stand out while keeping your writing clean and organized. With practice, you’ll become more comfortable using block quotes and enhance the quality of your writing!

Disclaimer: This article provides guidance on formatting block quotes in Google Docs. While we strive to offer accurate information, understanding the subject matter is crucial. For further learning, visit Google Docs Support and Microsoft Style Guide. These resources complement our content, enhancing your knowledge. By reading this article and exploring additional sources like APA Style and the Chicago Manual of Style, you’ll become proficient in Google Docs and citation styles, making you a skilled user.

About the Author

David Harris is a content writer at Adazing with 20 years of experience navigating the ever-evolving worlds of publishing and technology. Equal parts editor, tech enthusiast, and caffeine connoisseur, he’s spent decades turning big ideas into polished prose. As a former Technical Writer for a cloud-based publishing software company and a Ghostwriter of over 60 books, David’s expertise spans technical precision and creative storytelling. At Adazing, he brings a knack for clarity and a love of the written word to every project—while still searching for the keyboard shortcut that refills his coffee.