Quotation marks

Definition

Quotation marks are punctuation marks used to indicate the exact words spoken or written by someone else, or to denote titles of short works such as articles and poems. They help clearly separate a speaker's dialogue from narration, allowing readers to understand who is speaking and the context of the dialogue.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Quotation marks are used in pairs, with an opening mark at the start of a quote and a closing mark at the end.
2. In American English, periods and commas are placed inside the closing quotation marks, while in British English, they may be placed outside if not part of the quoted material.
3. Single quotation marks can be used within double quotation marks to indicate a quote within a quote.
4. When integrating quotes into writing, it's essential to maintain the original meaning and context, ensuring that the quote supports the point being made.
5. Misuse of quotation marks can lead to confusion for readers, so it's important to use them correctly and consistently throughout a text.

Review Questions

• How do quotation marks contribute to clarity in dialogue and direct quotes within a text?
  • Quotation marks provide clear indicators of when someone is speaking or when direct words from a source are being used. This separation helps readers easily distinguish between the author's voice and that of the quoted speaker. Without quotation marks, dialogue would blend into the narrative, making it difficult for readers to follow conversations or attribute statements accurately.
• Discuss how the placement of punctuation with quotation marks differs between American and British English, and why this matters.
  • In American English, punctuation such as periods and commas is typically placed inside the closing quotation marks, while British English may place them outside if they are not part of the quoted material. This difference matters because it can affect readability and adherence to style guides in writing. Understanding these conventions ensures that writers communicate effectively with their intended audience while maintaining proper formatting.
• Evaluate how proper use of quotation marks can enhance the credibility of an article or piece of writing.
  • Proper use of quotation marks adds credibility by allowing writers to accurately present information from sources, supporting their arguments with verified statements. When quotes are correctly attributed and formatted, they lend authority to the writer's claims and demonstrate respect for intellectual property. This practice not only reinforces the writer's integrity but also helps build trust with readers who expect reliable information.

Related terms

Dialogue:

The written conversation between two or more characters in a text, often enclosed in quotation marks to indicate spoken words.

Attribution: A phrase or sentence that identifies the speaker of a quote or dialogue, typically placed before or after the quoted material.

Direct Quote: The exact words taken from a source, which are enclosed in quotation marks to show that they are not the writer's original words.