To introduce a quote, give the reader context before the quoted words: name the source, use a signal verb, and lead in with a phrase or a full sentence. The three standard methods are a signal phrase ending in a comma, a grammatical lead-in with no comma, and a complete sentence followed by a colon. Never drop a quote into your text with no introduction.
Which method you use depends on how the quote fits the grammar of your sentence. Here are all three, with examples and the punctuation each one takes.
Method 1: Signal phrase with a comma
The most common method is a short phrase naming the source and a signal verb, followed by a comma, then the quote.
According to Smith, “the data did not support the original hypothesis” (42).
The comma comes after the signal verb (says, argues, notes, explains, observes) and before the opening quotation mark. This works when the lead-in is not a complete sentence on its own. Vary the verb to match the source’s intent: a writer who is uncertain “suggests,” one who is forceful “argues” or “contends.”
Method 2: Grammatical lead-in with no comma
When the quote completes your own sentence grammatically, weave it in with no comma at all.
Smith found that the results “did not support the original hypothesis” (42).
Here “that” connects your words to the quote without a break, so no comma is needed. This is the smoothest way to integrate short quotes, because the quoted words become part of your own sentence rather than a separate insert. Use it when you are quoting a phrase rather than a full statement.
Method 3: Full sentence and a colon
When your introduction is a complete sentence, use a colon before the quote.
The study reached a blunt conclusion: “the data did not support the original hypothesis” (42).
The colon only works after an independent clause, something that could stand as its own sentence. This method suits longer or more formal quotes and is the standard way to set up a block quote. For when and how to format a long quote, see block quote MLA.
What verbs can you use to introduce a quote?
The default “says” works, but a more precise verb tells the reader how to read the quote. For neutral reporting: states, notes, writes, observes, explains. For argument: argues, contends, claims, asserts, maintains. For agreement or evidence: confirms, demonstrates, points out. For doubt: suggests, speculates, questions.
Match the verb to what the source is actually doing. Calling a tentative remark a “claim” or a firm argument an “observation” misrepresents the source, even if the words are quoted accurately.
What should you do after the quote?
A quote is evidence, not an argument. After it, explain what it shows and tie it back to your point. Dropping a quote and moving on leaves the reader to guess why it matters.
A working pattern is introduce, quote, explain: set up the source, give the quoted words, then say in your own words what they prove. The explanation is where the quote does its work for your argument. For citing the source correctly after you introduce it, see MLA quote citation and APA quote citation.
FAQ
Do you put a comma before a quote?
Only when the lead-in is a signal phrase that is not a complete sentence (Method 1). If the quote completes your sentence grammatically, use no comma; if the lead-in is a full sentence, use a colon.
How do you start a sentence with a quote?
You can open with the quote and attribute it after: “The data did not support the hypothesis,” Smith wrote. Put the comma inside the closing quotation mark and follow with the attribution.
Can you just drop a quote into an essay?
No. A quote with no introduction, sometimes called a dropped or floating quote, confuses the reader and weakens the writing. Always signal who is speaking and why before the quoted words.
How do you introduce a quote from a book?
Name the author and, on first reference, the work: As Orwell writes in 1984, “…” After the first mention, the author’s last name is enough. For paraphrasing a source instead of quoting it, see quotes for students for related guidance on attribution.
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