Most writers know that it is required to use quotation marks when writing the exact words of someone else. Additionally, quotation marks are used to set off titles and technical words. Writers also use quotation marks when wanting to draw special attention to a word or phrase, such as when we are being sarcastic. In this blog post, I show you how to use quotation marks correctly and how to punctuate sentences containing quotation marks.
How to Use Double Quotation Marks
Use double quotation marks to set off the exact words of someone else. Place a double quotation mark at the beginning and at the end of the entire quote.
Example:
William Shakespeare wrote, “To be, or not to be, that is the question.”
Use quotation marks to set off titles for magazines, articles, books, chapters, plays, poems, songs, and such.
Example:
He read the book, “The Mountain of Love,” and enjoyed the ending a lot.
Set off technical words or concepts with quotation marks.
Examples:
That doctor wrote the book on “bedside manners.”
At Endeavor Homes, we sell home building kits that come with “paneled” walls.
Use quotation marks to draw special attention to a word or phrase or when you want to show sarcasm.
Example:
Drawing special attention -
The woman was a “little” bit peeved when she saw her fiancé having lunch with his ex-wife.
Showing sarcasm -
The police officer said he was there to help the burglar get what he “deserved.”
How to Punctuate Quotation Marks
Grammar books lay out dynamic and drawn out explanations for how to punctuate quotation marks, but at the end of the explanations there is really only one rule to follow, and this is it:
“The quotation marks follow punctuation.”
Example:
Maria said, “I’m tired. I want to go home now.”
“Tell me,” she said, “are you really a grandmother?”
Single Quotation Marks
Single quotation marks are used to quote a quote within a quote. At the end of the quote within the quote, remember to place a space between the single quotation mark and the double quotation mark.
Example:
He said, “Melissa pleaded, ‘Don’t leave me!’ “
That’s all there is to using quotation marks.
In my next blog, I will answer the question, “When should I use a semi colon instead of a period?”
Until then, happy writing!
Copyright 2014 Marlene Bertrand
How to Use Double Quotation Marks
Use double quotation marks to set off the exact words of someone else. Place a double quotation mark at the beginning and at the end of the entire quote.
Example:
William Shakespeare wrote, “To be, or not to be, that is the question.”
Use quotation marks to set off titles for magazines, articles, books, chapters, plays, poems, songs, and such.
Example:
He read the book, “The Mountain of Love,” and enjoyed the ending a lot.
Set off technical words or concepts with quotation marks.
Examples:
That doctor wrote the book on “bedside manners.”
At Endeavor Homes, we sell home building kits that come with “paneled” walls.
Use quotation marks to draw special attention to a word or phrase or when you want to show sarcasm.
Example:
Drawing special attention -
The woman was a “little” bit peeved when she saw her fiancé having lunch with his ex-wife.
Showing sarcasm -
The police officer said he was there to help the burglar get what he “deserved.”
How to Punctuate Quotation Marks
Grammar books lay out dynamic and drawn out explanations for how to punctuate quotation marks, but at the end of the explanations there is really only one rule to follow, and this is it:
“The quotation marks follow punctuation.”
Example:
Maria said, “I’m tired. I want to go home now.”
“Tell me,” she said, “are you really a grandmother?”
Single Quotation Marks
Single quotation marks are used to quote a quote within a quote. At the end of the quote within the quote, remember to place a space between the single quotation mark and the double quotation mark.
Example:
He said, “Melissa pleaded, ‘Don’t leave me!’ “
That’s all there is to using quotation marks.
In my next blog, I will answer the question, “When should I use a semi colon instead of a period?”
Until then, happy writing!
Copyright 2014 Marlene Bertrand
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