On the Quote vs. In the Quote – Which is Correct?
Both “on the quote” and “in the quote” are correct, but they describe different locations. Use “in the quote” for words contained within quoted language. Use “on the quote” for information appearing on a written price estimate or quotation document. Context determines the right preposition, especially in business writing clearly.
On the Quote or In the Quote – Which is Correct?
Both expressions are valid, but they are not interchangeable. Use “in the quote” when referring to words, phrases, or information contained within someone’s spoken or written quotation. Use “on the quote” when referring to information printed, listed, or displayed on a price estimate or quotation document.
For example, you might say, “The delivery date is in the quote” when discussing the wording of a quotation. However, “The delivery date is on the quote” usually means the date appears somewhere on the estimate document. In business communication, “on the quote” often refers to the document as a physical or digital page.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Use the container test: if the quote contains words, use “in the quote.” If the quote is a document that displays details, use “on the quote.” Think of words as being inside the quotation, while prices, dates, and terms appear on the surface of an estimate.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| In the quote | Prepositional phrase | Contained within quoted words or language | “There is an important qualification in the quote.” |
| On the quote | Prepositional phrase | Displayed or listed on a quotation document | “The tax is not shown on the quote.” |
How to Use “In the Quote”
Use “in the quote” when discussing the content of a quotation. The quotation may be spoken, written, published, or included in a transcript, report, article, essay, or book. The preposition in emphasizes that the relevant word or idea is part of the quotation itself.
This expression is also appropriate when a person is checking the exact wording, meaning, or context of a statement. It is common in journalism, academic writing, legal discussion, editing, and everyday conversation.
Example 1: The speaker’s name does not appear in the quote.
Example 2: There is a subtle criticism in the quote that readers may overlook.
Example 3: Please check whether the word “temporary” is in the quote before publishing the article.
Etymology of the phrase “in the quote”
The phrase combines the preposition in, which has long expressed inclusion or containment, with quote, a shortened form of quotation. Quotation comes from the Latin quotare, meaning “to mark a number” or “to cite,” and eventually developed its modern meaning of repeating someone’s words.
How to Use “On the Quote”
Use “on the quote” when referring to information shown on a price quotation, estimate, proposal, or similar business document. The information may include a price, product description, delivery date, expiration date, tax, warranty, or payment term.
This phrase is especially common in sales, construction, manufacturing, purchasing, contracting, and customer-service communication. In formal writing, “on the quotation” or “listed in the quotation” may sound more polished, but “on the quote” is natural in everyday business English.
Be careful not to use “on the quote” when you mean the words spoken by a person. In that situation, “in the quote” is normally the correct choice.
Example 1: The installation fee is listed on the quote.
Example 2: I do not see an expiration date on the quote you sent.
Example 3: Please add the expedited shipping charge on the quote before forwarding it to the client.
Etymology of the phrase “on the quote”
The phrase uses on in its familiar sense of appearing on or being recorded on a surface or document. Quote is an abbreviated form of quotation, which can mean either a repeated statement or a formal price estimate. The document-related meaning of “quote” is particularly common in modern commercial English.
Related Concepts
Understanding the difference between in and on helps you choose the correct expression when describing language, documents, and information.
- Prepositions of location: The preposition in commonly indicates inclusion within something, while on often indicates a position on a surface or document.
- Quotation: A quotation can mean repeated words attributed to a speaker or a formal estimate of price. Identifying which meaning applies usually determines the correct phrase.
- Business documents: A quote in a commercial setting is usually an estimate listing costs, services, terms, and conditions. Details may naturally be described as appearing “on the quote.”
- Direct speech: Words repeated exactly from a speaker or writer are contained “in the quote,” especially when the focus is on wording or meaning.
Examples from Media and Literature
These examples show how the two expressions work in journalism, literary analysis, entertainment, and business communication.
- News reporting: An editor might write, “The reference to rising costs appears in the quote from the minister.” The phrase refers to the minister’s exact words.
- Literary analysis: A student could explain, “The repeated image of darkness in the quote suggests the character’s uncertainty.” The wording is part of a passage from a book or play.
- Film subtitles: A translator may check whether a character’s name is correctly spelled in the quote shown in a transcript.
- Business correspondence: A customer might ask, “Is installation included on the quote?” Here, the question concerns a service listed on a price estimate.
- Purchasing discussions: A manager could say, “The supplier included a three-year warranty on the quote.” The warranty is a term displayed in the commercial document.
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct phrase, on the quote or in the quote, to complete each sentence.
- The exact wording appears ______ from the interview.
- The labor charge is clearly listed ______ from the contractor.
- There is an unusual expression ______ that published passage.
- Can you add the delivery date ______ before sending it to the customer?
- The author’s main argument can be found ______ from the essay.
Answer Key
- In the quote
- On the quote
- In the quote
- On the quote
- In the quote
“In the Quote” Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Within the quotation | Contained within the exact words being quoted; formal and precise. |
| In the cited passage | Located within a passage reproduced from another source. |
| Among the quoted words | Found as part of the words someone has repeated. |
“On the Quote” Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Listed on the estimate | Displayed as a detail on a document showing expected costs. |
| Included in the quotation | Included as part of a formal price proposal; often more formal than “on the quote.” |
| Shown on the proposal | Displayed on a business proposal or pricing document. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “in the quote” grammatically correct?
Yes. “In the quote” is correct when you mean that words, ideas, or details are contained within a spoken or written quotation.
Question 2: Is “on the quote” grammatically correct?
Yes. “On the quote” is correct when referring to information displayed on a price estimate or quotation document. In formal business writing, “listed in the quotation” may sound more polished.
Question 3: Should I say “in the quote” or “on the quote” for a price?
Use “on the quote” when the price appears on an estimate document. You can also say “the price is included in the quote,” especially when emphasizing that the price is part of the quotation’s contents.
Conclusion
Choose “in the quote” for words or ideas contained within spoken or written language, and choose “on the quote” for details displayed on a price estimate or quotation document. When the meaning could be unclear, use a more specific phrase such as “within the quotation” or “listed on the estimate.” Pro tip: Precise preposition choices make professional emails, proposals, and reports sound clearer and more credible.
