What is the Difference Between Citation and Quotation?

The main difference between a citation and a quotation lies in how the information from a source is used and presented in the writing:

• Citation: A citation refers to the idea or theory behind the quote and not the exact words. It can be a summary or a paraphrase of the original text, and it is usually written in the author's own words. There is no need to use quotation marks when using a citation.
• Quotation: A quotation, on the other hand, is the exact words of another author used in the writing. When quoting, the original words, punctuation, and capitalization must be maintained, and the quote is typically enclosed in quotation marks.

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference:

Example of a Citation (Paraphrase): The Government of Canada explains that industrial designs are products with unique features--pattern, or design.

Example of a Quotation: The Government of Canada explains that "[i]ndustrial designs are product features that appeal to the eye. They can be a new shape for the hood or fenders of a car, the original pattern in a woven sweater or all of the visual features of a computer monitor. A product's visual appeal gives it a competitive edge, setting it apart from others and making it the one people will buy".

Both citation and quotation require proper referencing style and citing the source of information. However, quotation specifically requires the use of quotation marks or other formatting techniques to indicate that the words are taken directly from the source.

Comparative Table: Citation vs Quotation

Here is a table summarizing the differences between a citation and a quotation:

In summary, a citation involves using an idea from another author and presenting it in your own words or as a summary, while a quotation involves using the exact words from another author and acknowledging the source.