How to Do a Block Quote in Google Docs

Follow these steps to do a block quote in Google Docs.

How Format a Block Quote in a Grammar Style with Google Docs

The steps above will create a basic, generic block quote that stands out from surrounding text. This is ideal for personal use or when formatting a document to your own standard. However, you may need to format a block quote in a specific grammar style used by your university, company, or organization. Grammar style dictates details like line spacing and citation requirements. Here’s a list of common styles with links to formatting notes for each:

APA MLA Chicago AP Style

These grammar styles are further modified by organizations to fit their needs, so consult a style guide from your organization if one is available.

When Should I Use a Block Quote in Google Docs?

There’s no universal rule that decides when a block quote is appropriate. Each grammar style has its own specific requirements. However, two situations are the most common

A short block quote, such as a single sentence, is often used to add visual impact to a quote. This is often used in news and editorial articles, as well as marketing and advertising copy. The quote may not be a full quote but instead an excerpt from a quote.Longer block quotes, which may include numerous sentences or even multiple paragraphs, are often used in academic and scholarly articles. Some grammar styles even require that a block quote be used if a quote is beyond a certain length.