How do I cite a quotation that I’ve altered? This is a common question among students and researchers who are working on academic papers or presentations. When you need to quote a source but make slight changes to the original text for clarity or to fit the context of your work, it’s important to follow proper citation guidelines to give credit to the original author. In this article, we will explore the different ways to cite an altered quotation and provide examples to help you understand the process.
Citing an altered quotation involves two main steps: identifying the original source and providing a proper citation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
1. Identify the original source: Before you can cite an altered quotation, you must first determine the original source of the quote. This may involve searching through the original text or using a citation database to find the author and publication information.
2. Provide a proper citation: Once you have identified the original source, you need to include a citation in your work. The format of the citation will depend on the citation style you are using, such as APA, MLA, Chicago, or Harvard.
Here are some examples of how to cite an altered quotation in different citation styles:
– APA: In APA style, you would include the author’s last name, the year of publication, and the page number in parentheses after the altered quotation. For example: (Smith, 2020, p. 15).
– MLA: In MLA style, you would include the author’s last name and the page number in parentheses after the altered quotation. For example: (Smith 15).
– Chicago: In Chicago style, you would include the author’s last name, the year of publication, and the page number in parentheses after the altered quotation. For example: (Smith 2020, 15).
– Harvard: In Harvard style, you would include the author’s last name and the year of publication in parentheses after the altered quotation. For example: (Smith 2020).
Remember to include the full citation in the Works Cited or References section at the end of your paper, following the appropriate citation style guidelines.
It’s important to note that when you alter a quotation, you should only make changes that are necessary for clarity or to fit the context of your work. Avoid altering the meaning of the original quote, as this can be considered plagiarism. Always seek permission from the original author or publisher if you need to make significant changes to a quotation.
In conclusion, citing an altered quotation requires identifying the original source and providing a proper citation in the appropriate citation style. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you give credit to the original author while maintaining the integrity of your work.
