to quote you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to quote you" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to refer to someone's exact words or statements in your writing or conversation. Example: "In our meeting, I would like to refer back to your earlier statement, to quote you, 'We need to prioritize our goals for this quarter.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

And I do have to quote you here.

The New York Times

I'm going to quote you from your syllabus, the course you're now teaching at Berkeley.

University of California, Berkeley

"I have to quote you a 5percentt risk you'll be visibly weak," he said.

The New York Times

I want to quote you here on what you say in your book about King, an additional point.

University of California, Berkeley

I hope you will be glad I plan to quote you and link to you in my work for Sundays so those parents can see what you are doing as well.

University of California, Berkeley

As far as strenuous work is concerned, I can do no better than to quote you a comment by my mother, who said, 'It is better to wear out than to rust out.' As ever yours . .

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

"Wolf, Wolf," he said, "what I find in this whole operation is people want you to admit, quote, you made a mistake... ..... "What's wrong with that, if you made a mistake?" Blitzer asked.

The New York Times - Books

If you want to get quoted, you need to be an easy source be accessible, willing to give information on background, and don't expect to be quoted.

TechCrunch

Be sure to cite any passage or quote you take from someone else.

WikiHow

To quote Gandhi, you were the change you wanted to see.

The Guardian

Also be aware of the restrictions on how much you're able to quote before you're breaching copyright.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to quote you" in formal writing, always cite the source of the quotation if it's from a published work or recorded speech.

Common error

Avoid paraphrasing after introducing a quote with "to quote you". Ensure that the words following the phrase are the exact words spoken or written by the person you are quoting to maintain accuracy and avoid misrepresenting their viewpoint.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to quote you" serves as an introductory phrase, explicitly signaling that the speaker or writer is about to repeat the exact words of another person. This function is evident in the examples Ludwig provides, where the phrase precedes a direct quotation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

27%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to quote you" is a commonly used and grammatically correct introductory phrase used to indicate that the following words are a direct quotation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, though most frequently encountered in news and media and academic writing. When using the phrase, ensure that you are accurately representing the original speaker's words and cite the source when appropriate. Avoid paraphrasing or misattributing quotes after using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

i'd like to quote you

A slightly more polite way of introducing someone's quote.

let me quote you

Offers a direct quote from something the person has said or written.

quoting you

A shortened version of "to quote you", often used in less formal contexts.

to cite you

Similar to "to quote you", but often used in more formal or academic settings.

as you stated

Refers to a formal or previously recorded statement.

in your own words

Emphasizes that the following explanation should come directly from the speaker's understanding.

in your words

Focuses on using the other person's specific vocabulary and phrasing.

according to you

Attributes the following statement or belief directly to the other person.

to paraphrase you

Indicates a summary or restatement of what someone said, rather than a direct quote.

if I understand you correctly

Seeks clarification or confirmation of the other person's meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "to quote you" in a sentence?

You can use "to quote you" to introduce something someone has previously said. For example, "Regarding the budget concerns, "to quote you", 'We need to prioritize our spending.'"

What's a more formal way to say "to quote you"?

In a more formal context, you could use "to cite you" or "as you stated", which convey a similar meaning while maintaining a professional tone.

Is there a difference between "to quote you" and "if I understand you correctly"?

"To quote you" introduces a direct repetition of someone's words, while "if I understand you correctly" seeks confirmation of your interpretation of their meaning. The first is about verbatim accuracy, the second about comprehension.

What phrases can I use instead of "to quote you"?

Depending on the context, you might use "in your own words" or "according to you". However, ensure the alternative accurately reflects whether you are providing a direct quote or summarizing.