Quotation marks are punctuation marks used to show direct speech, quotations, titles of short works, and certain words or phrases. They usually appear as double quotation marks (“ ”) or single quotation marks (‘ ’).
For example:
-
Sarah said, “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
-
My favorite poem is “The Road Not Taken.”
-
He described the movie as “amazing.”
Although quotation marks are common in English writing, knowing exactly when to use them and where to place other punctuation can sometimes be confusing. Rules can also differ between American and British English.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to use quotation marks correctly, including the rules for single and double quotation marks, direct speech, titles, punctuation, quotes within quotes, and common mistakes. Each rule includes clear examples to help you use quotation marks confidently in your own writing.
Table of Contents
What Are Quotation Marks?
Quotation marks are punctuation marks used to separate certain words or passages from the rest of a sentence. They are most commonly used to show the exact words someone has spoken or written.
For example:
-
Maria said, “I am learning English.”
-
The teacher said, “Please open your books.”
In these examples, the quotation marks show exactly what Maria and the teacher said.
Quotation marks can also be used for titles of short works, quotes within quotes, certain words or phrases, and scare quotes.
What Is the Quotation Mark Symbol?
English uses two main quotation mark symbols:
-
Double quotation marks: “ ”
-
Single quotation marks: ‘ ’
Double quotation marks are commonly called double quotes, while single quotation marks are also called single quotes. The term inverted commas is also commonly used, particularly in British English.
An opening quotation mark appears at the beginning of quoted material, and a closing quotation mark appears at the end.
Example:
She said, “The lesson starts at nine.”
Here, “ is the opening quotation mark and ” is the closing quotation mark.
Types of Quotation Marks
There are two main types of quotation marks in English: double quotation marks and single quotation marks.
1. Double Quotation Marks (“ ”)
Double quotation marks, also called double quotes, are commonly used for direct speech and quotations in American English.
Examples:
-
Emma said, “I finished my homework.”
-
“Where are you going?” Daniel asked.
-
The teacher said, “Your presentation was excellent.”
Double quotation marks are also commonly used around the titles of short works, such as articles, poems, songs, and short stories.
Example:
-
We read “The Tell-Tale Heart” in class.
2. Single Quotation Marks (‘ ’)
Single quotation marks, also called single quotes, are commonly used in American English when a quotation appears inside another quotation.
Example:
-
Sarah said, “My teacher told me, ‘Your writing has improved,’ and I was very happy.”
In this sentence, double quotation marks surround Sarah’s complete statement, while single quotation marks identify the words spoken by her teacher.
Single vs. Double Quotation Marks
The preferred quotation mark can depend on the variety of English and the style guide being followed.
In American English, double quotation marks are generally used for the main quotation, while single quotation marks are used for a quotation within it.
In British English, single quotation marks are often used for the main quotation, with double quotation marks used for a quotation within it.
American English:
-
She said, “I heard him shout, ‘Wait for me!’”
British English:
-
She said, ‘I heard him shout, “Wait for me!”’
These conventions can vary between publishers and style guides, so consistency is important when choosing which style to follow.
When to Use Quotation Marks
Quotation marks have several important uses in English writing. They can show someone’s exact words, identify certain titles, distinguish words being discussed, and indicate special or unusual meanings.
Here are the most common uses of quotation marks.
1. To Show Direct Speech
Use quotation marks around the exact words spoken by a person.
Examples:
-
Maya said, “I’ll meet you after class.”
-
“Please close the door,” the teacher said.
-
David asked, “What time does the train leave?”
Quotation marks help readers distinguish the speaker’s exact words from the rest of the sentence.
Do not use quotation marks when you are paraphrasing or reporting what someone said without using their exact words.
Direct speech:
-
Anna said, “I am tired.”
Indirect speech:
-
Anna said that she was tired.
2. To Show a Direct Quotation
Use quotation marks when reproducing the exact words from another source, such as an article, speech, interview, or book.
Example:
-
The report states, “Regular practice can improve language skills.”
Quotation marks tell the reader that these are the source’s exact words rather than the writer’s paraphrase.
When using quotations from outside sources in academic or professional writing, you may also need to provide a citation according to the required style guide.
3. For Titles of Short Works
Quotation marks are commonly used around the titles of short works or works that form part of a larger publication.
These can include:
-
articles
-
poems
-
songs
-
short stories
-
book chapters
-
individual television episodes
Examples:
-
We read the poem “The Road Not Taken” in class.
-
She wrote an article called “How to Improve Your Vocabulary.”
-
My favorite song on the album is “Here Comes the Sun.”
Longer works such as books, movies, magazines, and newspapers are generally italicized rather than placed in quotation marks.
4. To Show Irony or Skepticism
Quotation marks can be placed around a word or phrase to show that the writer is questioning its usual meaning or does not fully accept the description.
These are often called scare quotes.
Example:
-
The company advertised the tiny room as a “luxury” apartment.
-
His “quick” repair took almost three hours.
Scare quotes should be used carefully because unnecessary quotation marks can make ordinary words appear doubtful, sarcastic, or ironic.
5. To Discuss a Word or Phrase as a Word
Quotation marks can be used when discussing a particular word, letter, or expression rather than using it for its normal meaning.
Examples:
-
The word “beautiful” is an adjective.
-
“Run” can be used as both a noun and a verb.
-
The “k” in “know” is silent.
Some writing styles use italics instead for words discussed as words, so follow the appropriate style guide when necessary.
6. To Set Apart a Nickname
Quotation marks can be used around a nickname when it appears between a person’s first and last names.
Example:
-
James “Jimmy” Carter
-
William “Bill” Johnson
Quotation marks are generally unnecessary when a nickname or alternative name is already the familiar form by which a person is commonly identified.
When to Use Single Quotation Marks
Single quotation marks (‘ ’), also called single quotes, are used differently depending on whether you are following American or British English conventions.
1. For a Quote Within a Quote
In American English, the most common use of single quotation marks is to show a quotation inside another quotation.
The main quotation uses double quotation marks, while the quotation inside it uses single quotation marks.
Example:
-
Emma said, “My teacher told me, ‘Your essay was excellent.’”
-
“Did you hear him say, ‘I’ll be back tomorrow’?” Sarah asked.
In the first example, Emma’s complete statement is enclosed in double quotation marks. Her teacher’s words appear inside single quotation marks.
2. In British English
British English often uses single quotation marks for the main quotation and double quotation marks for a quotation within it.
Example:
-
‘I heard the teacher say, “The test is on Friday”,’ James explained.
However, conventions can vary among British publishers and style guides, so it is important to use one style consistently.
3. For Titles Inside Quotations
If the title of a short work would normally appear in double quotation marks but occurs inside another quotation, single quotation marks can be used for the title in American English.
Example:
-
The teacher said, “Tomorrow we’ll discuss ‘The Road Not Taken.’”
Here, the teacher’s entire statement uses double quotation marks, while the poem title inside the quotation uses single quotation marks.
Quick Rule to Remember
For American English, remember this basic pattern:
Main quote → double quotation marks (“ ”)
Quote within a quote → single quotation marks (‘ ’)
Example:
-
“She told me, ‘Please arrive early,’ before the meeting,” John said.
If another quotation is nested inside the single quotation, the marks alternate again. However, deeply nested quotations are uncommon and can often be rewritten for clarity.
Quotation Mark Rules
Knowing a few basic quotation mark rules can help you punctuate direct speech and quotations correctly. The following rules are especially important in American English.
1. Capitalize the First Word of a Complete Quotation
When a quotation is a complete sentence, capitalize its first word.
Examples:
-
The teacher said, “Please submit your assignments tomorrow.”
-
Maria asked, “Are you coming to the meeting?”
If the quoted words are only a phrase or part of the surrounding sentence, do not capitalize them unless capitalization is required for another reason.
Example:
-
The manager described the situation as “completely under control.”
2. Use a Comma to Introduce Direct Speech When Appropriate
When a reporting clause such as she said or he asked introduces a direct quotation, a comma is commonly used before the opening quotation mark.
Examples:
-
Sarah said, “I need some help.”
-
The teacher explained, “Your exam begins at nine.”
A comma is not automatically required before every quotation. The punctuation depends on how the quoted material fits grammatically into the sentence.
Example:
-
The phrase “practice makes perfect” is commonly used to encourage persistence.
3. Use Commas with Dialogue Tags
When a dialogue tag follows a quoted statement, use a comma instead of a period at the end of the quoted words.
Example:
-
“I finished my homework,” Ali said.
The comma appears inside the closing quotation mark in American English.
When the dialogue tag interrupts a single sentence, commas can separate the two parts.
Example:
-
“If you practice every day,” the teacher said, “your English will improve.”
4. Start a New Paragraph When the Speaker Changes
In dialogue, begin a new paragraph whenever a different person starts speaking.
Example:
“Are you ready for the test?” Maria asked.
“I think so,” David replied.
“Good luck!” Maria said.
Starting a new paragraph makes it easier for readers to follow who is speaking.
5. Use Opening Quotation Marks for Each Paragraph of a Multi-Paragraph Quotation
When one person’s direct speech continues for more than one paragraph, place an opening quotation mark at the beginning of each paragraph.
Do not add a closing quotation mark at the end of each paragraph. Use the closing quotation mark only when the speaker’s entire quotation ends.
Example:
The speaker began:
“I want to thank everyone who helped with this project. Your time and effort made a real difference.
“I also want to recognize the students who volunteered throughout the week. We could not have completed the project without you.”
The opening quotation mark at the beginning of the second paragraph shows that the same person is still speaking.
6. Keep Quotation Marks Around the Exact Words Quoted
Quotation marks should enclose only the words that are actually being quoted.
Correct:
-
She described the lesson as “easy to understand.”
If you change the speaker’s words substantially or simply summarize the meaning, you are paraphrasing rather than quoting directly.
Direct quotation:
-
John said, “I will finish the project tonight.”
Indirect speech:
-
John said that he would finish the project that night.
Punctuation with Quotation Marks
One of the most confusing parts of using quotation marks is deciding whether punctuation should go inside or outside the closing quotation mark.
The answer depends on the type of punctuation, the meaning of the sentence, and sometimes whether you are following American or British English conventions.
Periods and Commas
In American English, periods and commas generally go inside the closing quotation mark.
Examples:
-
“I’ll call you tomorrow,” she said.
-
He replied, “That sounds like a good idea.”
-
She described the movie as “exciting,” but I found it boring.
In British English, punctuation is more often placed according to whether it belongs to the quoted material.
Example:
-
She described the movie as ‘exciting’, but I found it boring.
Because punctuation conventions differ, use the style appropriate for your audience and remain consistent throughout your writing.
Question Marks
A question mark goes inside the quotation marks when the quoted words themselves form a question.
Example:
-
She asked, “Where are you going?”
Place the question mark outside when the entire sentence is a question but the quoted words are not.
Example:
-
Did he really say, “I don’t want to go”?
If both the quotation and the surrounding sentence are questions, one question mark is normally enough.
Example:
-
Did she ask, “Where is the library?”
Exclamation Points
Like question marks, the position of an exclamation point depends on what it belongs to.
Place it inside when the quoted material itself is an exclamation.
Example:
-
The crowd shouted, “We won!”
Place it outside when the emphasis belongs to the surrounding sentence rather than the quoted words.
Example:
-
I can’t believe he called the exam “easy”!
Avoid adding unnecessary combinations of punctuation simply because quotation marks are present.
Colons and Semicolons
In American English, colons and semicolons normally go outside closing quotation marks.
Examples:
-
She described the plan as “a fresh start”; however, not everyone agreed.
-
He made one promise—“I will return”: he intended to keep it.
Their placement does not change simply because the preceding words are enclosed in quotation marks.
Dashes
The position of a dash depends on whether it belongs to the quoted material or to the surrounding sentence.
Example:
-
“I was going to tell you—but never mind.”
Here, the dash is part of the speaker’s words, so it appears inside the quotation marks.
Parentheses and Quotation Marks
Quotation marks and parentheses can appear together. Their order depends on which material belongs inside each set of punctuation.
Example:
-
The teacher explained the term “figurative language” (a type of nonliteral expression).
If an entire quotation appears inside parentheses, the quotation marks remain around the quoted words.
Example:
-
The message was brief (“Please call me tomorrow”).
Quick Guide
| Punctuation Mark | Common American English Placement |
|---|---|
| Period (.) | Inside |
| Comma (,) | Inside |
| Question mark (?) | Depends on meaning |
| Exclamation point (!) | Depends on meaning |
| Colon (:) | Outside |
| Semicolon (;) | Outside |
| Dash (—) | Depends on meaning |
The easiest rule to remember is that periods and commas generally go inside quotation marks in American English, while question marks, exclamation points, and dashes depend on whether they belong to the quoted material or the surrounding sentence.
American vs. British Quotation Marks
American and British English both use quotation marks, but their conventions can differ. The main differences involve single vs. double quotation marks and the placement of periods and commas.
Quotation Marks in American English
In American English, double quotation marks (“ ”) are generally used for the main quotation.
Single quotation marks (‘ ’) are typically used for a quotation that appears inside another quotation.
Example:
-
Emma said, “My teacher told me, ‘Your writing has improved.’”
American English also generally places periods and commas inside the closing quotation mark.
Examples:
-
She said, “I’ll see you tomorrow.”
-
“That was interesting,” David said.
Quotation Marks in British English
In British English, single quotation marks (‘ ’) are often used for the main quotation, although conventions can vary by publisher and style guide.
Double quotation marks can then be used for a quotation within the main quotation.
Example:
-
Emma said, ‘My teacher told me, “Your writing has improved.”’
British English more often places punctuation according to whether it belongs to the quoted material or to the surrounding sentence.
Example:
-
She described the film as ‘interesting’, although I disagreed.
American vs. British Quotation Marks: Quick Comparison
| Rule | American English | British English |
|---|---|---|
| Main quotation | Double (“ ”) | Often single (‘ ’) |
| Quote within a quote | Single (‘ ’) | Often double (“ ”) |
| Periods and commas | Generally inside | Often based on meaning |
| Question marks | Based on meaning | Based on meaning |
| Exclamation points | Based on meaning | Based on meaning |
Which Style Should You Use?
Choose the quotation mark conventions that match the variety of English you are writing and any style guide you are required to follow.
For example, if you are writing primarily in American English, use double quotation marks for main quotations and follow American punctuation conventions consistently.
The most important thing is consistency. Avoid switching between American and British quotation mark conventions within the same piece of writing unless there is a specific reason to do so.
Quotation Marks in Titles
Quotation marks are commonly used for the titles of short works and works that are part of a larger publication. Longer, complete works are generally written in italics.
Titles That Use Quotation Marks
Use quotation marks around titles such as:
-
articles
-
poems
-
songs
-
short stories
-
book chapters
-
individual television episodes
Examples:
-
I read the article “How to Improve Your English Vocabulary.”
-
We studied the poem “The Road Not Taken” in class.
-
She listened to the song “Here Comes the Sun.”
-
Our class read the short story “The Tell-Tale Heart.”
-
The first chapter is titled “The Beginning of the Journey.”
Titles That Usually Use Italics
Longer or complete works generally use italics instead of quotation marks.
These include:
-
books
-
movies
-
magazines
-
newspapers
-
television series
-
plays
-
albums
Examples:
-
I am reading The Great Gatsby.
-
We watched The Lion King last night.
-
She reads The New York Times every morning.
Quotation Marks vs. Italics for Titles
A simple way to remember the difference is to think about whether the work is a shorter part or a complete work.
| Type of Work | Formatting | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Article | Quotation marks | “How to Learn English” |
| Poem | Quotation marks | “The Road Not Taken” |
| Song | Quotation marks | “Here Comes the Sun” |
| Short story | Quotation marks | “The Tell-Tale Heart” |
| Book chapter | Quotation marks | “The Boy Who Lived” |
| Book | Italics | The Great Gatsby |
| Movie | Italics | The Lion King |
| Magazine | Italics | Time |
| Newspaper | Italics | The New York Times |
| Television series | Italics | Friends |
Punctuation with Titles in Quotation Marks
In American English, commas and periods generally go inside the closing quotation mark when a title appears in a sentence.
Example:
-
We discussed “The Road Not Taken,” one of Robert Frost’s best-known poems.
Question marks and exclamation points depend on whether they are part of the title or belong to the surrounding sentence.
Question mark as part of the title:
-
Have you read the article “Why Do We Dream?”
Question mark belonging to the sentence:
-
Have you read “The Tell-Tale Heart”?
When writing for school, university, or publication, follow the required style guide because conventions for particular types of titles can vary.
Quotes Within Quotes
Sometimes you need to include a quotation inside another quotation. This is called a nested quotation or a quote within a quote.
The quotation marks you use depend on whether you are following American or British English conventions.
Quotes Within Quotes in American English
In American English, use double quotation marks for the main quotation and single quotation marks for the quotation inside it.
Example:
-
Sarah said, “My teacher told me, ‘Your presentation was excellent.’”
The double quotation marks surround Sarah’s complete statement, while the single quotation marks surround the teacher’s exact words.
Another example:
-
“I heard David say, ‘The meeting starts at ten,’ before he left,” Maria explained.
Questions Within Quotations
When a nested quotation is a question, place the question mark with the quotation it belongs to.
Example:
-
John said, “She asked me, ‘Where are you going?’”
The question mark belongs to Where are you going?, so it appears inside the single quotation marks.
If the outer sentence is the question instead, the question mark belongs outside the inner quotation.
Example:
-
Did Sarah really say, “He told me, ‘I don’t want to go’”?
Quotes Within Quotes in British English
British English often reverses the pattern. Single quotation marks are commonly used for the main quotation, while double quotation marks are used for the quotation inside it.
Example:
-
Sarah said, ‘My teacher told me, “Your presentation was excellent.”’
Conventions can vary among publishers and style guides, so use the required style consistently.
Three Levels of Quotation Marks
Although uncommon, a quotation can contain another quotation that itself contains quoted material. When this happens, alternate between double and single quotation marks.
In American English, the pattern is:
Double → Single → Double
Example:
-
“Anna said, ‘The teacher told us, “Practice every day,” before the test,’” Mark explained.
Sentences with several levels of quotation can quickly become difficult to read. When possible, rewrite the sentence to make it clearer.
Block Quotations
A block quotation is a long direct quotation that is separated from the surrounding text instead of being enclosed in quotation marks.
Block quotations are commonly used in academic, professional, and research writing when a quotation is long enough to require special formatting.
How to Format a Block Quotation
A block quotation is usually:
-
placed on a new line
-
indented from the main text
-
presented without quotation marks around the entire passage
-
introduced by the surrounding sentence or paragraph
-
formatted according to the required style guide
Example:
Suppose a report contains a longer passage that you want to quote. Instead of placing the entire passage inside quotation marks, you would introduce it in your sentence and then format the quoted material as an indented block.
Regular reading provides learners with repeated exposure to vocabulary, sentence structures, and different writing styles. Over time, this exposure can help learners recognize patterns and understand how English is used in different contexts.
Because the passage is formatted as a block quotation, quotation marks are generally not placed around the entire quotation.
How Long Should a Block Quotation Be?
There is no single length rule that applies to every type of writing. Different academic and publishing style guides have their own requirements for when a quotation should be formatted as a block.
For example, a style guide may base the rule on the number of words or lines in the quotation.
If you are writing an academic paper, report, or publication, check the required style guide before formatting a long quotation.
Quotation Marks Inside a Block Quotation
Although quotation marks are normally omitted around the block quotation itself, quotation marks may still appear inside the quoted passage when they are part of the original material.
For example, if the person being quoted includes another person’s exact words, those quotation marks should be preserved as required by the style you are following.
Block Quotation vs. Regular Quotation
| Regular Quotation | Block Quotation |
|---|---|
| Usually shorter | Usually longer |
| Integrated into the paragraph | Set apart from the main text |
| Uses quotation marks | Usually does not use quotation marks around the entire passage |
| Flows with surrounding text | Begins on a separate line |
| Standard paragraph formatting | Uses special indentation or formatting |
The exact rules for block quotations vary by style guide, so always follow the formatting requirements for the type of writing you are producing.
Tips for How to Use Quotation Marks Correctly
Read Widely: Exposure to different writing styles can help you understand the nuances of quotation mark usage.
Practice Regularly: Regular practice and exercises will reinforce the rules and enhance your confidence.
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 an essential part of English punctuation. They help readers recognize direct speech, exact quotations, titles of short works, quotes within quotes, and words or phrases used in special ways.
The most important quotation mark rules to remember are:
-
Use quotation marks around a speaker’s exact words.
-
In American English, use double quotation marks for the main quotation and single quotation marks for a quote within a quote.
-
Periods and commas generally go inside closing quotation marks in American English.
-
Question marks and exclamation points go inside or outside depending on what they belong to.
-
Use quotation marks for titles of shorter works, while longer works are generally italicized.
-
Do not use quotation marks for indirect speech or simply to emphasize ordinary words.
American and British English sometimes follow different quotation mark conventions, so choose the style appropriate for your writing and use it consistently.
With these rules and examples in mind, you should be able to use quotation marks more accurately and confidently in your English writing.
Keep Learning English Punctuation
Quotation marks are only one part of English punctuation. Learning how other punctuation marks work will help you write clearer and more effective sentences.
Explore our other English punctuation guides to learn the rules for commas, apostrophes, colons, semicolons, question marks, exclamation points, and more.
If you found this guide helpful, subscribe to the Taaleem Online newsletter for more practical lessons on English grammar, vocabulary, writing, and language skills.
FAQs About Quotation Marks
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.
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.
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.
How do I punctuate nested quotations?
Use single quotation marks for nested quotations. For example: “He said, ‘It’s a beautiful day.'”
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.
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.
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.
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.
You May Also Like
Continue learning English punctuation with these related guides:
-
Apostrophe: Rules, Uses, and Examples — Learn how apostrophes are used for possession, contractions, and other common situations.
-
Comma: Rules, Uses, and Examples — Understand when to use commas and how they work with other punctuation marks.
-
Colon: Rules, Uses, and Examples — Learn how to use colons correctly in lists, explanations, and sentences.
-
Semicolon: Rules, Uses, and Examples — See how semicolons connect closely related ideas and separate complex list items.
-
Question Mark: Rules, Uses, and Examples — Learn when to use question marks in direct questions and other sentence structures.
-
Exclamation Mark: Rules, Uses, and Examples — Understand how exclamation marks express strong emotion, emphasis, and exclamations.