quotation, quote

Careful writers use quote as a verb and quotation as a noun. Informally, quote is often substituted for quotation, whether it refers to cited material or a cost estimate. In the publishing industry, quotation marks are often called quotes.

  • I wanted to quote a passage from The Edible Woman but could not find the book anywhere.
  • Informal usage:
    What is the source of that quote?
    The architect said she would give her quote in writing
    Be sure to put quotes around the title.
  • Formal usage:
    What is the source of that quotation?
    The architect said she would give her quotation in writing.
    Be sure to put quotation marks around the title.

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