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Prepositions with nouns

Of quote or in quote?

English commonly uses in quotes or quoted. The phrase of quote is not standard.

Quick answer

Which phrase should you use?

Use in quotes when referring to words shown inside quotation marks. Of quote is not an idiomatic English combination.

The phrase appeared in quotes in the article.
She wrote the title in quotes to show it was exact wording.

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
in quotes

Showing quoted wording

In quotes means enclosed by quotation marks or repeated exactly.

His comment was printed in quotes in the newspaper.
2
quote from + source

Naming the source of a quotation

Use from to identify where a quotation comes from.

She included a quote from the interview in her essay.
3
quote about + topic

Describing the subject of a quotation

Use about to state what the quotation discusses.

They shared a quote about leadership at the conference.

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
in quote
The sentence appeared in quote marks.
Possible only when quote modifies another noun such as quote marks; not a fixed phrase by itself.
of quote
The sentence of quote was unclear.
Nonstandard in ordinary English.
in quotes
The phrase was written in quotes.
Standard expression for words inside quotation marks.
quote from
We used a quote from the report.
Standard way to identify a source.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of quote instead of in quotes

English uses in quotes for quoted wording.

✕ The title appeared of quote. ✓ The title appeared in quotes.

Confusing quote with quotation marks

Quote alone is usually a noun or verb, while quotes often refers to quotation marks.

✕ Put the phrase in quote. ✓ Put the phrase in quotes.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The editor placed the sentence ___ to show exact wording.
2. We included a quote ___ the CEO.
3. Which expression is nonstandard?

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Frequently asked questions

What does in quotes mean?

It means inside quotation marks or repeated exactly.

Is in quote correct?

Usually no. English normally uses in quotes.

How do I mention the source of a quotation?

Use quote from plus the source, such as a quote from the article.

of, about, against, to or for racism? of, about, for, in or on friendship? of, about, for, on or to thing? of, about, for, to or with sex? of, about, on, to or for moon? "of access" or "with access"? "of accommodation" or "for accommodation"? "of accuracy" or "for accuracy"? "of action" or "in action"? "of actor", "with actor" or "by actor"? "of address" or "to address"? "of administration" or "in administration"?

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