Quotation marks are primarily used to indicate material being reproduced word for word. They also serve several other important functions in writing.
1. Quotation Marks and Adjacent Punctuation
In American English, the rules for punctuation with quotation marks may seem illogical, but they are well established.
Commas and periods that are part of the overall sentence go inside the quotation marks, even if they are not part of the original quotation.
Correct:
- “The weather today,” she remarked, “is perfect for a picnic.”
Incorrect:
- “The weather today,” she remarked, “is perfect for a picnic”.
Marks other than commas or periods should be placed outside the quotation marks unless they are part of the original quotation.
Correct:
- He mentioned his favorite novel, “Pride and Prejudice”; however, he preferred the film adaptation.
Incorrect:
- He mentioned his favorite novel, “Pride and Prejudice;” however, he preferred the film adaptation.
Correct:
- Did you hear her say, “I’ll be there soon”?
Incorrect:
- Did you hear her say, “I’ll be there soon”?
2. Quoting the Words of Others
Quotations can be incorporated into your writing in two main ways: run-in quotations and block quotations.
Run-in Quotations
Short quotations can typically be included in the main text using quotation marks.
Example:
- In her speech, she stated, “Every challenge is an opportunity for growth.”
Block Quotations
Longer quotations should be set off from the main text, known as block quotations. These do not require quotation marks. Block quotations should have a larger left-hand margin than the main text.
Example:
- In his novel The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald reflects on the American Dream:
“In my younger and more vulnerable years, my father gave me some advice that I’ve been turning over in my mind ever since. ‘Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone,’ he said, ‘just remember that all the people in this world haven’t had the advantages that you’ve had.’”
3. Introducing Quoted Material
When introducing quoted material, the punctuation used can vary based on the context.
Comma:
A comma is frequently used to introduce quoted material.
Examples:
- The teacher asked, “Have you completed your assignment?”
- She remarked, “Life is too short for regrets.”
Colon:
A colon is used when the introductory text could stand as a complete sentence on its own.
Example:
- The researcher concluded his findings with a clear statement: “Further studies are required to validate these results.”
Period:
A period can introduce a block quotation if the introductory text is a complete sentence. A colon is also acceptable.
Example:
- The report clearly states: “All findings were significant and warranted further investigation.”
No Punctuation:
No punctuation is needed when the quoted material flows directly from the introductory text.
Examples:
- She said “I can’t believe it” with surprise.
- He exclaimed “Let’s go!” before running outside.
4. Quotes Within Quotes
When a run-in quotation contains quotation marks, use single quotation marks in place of double. If the quoted material itself contains a quotation, use double quotation marks.
Example:
- The author argues, “When discussing ‘the nature of reality,’ it’s essential to consider multiple perspectives.”
5. Other Uses of Quotation Marks
Writing About Letters and Words:
Quotation marks can be used when referring to specific words or letters.
Example:
- In the phrase “success,” the letter “s” appears twice.
Translations:
Quotation marks can enclose translations, often set off with commas.
Example:
- He only knows a few words in Italian: ciao, “hello,” and grazie, “thank you.”
Scare Quotes:
Scare quotes indicate doubt or emphasize that a word or phrase is being used in a non-standard way.
Examples:
- He described the experience as a “learning opportunity,” but it felt more like a punishment.
- The “expert” couldn’t provide any credible evidence.
Nicknames:
When inserted in a person’s name, nicknames should be enclosed in quotation marks.
Example:
- Susan “Sunny” Johnson is running for mayor.
Measurements:
In informal writing, feet and inches are often expressed as, for example, 6′ 2″ (read: six feet and two inches).
Example:
- He is 5′ 10″ tall.
Periods and commas are placed outside the prime and double prime marks.