Using quotations or "quotes" correctly can get confusing, especially when the rules on how and when to use them can change depending on what you're writing and the meaning you're trying to convey.
People regularly use quotations in research papers, articles, fiction and nonfiction stories , blogs, essays, emails, and social media posts. A few of the rules of when to use them are pretty standard.
Two Types of quotation marks
There are two different types of quotation marks: Double " and single '
Each type serves a particular purpose.
Standard rules for using double quotations:
Use quotation marks to signal the exact words written or said by another person is called a direct quote. For example, she said, "The invention of Overnight Oats felt like the beginning of the end."
Use quotation marks in dialogue.
Use quotation marks to indicate a title of an essay, song , poem or any short work that exists within a longer one, i.e.: "Farewell My Love" is one of my favorite songs on the Meet the Temptations album.
Use quotation marks to indicate an alias. Ex. Curtis Jackson, AKA: "50 Cent", is both an actor and a rapper.
Use quotation marks to signal sarcasm or irony as you would air quotes. Why don't your ask your "friends" to help you. (quotations mean: so called)
Use quotation marks to highlight specific words in a sentence. When you proofread, you want to make sure you don't confuse "your" and "You're."
When to use double quotations:
When there is a qoute within a qoute, use a single quotation. For example, "When she begins with,'like my mother always says...' I know it is going to be good."
Tips for using quotations in your writing:
Using quotations in a piece of writing is useful for a few reasons. In a story, adding quotations brings the voice of a character to life. In an article, including direct quotes from an expert source can not only add a valuable perspective but provide deeper context and nuance to an article's topic of discussion.
One note about where to place direct quotes in a piece of writing. If what is said is more important or poignant than who said it, start with the quote. But if establishing the expertise or prominence of the speaker is more important, begin with stating the speaker before starting the quote. who is saying it is more important.
Punctuating with Quotation Marks
In American English, periods and commas are always placed inside quotation marks.
After she/they/we said statements, use a comma before opening a quotation.
Before closing a quotation mark of a sentence that is interrupted, use a comma not a period. before opening the quotations again.
Question marks and exclamation points go outside the quotation unless what is being said is a question or exclamation
In dialogue, indent to create a new paragraph when you change speaker and re-open quotes.
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