actual quote

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "actual quote" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a direct citation or statement made by someone, emphasizing that it is the exact wording used. Example: "In her speech, she provided an actual quote from the book that perfectly illustrated her point."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's actually been rather easy" (an actual quote someone gave me for this article).

Vice

Actual quote?

The Guardian - Arts

What was the actual quote?

The Guardian

Which of the following is an actual quote from Joseph Lieberman?

The New Yorker

(Actual quote: "I'm a nonverbal guy, that's just the way I am").

The New York Times - Style

His actual quote is "I feel these words are as insulting as nigger".

The Guardian

As in "thank you for all you do as yahoos," an actual quote from his lay-off email.

The Guardian - Money

"We change the world and then we leave" and mess up — the actual quote is saltier — "the endgame".

The New York Times

Senators, as the letter helpfully informs the Iranians — this is an actual quote — "may serve an unlimited number of 6-year terms.

The New Yorker

(Actual quote: "I'm a married guy, and I'm not going to have my wife whacked. She's too much fun. You just have to accept that").

The New York Times - Style

It failed to include the second half of his actual quote which finished with "… for couples who dream of destroying one another".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When presenting an "actual quote", always cite the source to maintain credibility and provide context.

Common error

Avoid paraphrasing or altering the "actual quote" to fit your narrative; doing so can distort the original meaning and mislead readers. Always present the quote verbatim to maintain integrity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "actual quote" functions primarily as a noun phrase acting as an appositive or modifier to emphasize the authenticity and precision of a cited statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "actual quote" is a common and grammatically sound way to emphasize the precision of a statement. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's frequently used in news and media to ensure accuracy and highlight direct citations. When using "actual quote", be sure to properly attribute the source and avoid altering the original wording to maintain integrity. Alternatives such as "exact words" and "verbatim statement" can also be employed for variety. The phrase serves as a clear indicator that the words being presented are directly from the source, offering readers confidence in the information's authenticity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exact words

Focuses on the precise terminology used, similar to emphasizing the accuracy of a quote.

verbatim statement

Emphasizes the word-for-word nature of the account.

direct quotation

Highlights that the quote is taken straight from the source without changes.

precise wording

Stresses the specific language used, ensuring there's no misinterpretation.

original quote

Highlights that the quote is from the primary source and hasn't been altered.

the speaker's own words

Points out that the quote reflects the speaker's authentic expression.

word for word

Highlights that the statement is repeated exactly as it was originally said or written.

literal quote

This phrase emphasizes that the quotation is interpreted in its most basic and factual sense.

authentic quote

Emphasizes genuineness and that the quote is truly from the person it's attributed to.

unmodified quote

Highlights that the quote has not been changed or adapted in any way.

FAQs

How can I use "actual quote" in a sentence?

You can use "actual quote" to emphasize that you are providing the exact words someone used, often to correct a misinterpretation or paraphrase. For example: "The article misstated his position; the "actual quote" was much more nuanced."

What is the difference between "actual quote" and paraphrase?

An "actual quote" is the exact wording used by a speaker or writer, while a paraphrase is a restatement of the original text in your own words. Using the "actual quote" provides the original source's exact language, while a paraphrase offers a summary or interpretation.

When is it appropriate to use an "actual quote" instead of paraphrasing?

Use an "actual quote" when the original wording is particularly important, impactful, or unique. Paraphrase when the specific wording is less critical and you want to summarize the main idea in your own words.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "actual quote"?

Instead of "actual quote", you could use phrases like "exact words", "verbatim statement", or "direct quotation" depending on the context.