Quote vs. Quotation – Which is Correct?
While often used interchangeably, quote functions as both a noun (a direct excerpt) and a verb (to cite or state). Quotation is primarily a noun, referring to the excerpt itself, the act of quoting, or a price estimate. The key distinction lies in quote being able to act as a verb, whereas quotation cannot.
Quote or Quotation – Which is Correct?
Both “quote” and “quotation” are correct words in American English, but they serve distinct grammatical roles and carry subtle differences in nuance. The primary distinction is that “quote” can function as both a verb and a noun, while “quotation” is exclusively a noun. Understanding this difference is crucial for precise communication.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Think of it this way: Quote is shorter, like a quick action or a brief snippet. It can be a verb (“to quote a source”) or a short noun (“a great quote”). Quotation is longer and more formal, always a noun, referring to the complete act or the full passage (“a lengthy quotation from the text”). If you can replace the word with a verb like “to cite,” use “quote.” If you’re referring to the actual passage or the formal act, “quotation” is usually more appropriate.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quote | Verb, Noun | (Verb) To repeat words from a text or speech; to state a price. (Noun) A passage or phrase repeated; an estimated price. | “Please quote the exact lines.” / “That’s a powerful quote.” |
| Quotation | Noun | A passage or statement repeated from a text or speech; the act of quoting; a formal statement of a price. | “The professor asked for a direct quotation.” / “We received a competitive quotation for the project.” |
How to Use Quote
“Quote” is highly versatile, serving as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it means to repeat or copy words from a text or speech, often with attribution. It can also mean to state a price for a job or goods. As a noun, “quote” refers to the actual passage repeated or the price estimate given. It tends to be more common in casual speech and writing, though its use as a noun is increasingly accepted in formal contexts.
Example 1 (Verb – repeat): The journalist chose to quote the senator’s exact words in the article.
Example 2 (Verb – price): The contractor will quote us a price for the renovation by Friday.
Example 3 (Noun – passage): My favorite part of the speech was that inspiring quote about perseverance.
What are the different forms of Quote?
As a verb, “quote” follows regular conjugation rules:
- Base Form: quote
- Third Person Singular Present: quotes
- Present Participle: quoting
- Past Simple: quoted
- Past Participle: quoted
As a noun, “quote” forms its plural regularly:
- Singular: quote
- Plural: quotes
Etymology of the word Quote
The word “quote” entered English in the 15th century, derived from the Medieval Latin quotare, meaning “to number,” “to distinguish by numbers,” or “to mark off.” This root reflects the original practice of marking passages with numbers or symbols for reference, leading to its meaning of citing or referring to a specific text.
How to Use Quotation
“Quotation” is exclusively a noun and carries a more formal tone than “quote” when referring to a repeated passage. It denotes the act of quoting, the passage itself (especially if it’s longer or more formal), or a formal statement of a price. It is the preferred term in academic writing, legal documents, and situations requiring precision.
Example 1 (Noun – passage): Her essay included a lengthy quotation from Shakespeare to support her argument.
Example 2 (Noun – act of quoting): The direct quotation of sources is essential for academic integrity.
Example 3 (Noun – price): We are waiting for the final quotation before approving the budget for the new equipment.
What are the different forms of Quotation?
As a noun, “quotation” follows regular pluralization rules:
- Singular: quotation
- Plural: quotations
Etymology of the word Quotation
“Quotation” emerged in the late 16th century, forming from the verb “quote” and the suffix -ation, which is used to form nouns of action or process. This etymology clearly marks “quotation” as the noun referring to the result or the act of quoting, distinguishing it from the verb form.
Related Concepts
Understanding broader grammatical concepts can help clarify the distinction between “quote” and “quotation” and their appropriate usage.
- Parts of Speech: Recognizing whether a word functions as a noun, verb, adjective, or adverb is fundamental. “Quote” uniquely serves as both a noun and a verb, while “quotation” is strictly a noun, influencing how they fit into sentences.
- Direct vs. Indirect Speech: Direct speech involves quoting someone’s exact words (using “quote” as a verb, or referring to the “quotation” itself). Indirect speech paraphrases what someone said without direct quotation marks.
Examples from Media and Literature
Observing how these words are used in various contexts can solidify your understanding.
- In Toni Morrison’s Beloved, a character might offer a poignant quotation that encapsulates the novel’s themes.
- News reports frequently quote officials directly to ensure accuracy and provide firsthand accounts.
- A famous movie line, like “Here’s looking at you, kid,” is often referred to as a classic Hollywood quote.
- When requesting services, businesses often ask for a written quotation detailing the costs and scope of work.
- During a debate, a speaker might challenge an opponent by saying, “Can you quote the exact policy you’re referring to?”
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
- The professor asked us to include at least two direct __________ from the assigned reading in our essays.
- Can you please __________ the price for installing the new software?
- That last __________ from the CEO really resonated with the audience.
- She began her presentation with a powerful __________ from Martin Luther King Jr.
- It’s important to __________ your sources accurately to avoid plagiarism.
Answer Key
- quotations
- quote
- quote
- quotation
- quote
Quote Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Cite (verb) | To refer to as an example or authority. |
| Recite (verb) | To repeat aloud from memory. |
| Excerpt (noun) | A short extract from a film, broadcast, or piece of music or writing. |
| Passage (noun) | A section of a piece of writing or music. |
| Estimate (noun/verb) | (Noun) An approximate calculation or judgment. (Verb) To roughly calculate or judge. |
Quotation Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Citation | A reference to a source of information. |
| Extract | A short passage taken from a book, film, or music. |
| Excerpt | A short extract from a film, broadcast, or piece of music or writing. |
| Reference | The action of mentioning or alluding to something. |
| Estimate | A formal statement of the cost of a piece of work or a quantity of goods. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “quote” informal or slang when used as a noun?
While “quote” as a noun was once considered informal or slang by some grammarians, its usage has become widely accepted in both casual and many formal contexts, especially when referring to a short, impactful saying. However, “quotation” remains the more formal choice, particularly in academic or legal writing.
Question 2: When should I use “quotation marks”?
“Quotation marks” (also called inverted commas or quotes) are punctuation marks used to set off direct speech, titles of short works (like articles or poems), or to indicate that a word or phrase is being used in a special or ironic sense. They are used when you “quote” someone directly or present a “quotation.”
Question 3: Can “quotation” be used as a verb?
No, “quotation” is strictly a noun. It refers to the product of quoting or the act itself. You cannot “quotation” something; you “quote” it.
Conclusion
The distinction between “quote” and “quotation” boils down to their versatility: “quote” functions as both a verb and a noun, while “quotation” is exclusively a noun. While “quote” as a noun is increasingly common, especially for brief sayings, “quotation” maintains its position as the more formal and precise term for a cited passage or a formal price statement. Understanding this nuance allows for clearer, more effective communication. Pro Tip: In professional writing, err on the side of using “quotation” as a noun to maintain a formal and polished tone, reserving “quote” for its verbal function or very casual noun usage.
