When you add italics to a quotation, you need to indicate that the italics were not part of the original text. This is done to avoid any confusion about the source material.
Here are a few ways to acknowledge the addition of italics to a quotation:
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Use square brackets: Place the word "em" or "italics" in square brackets after the italicized word or phrase within the quotation.
- Example: "The em [italics] are mine," she said.
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Add a note after the quotation: You can include a brief explanation after the quotation, explaining that you added the italics for emphasis.
- Example: "The [italics] are mine," she said. Italics added for emphasis.
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Use a footnote: This is a more formal way to acknowledge the addition of italics. You can include a footnote at the bottom of the page, explaining that you added the italics.
- Example: "The [italics] are mine," she said. <sup>1</sup>
- Footnote: <sup>1</sup> Italics added for emphasis.
By using these methods, you ensure that your readers understand that the italics were added by you and not the original author. This helps to maintain the integrity of the source material and avoids any potential misinterpretations.
