lainausmerkit englannissa

By | 30 toukokuun, 2023

Quotation Marks in English Writing

Quotation marks are an integral part of written English, and understanding when and how to use them correctly is essential for any writer. In this article, we will explore the rules of quotation marks, including when to use single or double quotation marks, how to punctuate them correctly, and how to use them within other types of punctuation.

When to use quotation marks:

Quotation marks are used to indicate direct speech or a quotation taken from another source. For example, ”She said, ’I love this book,'” or ”In his famous speech, Martin Luther King Jr. said, ’I have a dream.'” Quotation marks may also be used to indicate the titles of short works such as articles, poems, or short stories.

Single vs. Double Quotation Marks:

In British English, single quotation marks are commonly used, while in American English, double quotation marks are more common. However, the opposite style may be used for quotes within quotes. For example, ”She replied, ’He said, ”I don’t know.”’”

Punctuating Quotation Marks:

When quoting a full sentence, the final punctuation mark should always be placed inside the closing quotation mark. For example, ”I always say, ’Live and let live.'” If the quotation is only part of a sentence, the punctuation mark may be placed outside the closing quotation mark. For example, ”She said he was ’delightful,’ but I think he’s just annoying.”

Quotation Marks within Other Punctuation:

Quotation marks may sometimes be used within other types of punctuation, such as parentheses or em dashes. When this occurs, the punctuation mark should be placed outside the closing quotation mark. For example, ”He said, ’I want to go’ (even though we had agreed to stay), and I couldn’t believe it.”

In conclusion, quotation marks are an essential element of written English. It is important to use them correctly to ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and easy to understand. By understanding the rules of quotation marks, you can confidently use them in your writing and avoid common mistakes.

Vastaa

Sähköpostiosoitettasi ei julkaista. Pakolliset kentät on merkitty *