A quotation or a citation is an exact verbatim extract from a text or statement, ranging from a phrase or a simple sentence to an impressive passage of text. In the text, the quotation is presented as direct or indirect speech. The direct quotation requires the name of the author, the name of the cited work and the quotation per se enclosed in the quotation marks. Indirect quoting does not require citing the name of the author; such a quotation is introduced into the text with the help of parenthetical words or clauses. Obviously, direct speech is more expressive and convincing.
Why do we use quotations in our speech and writing? Is it to corroborate our thoughts, to clarify an issue or to show off?
As Michel de Montaigne once said, "If I quote others, it is only to better express my own notion."
Undoubtedly, one of the distinctive features of a highly-developed person is erudition and, subsequently, the use of quotations and aphorisms* from the books this person has read. An aptly chosen statement immediately attracts the attention of others. Quotations from classical literature and the works of philosophers are as a rule suitable as arguments in discussions. Today, quotations are particularly relevant as brief and concise statuses in various social networks.
Besides, quotations from various works help to get a general idea of the latter - for example, it is possible to become interested in a new book or movie by reading a couple of interesting quotes from them. It is also fascinating to recall your favorite moments, for which sometimes just reading a couple of lines is sufficient.
If you know a lot of quotations you can appropriately use them in a suitable situation. Perhaps, it is worth it as this will make you known as a broadminded person and win you appreciation of others. And if you register on our website, you can add quotations to your Favorites and access your list of favourite statements via the Internet at any time, even from your phone or someone else's computer.
*An aphorism is a complete and deep thought of a certain author expressed in laconic form (many aphorisms consist of just 3 to 5 words). As a rule, aphorisms are easily memorized because of their brevity and uniqueness, and many people use them in their written or oral speech, i.e. quote them.
The variety of aphorisms and quotations enriches the structure of the language, making speech lively, vivid and memorable. Nevertheless, do not overdo it if you want to avoid making your speech impersonal and stripping the quotation of its author's meaning.
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