I want to quote over 40 words from a Blackboard course discussion for my transcript analysis. Do I block the quote and can I correct the spelling and grammar errors by stating that before writing the quote or do I have to use (sic)? thank you for your help with this.

Question

I want to quote over 40 words from a Blackboard course discussion for my transcript analysis.  Do I block the quote and can I correct the spelling and grammar errors by stating that before writing the quote or do I have to use (sic)?  thank you for your help with this.

anonymous · Answer

APA or MLA? I'd say quote the material as is, because the spelling mistakes may help with a point in the argument. http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/owlprint/577/ then search sic. If your teacher actually mentioned this sic stuff, i'd go use it. If not, I don't see why it is such a big deal.

anonymous · Answer

Thank you!  The errors don't add anything for the purposes I am using it for.  I just want to be sure it is okay to make these minor changes per APA.