Citing sources in APA format isn’t just about following rules, it’s about writing with clarity, accuracy, and respect for original work. But when it comes to quoting longer passages, the process can feel unclear. APA block quotes, in particular, have their own set of formatting rules that differ from standard in-text citations.
From knowing when to use them to formatting them correctly in your document, it’s easy to overlook key details. In this guide, I’ll take you through how to format a block quote APA style using three practical approaches: doing it manually, using citation tools, and formatting directly in WPS Office.
What Is a Block Quote in APA?
In APA style, a block quote is a direct quotation that contains 40 words or more. It’s used when quoting a large chunk of text from a source, like a book, journal article, or even a speech. Because these quotes are longer and more detailed, APA requires a distinct format to make them stand out clearly from your own writing. If you’re wondering how to block quote properly, the key is following a few specific formatting rules:
Let me show you an example of what this looks like:
Notice how the citation comes after the period? That’s one of those details that APA style gets really specific about and exactly why it's important to follow the block quotation APA format closely when quoting longer passages.
Tools to Help Format or Generate Block Quotes
When I first tried to format a block quote in APA, I assumed it was just a matter of hitting the tab key and moving on. Turns out, there’s a bit more to it: indentation, spacing, punctuation, and knowing exactly when a quote qualifies as a block. To make things easier, I explored a few tools that promise to simplify citation formatting. After testing them out on real academic texts, I found a handful that actually save time and keep things APA-compliant.
Zotero
Zotero is a powerful, open-source reference manager designed for students, researchers, and academics. It’s particularly useful if you’re handling multiple sources and need a centralized place to store and organize them. It also integrates seamlessly with word processors, making citation insertion and bibliography creation incredibly efficient.
Zotero doesn’t generate block quotes for you but it really takes the pressure off by organizing your sources and keeping everything ready to cite. Once I’ve got my references in place, figuring out how to do a block quote manually in WPS Word becomes a lot simpler especially when I’m not wasting time hunting down citation details.
QuillBot Citation Generator
QuillBot offers a fast, web-based citation tool for students and writers who need reliable APA citations without overcomplicating the process. It handles a wide range of source types with ease and keeps the workflow smooth. Its straightforward interface makes it ideal for generating accurate citations under tight deadlines.
I often turn to QuillBot when I need to create accurate citations quickly. It takes just a few seconds to enter the source details and get a properly formatted APA reference. Although it doesn't handle block quote formatting, it definitely cuts down the time I spend double-checking citation rules.
Scribbr APA Citation Generator
Scribbr’s citation generator combines simplicity with educational value, guiding you through the APA citation process with tooltips and built-in formatting help. It’s a great choice for users who want both accurate citations and a better understanding of how APA formatting works. The layout is clean, and it doesn’t overwhelm you with too many options.
I like using Scribbr when I want a bit more guidance while building citations. It walks me through each part of the reference, so I know I’m not missing anything important. Even though it doesn’t handle block quote formatting, it helps me stay confident that my citations are APA-compliant.
How to Format APA Block Quotes in WPS Word
Formatting block quotes manually might seem tedious at first, especially with all the small APA-specific details like indentation and spacing. But once you get familiar with the steps, it becomes a simple routine. WPS Word makes this even easier with built-in formatting tools that let you apply APA style without needing any extra plugins or complex settings.
Step 1: First, select the quote you plan to turn into a block quote. Make sure it’s at least 40 words. You can use the Word Count feature in the Review tab if you’re unsure.
Step 2: Since APA block quotes don’t use quotation marks, go ahead and delete them from the beginning and end of the quote.
Step 3: Now it’s time to indent the whole block. go ahead and highlight all the entries. Then, right-click the highlighted section and choose “Paragraph” from the context menu.
Step 4: In the Paragraph window, set up the formatting like this:
Under Line spacing, choose “Multiple” from the dropdown, and type 2 in the box next to it.
Under Indentation, set “Special” to Hanging and enter 0.5 inches in the “By” box.
Step 5: Insert the citation after the final punctuation mark in the block quote as seen in the picture below.
Step 6: Make sure your block quote matches the rest of your document in font, size, and spacing. WPS Word usually preserves formatting, but for quick alignment, use the Format Brush, just copy the style from your main text and apply it to the quote.
FAQs About APA Block Quotes
1. How many words is a block quote in APA?
Any quote with 40 words or more is considered a block quote.
2. Do I use quotation marks for block quotes?
No. APA block quotes are not enclosed in quotation marks.
3. Where does the citation go in a block quote?
It goes after the period at the end of the quote.
4. Can I format block quotes in WPS Word?
Yes. Use the Paragraph settings to apply a left indent and double spacing.
