Citation vs. Quotation — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 14, 2023
A Citation is a reference to a source, while a Quotation is the exact words taken from that source. Both are used to give credit, but a citation can be paraphrased whereas a quotation cannot.
Difference Between Citation and Quotation
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A Citation is essentially a way of informing the reader where information has come from. This can be in the form of an in-text marker or a bibliographic entry. A Quotation, on the other hand, is a verbatim excerpt from a source, enclosed in quotation marks to signify its exact origin.
A Citation can include not just written materials but also sources like images, videos, or other media. Quotations are specifically the exact words taken from a written or spoken source. Both are critical in academic writing to ensure credibility and avoid plagiarism.
Citations allow for some interpretation and paraphrasing. When you cite a source, you can rephrase the information, as long as you attribute it correctly. Quotations do not allow this flexibility. When you quote, you must reproduce the text exactly as it appears in the source.
In the American style of writing, Citations typically use formats like APA, MLA, or Chicago, which have specific rules for how to reference a source. Quotations also follow these styles but are most concerned with ensuring the exact words are reproduced and properly credited.
Comparison Chart
Type of Information
Reference to source
Exact words
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Flexibility
Can be paraphrased
Must be verbatim
Source Types
Multiple
Primarily written or spoken
Format
APA, MLA, etc.
Same, but with quotation marks
Purpose
Credibility & Reference
Credibility & Exactness
Compare with Definitions
Citation
Citations are essential in scholarly work.
For a detailed discussion, see Smith (2020).
Quotation
Quotations can come from written or spoken words.
The president said, We will prevail.
Citation
A citation can accompany paraphrased data.
As Smith (2020) notes, ...
Quotation
Quotations often include an in-text citation.
As Smith states, The sky is blue (2020).
Citation
A citation gives credit to the original source.
(Smith, 2020).
Quotation
Quotations are typically short, exact excerpts.
Life is what happens when you're busy making other plans (Lennon).
Citation
Citations can refer to books, articles, or online content.
According to a study by Smith (2020), ...
Quotation
A quotation is the repetition of a sentence, phrase, or passage from speech or text that someone has said or written. In oral speech, it is the representation of an utterance (i.e.
Citation
Citations follow specific styles like APA or MLA.
(Smith, 2020, p. 32).
Quotation
The act of quoting.
Citation
A citation is a reference to a source. More precisely, a citation is an abbreviated alphanumeric expression embedded in the body of an intellectual work that denotes an entry in the bibliographic references section of the work for the purpose of acknowledging the relevance of the works of others to the topic of discussion at the spot where the citation appears.
Quotation
A passage quoted.
Citation
The act of citing.
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
A quotation of or explicit reference to a source for substantiation, as in a scholarly paper.
Quotation
The quoting of current prices and bids for securities and goods.
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 prices or bids cited.
Citation
An official commendation for meritorious action, especially in military service
A citation for bravery.
Quotation
A fragment of a human expression that is repeated by somebody else, for example from literature or a famous speech.
Citation
A formal statement of the accomplishments of one being honored with an academic degree.
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, especially one calling for appearance in court.
Quotation
The act of setting a price.
Citation
An official summons or notice given to a person to appear.
Quotation
(obsolete) A quota, a share.
Citation
The paper containing such summons or notice.
Quotation
The act of quoting or citing.
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
That which is quoted or cited; a part of a book or writing named, repeated, or adduced as evidence or illustration.
Citation
An entry in a list of sources from which information was taken, typically following a prescribed bibliographical style; a reference.
Quotation
The naming or publishing of the current price of stocks, bonds, or any commodity; also, the price named.
Citation
The passage or words quoted; a quotation.
Quotation
Quota; share.
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
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
Enumeration; mention.
It's a simple citation of facts.
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 reference to decided cases, or books of authority, to prove a point in law.
Quotation
A passage or expression that is quoted or cited
Citation
A commendation in recognition of some achievement, or a formal statement of an achievement.
Quotation
A statement of the current market price of a security or commodity
Citation
An official summons or notice given to a person to appear; the paper containing such summons or notice.
Quotation
The practice of quoting from books or plays etc.;
Since he lacks originality he must rely on quotation
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
A quotation reproduces text verbatim.
Smith (2020) states, The sky is blue.
Citation
Enumeration; mention; as, a citation of facts.
Quotation
Quotations must credit the original author.
The sky is blue (Smith, 2020).
Citation
A reference to decided cases, or books of authority, to prove a point in law.
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
Common Curiosities
Where do Quotations come from?
Typically from written or spoken sources.
Do Citations require a specific format?
Yes, like APA, MLA, or Chicago.
What is a Quotation?
The exact words taken from a source.
Can Citations be paraphrased?
Yes, citations allow for paraphrasing.
What types of sources can be cited?
Books, articles, websites, and more.
What is a Citation?
A reference to a source of information.
How many Citations should a paper have?
As many as needed for proper attribution.
Must Quotations be exact?
Yes, they must be verbatim.
Do Quotations require citation?
Yes, to attribute the source.
Is a Citation always needed in academic writing?
Yes, to maintain credibility.
Can a Quotation be long?
It can be, but often it's best to keep it short.
Can you cite a Quotation?
Yes, both should be cited to give credit.
Do Citations include the author's name?
Usually, along with the publication date.
Is a Quotation better than a paraphrase?
Not necessarily; it depends on context.
Should Quotations be in quotation marks?
Yes, to signify their exact origin.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
