Quotation Marks: A Comprehensive Guide

by | Aug 1, 2024 | English Punctuation

What is a quotation mark and how to use it correctly?

“In writing, punctuation is as important as the words themselves. Without it, language loses its meaning.” This insightful quote highlights the essential role punctuation plays in conveying meaning and clarity in our writing. Among the myriad punctuation marks, quotation marks hold a special place. They not only highlight speech and titles but also guide us through the complexities of dialogue and textual references.

This comprehensive guide aims to unravel the mysteries of quotation marks, exploring their rules, usage, and common pitfalls.

What is the Quotation Marks Symbol?

Definition

Quotation marks, also known as inverted commas, are punctuation marks used to denote speech, quotations, or phrases. They are essential tools in writing, helping to separate a speaker’s words from the rest of the text and indicate the specific words being referenced.

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The quotation marks symbol is a type of punctuation used for setting words and passages apart from the rest of the text. 

Qoutation marks, or “quotes” for short, look just like commas, except quotation marks are at the top of a line instead of at the bottom. 

Double quotation marks are simply tow “commas” next to each other while single quotation marks use only one comma. But, unlime commas, quotation marks can face both directions. The direction of quotation mark faces depends on whether it comes before the quote or after. 

Examples:

  • “How do we use quotation marks?” the student asked their teacher.

Types of Quotation Marks

  • Single Quotation Marks (‘ ‘): Single quotation marks are primarily used in British English to denote direct speech and quotations. In American English, they are used for quotes within quotes.
  • Double Quotation Marks (” “): Double quotation marks are the standard in American English for direct speech, quotations, and titles of certain works. In British English, they are often used for quotes within quotes.

When to Use Quotation Marks

It helps to break down rules for quotation marks by their function, So below, we list out the six main uses for quotation marks.

1. Quoting Direct Speech

Quotation marks are most commonly used to indicate direct speech or dialogue. They show the exact words spoken by a character or individual.

Example:

  • Correct: She said, “I’ll meet you at the park.”
  • Incorrect: She said, I’ll meet you at the park.

When quoting a partial sentence or phrase, ensure that the quotation marks encompass only the quoted portion.

Example:

  • Correct: He described the day as “absolutely perfect.”
  • Incorrect: He described the day as absolutely perfect.

2. Quoting Text

Quotation marks are also used when quoting text from written sources such as articles, books, or speeches. It is crucial to maintain accuracy and context when quoting another’s work.

Example:

  • Correct: According to the article, “the results were inconclusive.”
  • Incorrect: According to the article, the results were inconclusive.

3. Titles of Short Works

Quotation marks are used to indicate the titles of short works such as articles, poems, songs, and chapters in books. This usage helps differentiate short works from longer works, which are usually italicized.

Examples:

  • Article: “The Secrets of the Universe”
  • Poem: “The Road Not Taken”
  • Song: “Bohemian Rhapsody”
  • Chapter: “The Boy Who Lived”

4. Scare Quotes

Scare quotes are used to indicate irony, skepticism, or non-standard usage of a word or phrase. They suggest that the writer is using the term in an unconventional or questioned manner.

Examples:

  • She claimed to be an “expert” in the field, though her knowledge seemed limited.
  • The so-called “health benefits” of the product were questionable.

2. Show Dialogue or Transcribe Speech

Quotation marks are used to represent speech in written text. In nonfiction, they are commonly used to transcribe what a person said, as with an interview or eyewitness account. In fiction, they’re used for writing dialogue or whenever a character say something out loud. 

“Where is the emergency room?” he asked the nurse urgently.

However, if you’re paraphrasing what someone said, you don’t need quotation marks. 

He urgently asked the nurse where the emergency room was.

3. Signal the Titles of Short Works

Aside from quotes and speech, English also uses quotation marks for the titles of works. Certain types of works – but not all – use quotation marks around their titles so the reader knows they are a reference.

Typically, the titles of short-form works like poems, short stories, and songs use quotation marks. Title of long-form works, like books, films, and stage plays, use titles and when to use italics in our guide “When to Use Quotation Marks in Titles.”

4. Set Apart a Word to Show Irony, Sarcasm, or Skepticism (Scare Quotes)

Scare quotes are used to show that the writer doubts the validity of a word. They are commonly used to show irony, sarcasm, or how something is “popularly termed.” This can have the same meaning as the phrase so-called, including suspicious insinuation.

Scare quotes generally appear as quotation marks around a single word or sometimes a phrase. They also require the proper context so the reader understands why the writer doubts or qualifies the word’s usage. Scare quotes in writing are the origin of the air quotes and gestures in in-person speech. 

  • My “pet” is really just a stray cat that comes by once a day.

5. Discuss Words as Words

If you want to discuss a word, phrase, or letter in writing without using its intended meaning, set it apart with quotation marks. Depending on the style format, some writers alternatively use italics without quotation marks.

  • The “p” in “pterodactyl” is actually silent.

6. Differentiate a nickname from a given name

Last, if you are writing a person’s nickname together with their given name, set the nickname apart with quotation marks so the reader knows it’s not part of their formal name. The standard is to place the quoted nickname between the first name and the username, although that’s not necessarily a rule. 

  • Dwayn “The Rock” Johnson can’t escape his origins as a wrestler. 

If the nickname is how a famous person is most commonly recognized, as with many historical figures, then no quotes are necessary. 

  • Many historians believe that Richard the Lionheart was gay, but that evidence has been removed from historical records.

When to Use Single Quotation Marks

One of the most common points of confusion with quotes is when to use single versus double quotation marks. In American Englsh, single quotation marks are used only fo quotes that appear inside the quotes. Fore 

Quotation Marks Rules for Grammar

1. Place punctuation marks inside quotation marks

Place the punctuation inside the quotes when using a period, comma, or exclamation mark with quotation marks.

  • “We won!” shouted the coach to no one in particular.

If you’re breaking up a sentence, place a comma after the first part, also inside quotes.

  • “My goodness,” said my father, “take off your dirty shoes before coming in the house.”

Just like the use of single quotation marks, however, this applies only to American English. British English places punctuation outside quotation marks.

2. Capitalize the first letter of the quoted sentence

if you’re quoting a complete sentence, capitalize the first letter of the first word, just like a normal sentence. But if the quotation is placed midsentence, forming a syntactical part of the sentence, it being with a lowercase letter, even if the original sentence begins with a capitalized letter. 

  • The letter opens with, “We regret to inform you your application has been denied.”
  • Anne Frank reminded us that “whoever is happy will make others happy too.”

However, if you’re not quoting a complete sentence, no capitalization is necessary. This includes individual words, phrases, or separate clauses.

  • The manager said that the situation was “under control.”

3. Include an opening quotation mark at the beginning of each new quoted paragraph

Some quoted passages are longer than others. If you’re quoting two or more paragraphs, place opening quotation marks at the beginning of each new paragraph. However, place closing quotation marks only at the end of the entire passage, not at the end of each paragraph. 

  • Here’s what the email said: 
  • “It’s been a long time. I hope you’re well.
  • “I’m writing because I’m coming to Atlant for work, and I was wondering if you’d like to meet up.”

Punctuation with Quotation Marks

Periods and Commas

In American English, periods and commas are placed inside quotation marks, regardless of whether they are part of the quoted material.

Examples:

  • Correct: “I can’t believe it,” she said.
  • Correct: He replied, “It’s true.”
  • Incorrect: “I can’t believe it”, she said.
  • Incorrect: He replied, “It’s true”.

In British English, periods and commas are placed inside quotation marks only if they are part of the quoted material.

Examples:

  • Correct (British): “I can’t believe it”, she said.
  • Correct (British): He replied, “It’s true.”

Question Marks and Exclamation Points

Question Marks and Exclamation Points

The placement of question marks and exclamation points depends on the sentence structure and whether they belong to the quoted material.

Examples:

  • Correct: She asked, “Are you coming with us?”
  • Correct: Did he really say, “I don’t know”?
  • Correct: “Wow!” she exclaimed.
  • Correct: Can you believe he said, “I’m not sure”?

Colons and Semicolons

Colons and semicolons are placed outside quotation marks, regardless of the sentence structure.

Examples:

  • Correct: She quoted her favorite line from the book: “To be or not to be.”
  • Correct: The instructions were clear; “Take two tablets daily.”

Parentheses and Quotation Marks

When parentheses and quotation marks appear together, punctuation is placed outside the parentheses if it applies to the entire sentence.

Examples:

  • Correct: He explained the term (“lorem ipsum”).
  • Correct: The song “Bohemian Rhapsody” (by Queen) is a classic.

Special Cases and Common Mistakes

Nested Quotations

When quoting text that already includes a quote, use single quotation marks for the nested quote.

Example:

  • Correct: “I heard him say, ‘It’s a great day,’ and I agreed.”
  • Incorrect: “I heard him say, “It’s a great day,” and I agreed.”

Block Quotations

Block quotations are used for longer quotes that exceed a certain length (typically four lines or more). They are indented and do not require quotation marks.

Example:

  • Correct:

According to the report, the findings were significant:

The study revealed a substantial increase in productivity and overall satisfaction. Participants reported feeling more engaged and motivated.

Common Mistakes

  1. Incorrect Punctuation Placement: Placing punctuation marks outside quotation marks in American English.
    • Incorrect: “I can’t go”, he said.
    • Correct: “I can’t go,” he said.
  2. Overusing Scare Quotes: Using scare quotes unnecessarily, which can confuse readers.
    • Incorrect: She is a “doctor” with many years of experience.
    • Correct: She is a doctor with many years of experience.

Regional Differences

American and British English have notable differences in the use of quotation marks. Be mindful of these variations to ensure proper usage based on your audience.

  • American English: Typically uses double quotation marks and places periods and commas inside the quotes.
  • British English: Often uses single quotation marks and places periods and commas outside the quotes unless they are part of the quoted material.

Practice and Application

Exercises

  1. Place quotation marks in the following sentences:
    • She said that the meeting was postponed.
    • The article titled The Art of Communication is insightful.
    • Have you ever read The Great Gatsby?
  2. Correct the punctuation in these sentences:
    • “I don’t believe you”, she said.
    • Did he really say, “I’m leaving”?

Examples

  • Example 1: The teacher announced, “There will be a test tomorrow.”
  • Example 2: “I’m not sure,” he admitted, “but I’ll find out.”

Tips for Mastery

  1. Read Widely: Exposure to different writing styles can help you understand the nuances of quotation mark usage.
  2. Practice Regularly: Regular practice and exercises will reinforce the rules and enhance your confidence.
  3. Consult Style Guides: Refer to style guides such as the Chicago Manual of Style or the Associated Press (AP) Stylebook for specific guidelines.

Conclusion

Quotation marks are indispensable tools in writing, enhancing clarity and precision. By mastering their usage, you can elevate your writing and effectively convey meaning. Remember, proper punctuation is the key to clear communication. Armed with this comprehensive guide, you’re now equipped to use quotation marks with confidence and skill.

Additional Resources

Recommended Reading

  • Books: “Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation” by Lynne Truss
  • Articles: “A Guide to Punctuation” by Grammarly

Online Tools

  • Grammarly: A tool for checking punctuation and grammar.
  • Hemingway App: A writing tool that highlights readability and punctuation errors.

Frequently Asked Questions About Quotation Marks

1. When should I use single quotation marks instead of double quotation marks?

Single quotation marks are typically used for quotes within quotes in American English and for direct speech in British English.

2. Do punctuation marks always go inside quotation marks?

In American English, periods and commas always go inside quotation marks. In British English, they only go inside if they are part of the quoted material.

3. What are scare quotes?

Scare quotes are used to indicate irony, skepticism, or non-standard usage. They suggest that the writer is questioning or distancing themselves from the term in quotes.

4. How do I punctuate nested quotations?

Use single quotation marks for nested quotations. For example: “He said, ‘It’s a beautiful day.'”

5. What is the difference between block quotations and regular quotations?

Block quotations are used for longer quotes and are formatted as indented text without quotation marks, while regular quotations use quotation marks and are part of the main text.

6. What is the function of quotation marks?

Quotation marks are primarily used to set apart certain words, usually to indicate direct quotes but also to signify the tiltes of certain works or that a phrase does not use a word’s intended meaning.

7. When are quotation marks used?

Quotation marks are used to indicate direct quotes, transcribe speech to text, signify titles for small works like poems, show that the validity of a word is doubted, discuss words as words without referencing their intended meaning, and set apart nicknames from formal names.

8. What’s the difference between quotes and italics for titles?

Both quotes and italics are used for the titles of works, but certain types of works use only quotes, and others use only italics. In general, short-form works like poems, songs, or short stories use quotation marks, while long-form works like books, films, or stage plays use italics.

I hope this article helped you learn how to use quotation marks in English. If you liked it, please share it and subscribe to our newsletter for updates, language learning tips, and the latest blog posts.

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