Indirect quote

Definition

An indirect quote is a paraphrase of someone else's words rather than a direct citation. It conveys the essence of what the person said without using their exact phrasing, allowing writers to incorporate information while maintaining a flow in their writing. This form of quoting is important for clarity and conciseness, and it aligns with specific style guidelines that dictate how to properly attribute information.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Indirect quotes do not require quotation marks since they are not the exact words spoken by an individual.
2. When using an indirect quote, it's essential to maintain the original meaning while adapting the language to fit the narrative.
3. AP Style encourages the use of indirect quotes to provide a more concise representation of a person's ideas without compromising accuracy.
4. Attribution in indirect quotes is still crucial; you should clearly state who said the original statement to maintain credibility.
5. Indirect quotes can help in avoiding overly long direct quotes, which can disrupt the flow of writing.

Review Questions

• How does an indirect quote differ from a direct quote in terms of usage and presentation?
  • An indirect quote differs from a direct quote primarily in that it paraphrases the speaker's words instead of repeating them verbatim. While direct quotes require quotation marks and maintain the exact phrasing of what was said, indirect quotes convey the same idea but in a more integrated manner within the text. This allows for smoother writing and helps avoid disruptions caused by lengthy verbatim statements.
• Discuss the role of attribution in indirect quotes and why it is important for maintaining journalistic integrity.
  • Attribution plays a crucial role in indirect quotes because it establishes credibility and transparency regarding the source of information. By clearly stating who originally conveyed the idea being paraphrased, journalists uphold ethical standards and allow readers to trace back statements to their sources. This practice reinforces trustworthiness and accuracy in reporting, as audiences can recognize where ideas originate and assess their validity.
• Evaluate how using indirect quotes can enhance storytelling in news articles while adhering to AP Style guidelines.
  • Using indirect quotes can significantly enhance storytelling by allowing writers to present complex ideas more fluidly without interrupting the narrative flow with direct citations. This technique aligns with AP Style guidelines that prioritize clarity and conciseness, enabling journalists to convey essential information effectively. Indirect quotes allow writers to synthesize multiple viewpoints while maintaining the core message, thereby enriching the overall narrative and providing readers with a more engaging experience.

Related terms

direct quote: A direct quote is an exact repetition of someone's spoken or written words, enclosed in quotation marks, which preserves the original wording and intent.

attribution: Attribution refers to the process of identifying the source of information, ensuring that credit is given to the original speaker or writer when using their ideas or quotes.

paraphrase: A paraphrase is a restatement of a text or passage in one's own words while retaining the original meaning, often used to clarify or simplify complex information.