APA 7 format establishes several ways to cite information based on the context in which you use it. Citations can be:
- Parenthetical citations
- Narrative quotes
- Paraphrased quotes
- Textual citations (less and more than 40 words)
Below, we explain each of them and show you how to apply them in Word.
1. Parenthetical Citations
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Parenthetical citations are used when you introduce the source at the end of a sentence or idea. In these citations, you place the reference in parentheses just before the period at the end of the sentence.
Steps to create a parenthetical citation in Word:
- Write the text you want to quote.
- Select the reference: Go to References >
and choose the source you already have saved in your reference list. - Citation position: The citation must be inside the parentheses and before the period at the end of the sentence.
2. Narrative Quotes
Narrative quotes are those in which the author’s name appears integrated into the text of your sentence. They are generally used at the beginning of a sentence or paragraph.
Steps to make a narrative citation in Word:
- Write the text and include the author’s name at the beginning of the sentence.
- Convert the quote to static text: After inserting the quote, select the Convert to static text option in Word so you can edit it.
- Remove the parentheses and comma: Remove the parentheses and adjust the quote so it fits naturally within the text.
3. Paraphrased Quotes
Paraphrasing is when you express an idea taken from another source, but in your own words. Even when you use your own words, it ‘s mandatory to cite the original source to avoid
.
How to make a paraphrased quote:
- Write the idea in your own words.
- Insert the quote at the end of the sentence or use the author’s name at the beginning, as in narrative quotes.
- You can choose a parenthetical or narrative citation for paraphrased quotes, depending on how you structure the sentence.
Tips for Managing Citations in Word
- Use Word’s citation manager: When you insert a citation in Word, you can easily manage references and automatically generate a bibliography.
- Check your citation style: Make sure APA style is selected in the References section of Word.
- Edit the reference when necessary: If you need to add a page number to a citation, select the citation, go to Edit Citation , and add the page number.
Creating citations in APA 7 format may seem complicated at first, but with this guide and Word tools, you can manage your citations quickly and efficiently. Narrative and parenthetical citations allow you to cite in different ways depending on the context of your text, while direct and paraphrase citations help you incorporate information from other sources without plagiarizing.
With these steps, you’ll be ready to write an academic paper with well-structured
. Remember, practice is key, and the more you practice, the easier it will be to correctly apply citation standards in your papers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between a narrative quotation and a parenthetical quotation?
A narrative quotation incorporates the author’s name into the text, while a parenthetical quotation places the reference at the end of the sentence or paragraph. - How do I cite a quote in APA 7 if it’s longer than 40 words?
Quotes longer than 40 words should be in a separate paragraph, without quotation marks, and indented 0.5 inches. - Can I paraphrase and still cite in APA 7?
Yes, even when paraphrasing, it’s necessary to cite the source to credit the original author and avoid plagiarism. - How do I add a page number to a citation in Word?
Select the citation, go to Edit Citation , and add the page number in the corresponding field. - Can I use parenthetical quotes at the beginning of a sentence?
No, parenthetical quotes must be placed at the end of the thought, before the period.
