quoting someone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "quoting someone" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to refer to the act of repeating someone else's words. Example: She is quoting someone when she says, "The only limit is your mind." Alternative expressions include "citing someone" and "referencing someone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

"We're quoting someone else".

The New Yorker

Almost every line is Balanchine quoting someone else.

The New Yorker

Quotes - direct and anonymous If quoting someone directly, you should generally use their exact words.

Independent

On the whole Guardian foreign correspondents are wary about using the word unless quoting someone else.

The Guardian - Opinion

Handel could scarcely pick up a pen without quoting someone else's themes.

The New York Times - Arts

"I promise there won't be 'too many tweets...'... " he wrote in his first message, as if quoting someone.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

You should exercise caution if you want to quote someone anonymously.

Independent

You quote someone from a conservative think tank who concludes that New York's test is unreliable.

The New York Times

"I don't want to quote myself so I'm going to quote someone else.

The Guardian

When they quote someone, they are required to do so accurately.

The New York Times

(Burkett doesn't actually use that term herself, but approvingly quotes someone who does).

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Provide context for the quote, explaining who the person is and why their statement is relevant to your writing. This enhances understanding and credibility.

Common error

Before "quoting someone", double-check the original source to ensure the quote is accurate and properly attributed. Misquotes can damage your credibility and mislead your audience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "quoting someone" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun. It describes the action of using someone's words directly in speech or writing. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate this usage in varied contexts, from journalism to arts commentary.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "quoting someone" is a grammatically sound and commonly used gerund phrase that signifies the act of directly referencing another person's words. Ludwig's AI analysis and examples show that it is primarily used in news and media to add credibility or evidence to an argument. When writing, it's crucial to accurately attribute quotes to avoid misrepresentation. Remember that paraphrasing is a viable alternative when the exact words are not essential. This guide, informed by various sources, ensures confident and effective usage of "quoting someone" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

citing an individual

Focuses on the act of formally referencing someone's work or statement.

referencing a person

Highlights the act of mentioning or alluding to someone.

attributing to somebody

Emphasizes the act of assigning a statement or idea to a particular person.

ascribing to a source

Highlights assigning an idea, statement, or characteristic to a particular origin.

crediting an author

Specifically focuses on acknowledging the originator of a written work or idea.

naming the speaker

Directly indicates identifying the person who made a statement.

identifying the source

Focuses on pinpointing the origin of information.

giving someone credit

Emphasizes acknowledging someone's contribution or idea.

reporting what someone said

Focuses on conveying the message or information spoken by an individual.

repeating another's words

Highlights verbatim restatement of someone else's expressions.

FAQs

How should I format a sentence when "quoting someone"?

Enclose the quoted material in quotation marks and introduce it with a signal phrase, such as 'According to [person's name],' or '[Person's name] stated that'. For example: According to John Smith, "the results were inconclusive".

What's the difference between paraphrasing and "quoting someone"?

Paraphrasing involves restating someone else's idea in your own words, while "quoting someone" means using their exact words. Quotes require quotation marks and proper attribution.

When is it appropriate to "quote someone" directly?

It is best to "quote someone" directly when their words are particularly impactful, unique, or when you need to preserve the original meaning and tone. Otherwise, paraphrasing is often sufficient.

What are some alternatives to "quoting someone"?

You can use alternatives like "citing an individual", "referencing a person", or "attributing to somebody" depending on the context.