What is the maximum length of a direct quote before it must be formatted as a block quote in APA style?

In APA style, when using direct quotes, the formatting changes depending on the length of the quote. A quote that exceeds 40 words must be formatted as a block quote. This means that the quote is indented and presented as a separate paragraph, without quotation marks, to enhance readability and distinguish it from the rest of the text. This guideline is important for maintaining clarity in academic writing, ensuring that longer quotes are appropriately presented to emphasize the source's original language and ideas while avoiding disruption in the flow of the narrative. By adhering to this standard, writers can effectively integrate substantial excerpts from their sources into their work, which is especially valuable in supporting their arguments or analyses.