HTML Quotes Element

Using the Quotes Element

  • Identifying a quotation helps clarify that the content is attributed to another author.
  • Quotes can be marked up as inline or as blocks of text.
  • Assistive technologies can convey to users where a quote starts and ends, which can avoid misunderstandings.
  • Blockquotes in Screen Readers, Adrian Roselli

Using the Blockquote Element

  • Use the <blockquote> element for longer and more complex quotes.
  • It can contain Paragraphs, Headings, and other text structure elements. Those should reflect the structure of the cited document.
  • The <cite> element is used to refer to the source of the quote.

Example

<p>The following is an excerpt from <cite>The Story of my Life</cite> by Helen Keller</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Even in the days before my teacher came, I used to feel along the square stiff boxwood hedges, and, guided by the sense of smell, would find the first violets and lilies. There, too, after a fit of temper, I went to find comfort and to hide my hot face in the cool leaves and grass.</p>
</blockquote>

Output

The following is an excerpt from The Story of my Life by Helen Keller

Even in the days before my teacher came, I used to feel along the square stiff boxwood hedges, and, guided by the sense of smell, would find the first violets and lilies. There, too, after a fit of temper, I went to find comfort and to hide my hot face in the cool leaves and grass.

Using the Inline Quote Element

  • For shorter quotes, that are usually embedded in another sentence, use the <q> element.
  • Note that the <q> element generates quotation marks.

Example

<p>Helen Keller said, <q>Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything good in the world.</q></p>

Output

Helen Keller said, Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it, we can never do anything good in the world.