Quotation Marks (“ ”) In English (Meaning, Examples, And Uses)

You know those little “inverted commas” that pop up when you read? They’re not just there to decorate the page—those are quotation marks.

What Is A Quotation Mark?

Quotation marks, the punctuation superheroes—are your way of saying, “Listen up, these words are special!”

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Quotation Mark Symbol

The symbol for a quotation mark comes in two flavors—single and double.

The single quotation mark looks like this: ‘ ’.

On the other hand, the double quotation mark is a pair: “ ”.

One Quotation Mark Or Two

In British English, it is common to employ single quotation marks (‘ ’). Conversely, in American English, the customary approach is to use double quotation marks (“ ”) for the same purposes.

Regardless of the English style, consistency is key. Remember to stick to the chosen style within a document or piece of writing.

When To Use Quotation Marks

1. Direct Speech

You can use quotation marks when representing someone’s exact words in direct speech.

Example: Jane’s excitement echoed through the room, “The concert was amazing!”

However, when you have a quote within a quote, you often use single quotation marks to distinguish the inner quote. It’s like creating a hierarchy of quotes.

Here’s an example:

During the interview, she shared, “The author emphasized, ‘Writing is a journey, not a destination.'”

2. Quoting Text

Quotation marks come into play when you’re quoting text from books, articles, or any written material.

Example: The article mentioned, “The impact of climate change is undeniable.”

3. Titles of Works

Use quotation marks for titles of shorter works like articles, poems, or chapters.

Example: She enjoyed reading “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert T. Kiyosaki.

4. Defining Terms

When introducing or defining terms, consider using quotation marks.

Example: The speaker discussed the concept of “fake news” extensively.

5. Quotation Marks for Doubt or Irony (Scare Quotes)

Ever thought about adding flair to your words? Consider using quotation marks to inject irony, sarcasm, or skepticism.

Example: He claimed the “easy” exam was a breeze, but the scores told a different story.

In this case, the term “easy” is surrounded by quotation marks to convey skepticism or irony, suggesting that the exam might not have been as straightforward as claimed.

6. Sorting Nicknames with Quotation Marks

Think of quotation marks as little nametags. They help us neatly sort and highlight nicknames, giving them a special place in our conversations.

Example: Her friends affectionately called her “Sunshine,” a nickname that brightened everyone’s day.

10 Examples Of Quotation Marks

1. “Truth or Dare?” asked Sarah during the game at the sleepover.
2. Emily asked, “Can I borrow your pencil?”
3. During the IELTS speaking part three, the examiner might inquire, “What are your thoughts on technology and its impact on society?”
4. Dad’s favorite quote is, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”
5. The teacher explained, “In English, we count from one to a hundred like this: ‘1, 2, 3, … 100.’”
6. Grandma always says, “Laughter is the best medicine.”
7. The banner proclaimed, “Happy Birthday, Sarah!”
8. In the text message, Tom used the abbreviation “LOL” to express his laughter at a funny joke.
9. The florist suggested, “Roses, lilies, and daisies are popular flower names for bouquets.”
10. Mom said, “Don’t forget to walk the dog.”

FAQs On Quotation Marks

Does The Period Go Inside The Quotation Marks?

Yes, the period goes inside the quotation marks. For example: She said, “I’ll be there soon.”

What Are The 3 Rules For Using Quotations?

Here are three golden rules to follow:

1. Capitalization Rule: When you introduce a quoted sentence, make sure to give that first letter a capital boost. For example: He exclaimed, “The adventure begins now!”
2. Punctuation Inside Quotation Marks: Punctuation marks, like periods, commas, or exclamation points, go inside the quotation marks. For instance: She shouted, “Wait for me!”
3. The Pairing of Quotations: Like peanut butter and jelly, quotes are meant to be together. Always use a pair—an opening quotation mark at the beginning and a closing one at the end. This way, your writing stays tidy and reader-friendly.

Do Australians Use Single Or Double Quotation Marks?

In Australia, both single and double quotation marks are used. However, there’s a preference for using single quotation marks more often. For instance: She said, ‘It’s a beautiful day.’ But, of course, you can still find instances of double quotation marks being used when quoting someone directly.

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