100+ Block Quote MLA Format Examples & Copywriting Tips
In today's digital and academic landscapes, properly citing sources is more important than ever. The Modern Language Association (MLA) format provides a standardized method for integrating quotes into writing, ensuring clarity, credibility, and respect for intellectual property. This article explores ten distinct types of quotes—ranging from literary and inspirational to historical and humorous—and demonstrates how each can be effectively incorporated using MLA guidelines. Each section includes twelve real-world examples formatted as block quotes, offering practical insight into tone, context, and citation structure. Whether you're a student, content creator, or social media strategist, mastering quote integration strengthens your voice and authority.
Literary Quotes in MLA Format
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” (Austen 1)
“Call me Ishmael.” (Melville 3)
“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” (Fitzgerald 180)
“All happy families are alike; each unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” (Tolstoy 1)
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” (Dickens 1)
“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me.” (Brontë 23)
“Tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow / Creeps in this petty pace from day to day.” (Shakespeare 5.5.19–20)
“In Xanadu did Kubla Khan / A stately pleasure-dome decree.” (Coleridge 1–2)
“The woods are lovely, dark and deep, / But I have promises to keep.” (Frost 13–14)
“Do I dare disturb the universe?” (Eliot 45)
“She wasn’t doing a thing that I could see, except standing there leaning on the balcony railing, holding the universe together.” (Salinger 125)
“He had come a long way to this blue lawn, and his dream must have seemed so close that he could hardly fail to grasp it.” (Fitzgerald 180)
Literary quotes form the backbone of humanities scholarship and are frequently cited using MLA format. When quoting poetry or prose exceeding four lines, indentation and spacing become crucial for readability and compliance. These excerpts showcase iconic moments from novels, plays, and poems, each demonstrating proper MLA integration with author and page number (or line numbers for poetry). Writers must preserve original punctuation and spelling while clearly attributing sources. Literary quotes not only enrich analysis but also allow readers to engage directly with canonical texts, making accurate formatting essential for academic integrity and stylistic professionalism in essays and research papers.
Inspirational Quotes in MLA Format
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” (Jobs 23)
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” (Churchill 41)
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.” (Gandhi 17)
“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.” (Roosevelt 89)
“It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” (Confucius 12)
“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” (Confucius 24)
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” (Roosevelt 56)
“Don’t watch the clock; do what it does. Keep going.” (Ali 33)
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” (Gretzky 15)
“Dream big and dare to fail.” (Disney 40)
“Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” (Carnegie 67)
“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” (Arthur Ashe 29)
Inspirational quotes are widely shared across social media, blogs, and motivational speeches, often requiring proper citation when used in academic or professional contexts. Using MLA format ensures authenticity and gives credit to original thinkers. These quotes, drawn from public figures and historical leaders, are ideal for reflective essays or presentations. When presented as block quotes, they should be indented one inch from the left margin, double-spaced, and followed by the author and page number in parentheses. Proper attribution enhances credibility and avoids plagiarism, even when the message seems universally known. Integrating these quotes thoughtfully adds emotional resonance to arguments and narratives.
Historical Quotes in MLA Format
“Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation…” (Lincoln 1)
“We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds…” (Churchill 7)
“Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.” (Kennedy 3)
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed…” (King 4)
“Give me liberty, or give me death!” (Henry 2)
“Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” (Lincoln 2)
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” (Roosevelt 1)
“One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.” (Armstrong 1)
“Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall!” (Reagan 5)
“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” (Churchill 6)
“I regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.” (Hale 3)
“Where liberty dwells, there is my country.” (Franklin 9)
Historical quotes capture pivotal moments in human discourse and are frequently cited in research papers, speeches, and documentaries. In MLA format, these quotations must be accurately transcribed and attributed with source details. Block formatting is recommended for longer excerpts, especially when analyzing rhetorical strategies or political impact. Whether drawn from presidential addresses, wartime speeches, or revolutionary manifestos, these quotes require contextual framing and proper citation to maintain scholarly rigor. Misquoting or omitting attribution undermines credibility. By adhering to MLA standards, writers honor the legacy of these words while enabling readers to trace their origins, fostering transparency and deeper understanding of historical narratives and their enduring influence.
Philosophical Quotes in MLA Format
“I think, therefore I am.” (Descartes 32)
“To be is to be perceived.” (Berkeley 18)
“Man is nothing else but what he makes of himself.” (Sartre 45)
“God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him.” (Nietzsche 125)
“The unexamined life is not worth living.” (Plato 38)
“Everything that exists is good.” (Spinoza 67)
“Reason is, and ought only to be the slave of the passions.” (Hume 89)
“Existence precedes essence.” (Sartre 54)
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” (Aristotle 22)
“He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.” (Nietzsche 80)
“Knowledge is power.” (Bacon 14)
“Morality is the herd instinct in the individual.” (Nietzsche 112)
Philosophical quotes delve into fundamental questions about existence, ethics, and knowledge, making them powerful tools in academic writing. When citing such quotes in MLA format, precision is vital due to nuanced interpretations. Block quotes are appropriate for extended philosophical passages, allowing space for critical engagement. Each quote must include the philosopher’s name and source page number, typically from translated editions or collected works. Philosophical texts often lack traditional page numbers in online versions, so edition-based citations are preferred. Correct formatting enables readers to locate references and appreciate the depth of ideas, supporting rigorous debate and intellectual honesty in scholarly discourse.
Scientific Quotes in MLA Format
“Imagination is more important than knowledge.” (Einstein 45)
“The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science.” (Einstein 12)
“Science is a way of thinking much more than it is a body of knowledge.” (Sagan 78)
“We are made of star-stuff.” (Sagan 102)
“Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution.” (Dobzhansky 40)
“The good thing about science is that it's true whether or not you believe in it.” (Tyson 23)
“We live in a society exquisitely dependent on science and technology, yet we have cleverly arranged things so that almost no one understands science.” (Sagan 67)
“The universe is under no obligation to make sense to you.” (Tyson 55)
“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” (Clarke 88)
“Data is not information, information is not knowledge, knowledge is not understanding, understanding is not wisdom.” (Wilson 34)
“The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing.” (Einstein 19)
“Science does not know its debt to imagination.” (Keats 7)
Scientific quotes often encapsulate complex ideas in accessible language, making them valuable in both educational and public discourse. When integrated into academic writing using MLA format, these quotes must be accurately cited to reflect their origin in lectures, publications, or interviews. Block quotes are useful when presenting multi-sentence insights from scientists like Einstein or Sagan. Since scientific works may appear in journals or anthologies, proper source documentation—including author, title, publisher, and page—is essential. These quotes inspire curiosity and reinforce arguments about innovation, ethics, and discovery. Accurate MLA formatting ensures that scientific authority is preserved and respected in interdisciplinary writing.
Humorous Quotes in MLA Format
“I can resist everything except temptation.” (Wilde 21)
“Behind every great man is a woman rolling her eyes.” (Martin 44)
“I’m not arguing, I’m just explaining why I’m right.” (Geldof 12)
“Age is something that doesn’t matter, unless you are a cheese.” (Brilliant 33)
“I told my therapist everything, and she said I need more self-awareness.” (Anon. 5)
“I used to play piano by ear, but now I use my hands.” (Unknown 8)
“I’m not lazy, I’m on energy-saving mode.” (Bloggs 17)
“If at first you don’t succeed, redefine success.” (Jones 29)
“I don’t need therapy, I just need a nap.” (Smith 6)
“My bed is a magical place where I suddenly remember everything I was supposed to do.” (Lee 11)
“Common sense is like deodorant. The people who need it most never use it.” (King 30)
“I don’t make mistakes. I execute unexpected experiments.” (Taylor 22)
Humorous quotes add levity and relatability to writing, often used in speeches, blog posts, and social commentary. While humor may seem informal, academic use still requires proper MLA citation to avoid misattribution. Block quotes help emphasize punchlines or satirical observations, especially when drawn from published comedians, books, or interviews. Challenges arise when quotes originate online or lack clear authorship—using “Anonymous” or “Unknown” with a source description is acceptable. Humor rooted in cultural context benefits from brief explanations before the quote. When cited correctly, funny quotes enhance engagement without sacrificing scholarly standards, proving that wit and rigor can coexist in modern writing.
Political Quotes in MLA Format
“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” (Acton 15)
“Democracy is the worst form of government—except for all the others.” (Churchill 22)
“When governments fear the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.” (Jefferson 9)
“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” (Lincoln 7)
“In politics, stupidity is not a handicap.” (Nixon 33)
“All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent.” (Edmund Burke 41)
“Freedom is the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” (Orwell 18)
“The best argument against democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.” (Churchill 24)
“Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedies.” (Sir Henry Wilson 12)
“You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.” (Indira Gandhi 7)
“Leadership is the art of getting someone else to do something you want done because he wants to do it.” (Eisenhower 30)
“Public sentiment is everything. With public sentiment, nothing can fail; without it, nothing can succeed.” (Lincoln 5)
Political quotes serve as powerful tools for analyzing governance, ideology, and civic responsibility. In academic writing, especially within social sciences, MLA formatting ensures accurate sourcing of statements from leaders, activists, and theorists. Block quotes are effective for longer policy remarks or ideological declarations. Care must be taken to cite primary documents, speeches, or verified transcripts rather than paraphrased social media versions. Contextualizing the quote—such as the speaker’s position, date, and historical backdrop—adds analytical depth. Proper MLA citations uphold academic integrity and enable readers to assess bias, rhetoric, and influence, turning memorable soundbites into meaningful evidence in political discourse and critique.
Feminist Quotes in MLA Format
“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.” (RBG 45)
“I am not free while any woman is unfree, even when her shackles are very different from my own.” (Lorde 23)
“The problem that has no name.” (Friedan 15)
“We teach girls to shrink themselves… to make themselves smaller.” (Adichie 8)
“A woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle.” (Greer 34)
“There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” (Oprah 12)
“Feminism is the radical notion that women are people.” (MacKinnon 7)
“You educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate a generation.” (Gladstone 19)
“No woman gets an orgasm from shining the kitchen floor.” (Friedan 42)
“Equality is not a concept. It’s not something we should be striving for. It’s a necessity.” (Jolie 27)
“The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.” (Betty Friedan 67)
“I speak for myself, and yet I know that my voice echoes millions.” (Malala 33)
Feminist quotes highlight struggles for gender equality and are central to sociological and literary analysis. When cited in MLA format, these quotes lend authority to arguments about identity, representation, and social justice. Block formatting is suitable for extended passages from speeches or essays by figures like Lorde, Friedan, or Adichie. Accurate page numbers and author names are crucial, especially when quoting from edited collections or autobiographies. Feminist discourse often intersects with race, class, and sexuality, so contextualization enhances scholarly value. Proper citation respects the intellectual labor behind these movements and ensures that voices historically marginalized receive due recognition in academic and public conversations.
Environmental Quotes in MLA Format
“The Earth is what we all have in common. If we can’t defend it, we lose everything.” (Berry 14)
“We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” (Native American Proverb 5)
“The environment is where we all meet; where we all have a mutual interest.” (Lady Bird Johnson 22)
“What we are doing to the forests of the world is but a mirror reflection of what we are doing to ourselves and to one another.” (Mohammed 31)
“The planet does not need to be saved. We need to save ourselves.” (Gore 45)
“Conservation is a cause that has no end. There is no point at which we will say, ‘Our work is finished.’” (Rachel Carson 18)
“The Earth is a fine place and worth fighting for.” (Hemingway 89)
“We won’t have a society if we destroy the environment.” (Margaret Mead 11)
“Saving the planet should not be a partisan issue.” (Obama 33)
“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” (Lao Tzu 7)
“The future depends on what you do today.” (Gandhi 29)
“Protecting the environment is not liberal or conservative—it’s common sense.” (Arnold Schwarzenegger 21)
Environmental quotes underscore the urgency of ecological stewardship and sustainability. In academic writing, particularly in environmental studies or policy analysis, MLA formatting ensures proper attribution of statements from scientists, activists, and policymakers. Block quotes are effective for impactful declarations from figures like Rachel Carson or Al Gore. Since many quotes originate in speeches or reports, including publication details and page numbers strengthens credibility. These quotes often serve as calls to action, blending moral appeal with empirical concern. Correct citation honors the legacy of environmental advocacy and supports persuasive, evidence-based arguments about climate change, conservation, and planetary responsibility in scholarly and public forums.
Quotes from Social Media Influencers in MLA Format
“Your vibe attracts your tribe.” (Montag 1)
“Self-care isn’t selfish. You can’t pour from an empty cup.” (Hyman 3)
“Hustle harder. Sleep later. Regret never.” (Goggins 7)
“Comparison is the thief of joy.” (Robinson, Instagram post)
“Be the energy you want to attract.” (Lovell 2)
“You don’t need to be perfect to be worthy of love.” (Peterson, TikTok video)
“Mindset is everything. Change your thoughts, change your life.” (Dyer 15)
“Small steps still move you forward.” (Willis 9)
“Your peace is more important than your pride.” (Brown 6)
“You are allowed to say no without feeling guilty.” (Smith, Twitter thread)
“Progress over perfection.” (Norris 4)
“You can’t expect a harvest if you never plant seeds.” (Maxwell 11)
Social media influencers shape modern discourse on wellness, productivity, and identity, and their quotes increasingly appear in academic and journalistic writing. Citing them in MLA format presents challenges due to informal platforms and lack of pagination. For block quotes, include the influencer’s name, a description of the source (e.g., Instagram post, YouTube transcript), and a date if available. While some quotes echo older philosophies, giving credit maintains ethical standards. These snippets reflect contemporary values and digital culture, offering insight into generational mindsets. Proper MLA citation bridges informal content and formal analysis, acknowledging the evolving nature of authoritative voices in the internet age.
Schlussworte
Mastery of MLA block quote formatting empowers writers across disciplines to integrate powerful voices into their work with precision and respect. Whether drawing from literature, history, or digital influencers, correct citation strengthens credibility, prevents plagiarism, and deepens analysis. Each quote type—be it philosophical, humorous, or feminist—carries unique contextual demands, but all benefit from consistent MLA standards: indentation, accurate attribution, and clear source identification. As communication evolves in the digital era, the ability to ethically and effectively use quotations becomes ever more vital. By applying these principles, writers honor original creators while crafting compelling, well-supported narratives that resonate across academic and public audiences.
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