Mastering Nested Quotations A Clear Guide On How To Cite A Quote Within A Quote Correctly

Nested quotations—quotes within quotes—are common in academic writing, journalism, and literary analysis. Yet, they often trip up even experienced writers. Misuse can confuse readers, distort meaning, or violate citation standards. Getting it right matters not just for clarity but for credibility. Whether you're quoting a character who quotes someone else, referencing a scholar citing another source, or analyzing layered dialogue, precision is key. This guide breaks down the rules across major style guides, provides real-world examples, and equips you with tools to handle nested quotations confidently.

Understanding Nested Quotations

A nested quotation occurs when one quoted passage appears inside another. For example, if you’re quoting an author who themselves quoted someone else, you must preserve both layers without distorting either voice. The primary challenge lies in distinguishing between the outer and inner quotes while maintaining grammatical correctness and stylistic consistency.

In formal writing, especially under strict citation guidelines like MLA, APA, or Chicago, the structure of quotation marks changes depending on whether you're using American or British English conventions. In American English, double quotation marks enclose the main quote, while single quotation marks set off the inner quote. British English typically reverses this order.

“She said, ‘I heard him say, “This changes everything,”’ which stunned the entire room.”

This sentence demonstrates three levels of speech: the narrator’s report, the woman’s words, and the man’s original statement. Each level is clearly marked by alternating quotation marks.

Tip: Always alternate quotation marks—double then single—when nesting. Never use double marks twice in a row.

Citation Styles Compared: MLA, APA, and Chicago

Different disciplines follow different style manuals, each with specific rules for handling embedded quotations. Below is a comparison of how MLA (Modern Language Association), APA (American Psychological Association), and Chicago handle nested quotations.

Style	Outer Quote	Inner Quote	Example
MLA	Double quotation marks (“ ”)	Single quotation marks (‘ ’)	According to Smith, “Johnson argued that ‘language shapes perception’ in all cognitive domains” (45).
APA	Double quotation marks (“ ”)	Single quotation marks (‘ ’)	The study found participants “repeated phrases such as ‘I can’t believe it’ multiple times” (Lee, 2022, p. 13).
Chicago	Double quotation marks (“ ”)	Single quotation marks (‘ ’)	He recalled her saying, “She whispered, ‘Don’t tell anyone,’ before closing the door.”

All three major U.S.-based styles use the same pattern: double quotes for the primary quotation, single for the secondary. However, always verify your institution’s preferred style guide, as minor variations exist—especially regarding punctuation placement and citation formatting.

Step-by-Step Guide to Formatting Nested Quotes

Follow these steps to ensure accuracy every time you include a quote within a quote:

1. Identify the layers of speech. Determine which part is your direct quote (outer) and which is the quote within it (inner).
2. Use double quotation marks for the outer quote. Begin and end the full quoted passage with “ ”.
3. Switch to single quotation marks for the inner quote. Wrap the quoted material within the larger quote using ‘ ’.
4. Maintain original punctuation. Keep commas and periods inside the inner quote if they were there originally.
5. Add citation information outside all quotation marks. Place parentheses, footnotes, or attributions after the closing double quote.
6. Clarify attribution if needed. Use signal phrases like “she recalled,” “he reported,” or “the article states” to orient the reader.

For instance, consider a historian quoting a diary entry where the diarist recalls a general’s command:

“General Grant told his troops, ‘Hold the line at all costs,’ moments before the first cannon fired” (Thompson, 2019, p. 78).

Here, the outer quote belongs to the historian; the inner, to General Grant. The citation follows standard APA format.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even seasoned writers make errors with nested quotations. Here are frequent pitfalls and how to correct them:

• Using double quotes for both levels. This blurs the distinction between speakers and violates style rules.
• Omitting quotation marks entirely for the inner quote. Doing so implies paraphrase rather than direct speech.
• Incorrect punctuation placement. In American English, periods and commas go inside the final quotation mark—even when nested.
• Failing to cite the original source. If you’re quoting someone quoting another person, clarify whose idea it is.

“Accuracy in quotation is not just about marks—it’s about intellectual honesty.” — Dr. Lila Chen, Rhetoric Professor, University of Michigan

Real Example: A Journalist’s Dilemma

Consider a news article covering a political debate. The reporter writes:

The mayor responded, “When I asked the council member, ‘Are we prioritizing public safety?’ she replied, ‘Budget constraints limit immediate action.’”

In this case, the journalist nests two levels of direct speech: their own question (quoted within the mayor’s statement) and the council member’s response. By using double quotes for the mayor’s full remark and single quotes for the embedded questions and answers, the hierarchy remains clear. Readers can trace each utterance to its speaker without confusion.

If misformatted—say, with only double quotes throughout—the sentence becomes ambiguous:

❌ “When I asked the council member, “Are we prioritizing public safety?” she replied, “Budget constraints limit immediate action.””

This version risks appearing unprofessional and may suggest poor editorial oversight.

Checklist for Perfect Nested Quotations

Use this checklist before finalizing any quotation with embedded quotes:

• ✅ Outer quote enclosed in double quotation marks (“ ”)
• ✅ Inner quote enclosed in single quotation marks (‘ ’)
• ✅ Punctuation placed correctly (commas/periods inside closing quotes)
• ✅ Source cited properly after the outer quote
• ✅ Attribution made clear (who said what)
• ✅ No consecutive double quotation marks
• ✅ Consistent style (MLA, APA, or Chicago) applied throughout

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I need to nest more than two levels of quotation?

While rare, triple-layered quotes are possible. In such cases, revert to double quotation marks for the third level: “She said, ‘He shouted, “Stop right there!”’” Note that excessive nesting can confuse readers, so consider paraphrasing or restructuring when feasible.

Do I always need to use single quotes for the inner quote?

In American English and under MLA, APA, and Chicago styles, yes. However, British English often uses single quotes for the outer layer and doubles for the inner. Always align with your audience’s expected convention.

Can I use brackets to clarify nested quotes?

Yes. Brackets allow you to insert clarifying words without altering the original meaning. For example: “The witness stated, ‘I saw [the suspect] run toward the building and yell, “It’s over!”’” Brackets help maintain clarity while preserving authenticity.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Mastering nested quotations isn’t just about following rules—it’s about respecting voices, preserving intent, and communicating with precision. Whether you're writing a research paper, crafting a novel, or reporting an interview, the way you frame quoted speech shapes how your audience interprets truth and authority.

Take a moment to review your recent work. Have you used nested quotes? Were they formatted correctly? Apply the principles outlined here: alternate quotation marks, attribute clearly, and cite accurately. Then, share your experience. Have you encountered tricky quotation scenarios? What style guide do you rely on most? Your insights could help others navigate the nuances of language with greater confidence.

💬 Found this guide helpful? Share it with a colleague or leave a comment with your toughest quotation challenge—we’d love to hear from you!