Module 4: Text Content and Inline Semantics
Quotations and Citations
Mark short and long quotations correctly and distinguish quoted material from a work title.
Use q for a short quotation that sits inside a sentence. Use blockquote for a longer quotation set apart from the surrounding text.
<p>The guide recommends, <q>test the form with a keyboard</q>.</p>
<blockquote cite="https://example.com/editorial-guidelines">
<p>Examples should show the smallest complete case that demonstrates the behavior.</p>
</blockquote>
The cite attribute on a blockquote can record the source URL, but browsers do not normally display it as a citation. If readers need to see the source, provide a visible link or source note.
The cite element is different. It identifies the title of a work, such as a book, film, report, or specification. Do not wrap an author’s name in cite simply because the person wrote the quotation. Keep attribution as ordinary text or a link.
Quotation markup does not replace editorial responsibility. Quote only what is necessary, preserve the original meaning, and give readers a way to find the source when the quotation is important to the argument.