Indirect quote

Definition

An indirect quote is a paraphrase or a summary of someone's spoken or written words rather than a verbatim account. This technique allows writers to convey the essence of what was said while maintaining their own voice and style, making it easier to integrate into their narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Indirect quotes help avoid overusing direct quotes, allowing the writer to maintain a consistent voice throughout their work.
2. When using an indirect quote, it’s essential to accurately represent the speaker's intent and meaning, even if the exact words are not used.
3. Indirect quotes are often used in journalism and magazine writing to summarize key points from interviews while keeping the writing flowing.
4. Writers must ensure that the context of the original statement is preserved when paraphrasing, as altering it can misrepresent the speaker's message.
5. While indirect quotes do not require quotation marks, it’s still important to provide proper attribution to the original speaker or source.

Review Questions

• How does using an indirect quote differ from a direct quote in terms of style and integration into writing?
  • Using an indirect quote allows writers to summarize and paraphrase what someone said, which can help maintain their own voice and style. Unlike direct quotes that require exact wording and quotation marks, indirect quotes offer more flexibility in how information is presented. This makes it easier for writers to integrate quotes seamlessly into their narratives while still accurately representing the speaker's main ideas.
• In what scenarios might a writer prefer to use an indirect quote instead of a direct quote when reporting information?
  • A writer might choose an indirect quote over a direct quote when they want to streamline the narrative or emphasize broader themes rather than specific wording. Indirect quotes are particularly useful when summarizing lengthy statements or distilling complex ideas into simpler terms. This approach helps maintain readability and can clarify the main points without overwhelming readers with too many direct citations.
• Evaluate how effectively integrating indirect quotes can enhance the overall quality of magazine writing and its impact on readers.
  • Integrating indirect quotes effectively enhances magazine writing by making it more engaging and accessible for readers. It allows writers to convey information succinctly while preserving the essence of the speaker's message. By using indirect quotes strategically, writers can create a smoother flow in their articles and highlight key insights without bogging down the narrative with excessive direct citations. This approach ultimately improves readability and helps maintain reader interest, which is crucial in magazine writing.

Related terms

direct quote: A direct quote is an exact reproduction of someone's spoken or written words, typically enclosed in quotation marks.

paraphrase: To paraphrase means to restate someone else's ideas or words using different wording while preserving the original meaning.

attribution: Attribution refers to acknowledging the source of information or quotes, whether they are direct or indirect, to give credit and maintain credibility.