The keyword "quotes" functions as two distinct parts of speech: a noun and a verb. As a noun, it is the plural form of "quote," referring to a repeated passage, statement, or the punctuation marks used to enclose them (quotation marks). As a verb, it is the third-person singular present tense of "to quote," meaning the act of repeating or citing someone else's words.
The grammatical role of the word within a sentence determines its function. When used as a verb, "quotes" typically follows a singular subject and describes an action (e.g., "The author quotes the study."). Conversely, when used as a noun, "quotes" acts as a subject or object and can be modified by adjectives (e.g., "The famous quotes are on the wall."). This distinction is critical, as the singular noun "quote" and the infinitive verb "to quote" are spelled identically, making contextual analysis essential for interpretation.
For the purpose of an article, establishing whether "quotes" will be treated primarily as a noun or a verb is a foundational decision. This choice dictates the article's thematic focus: an analysis of notable quotations (a noun-centric approach) versus a procedural guide on the practice and mechanics of citation (a verb-centric approach). Correctly identifying the primary part of speech is crucial for ensuring thematic coherence, grammatical precision, and clear communication of the subject matter.
