Quotation marks

1
Quotation marks
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With direct quotations

• Quotation marks are used to set off a direct
  quotations or thought within a sentence or
  paragraph.
• Quotations that are signed, etched, inscribed, or
  carved are also set in quotation marks.

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Examples

• Mr. Hurley called our prototype a model of pure
  genius.
• I was certain he said, Campbells will accept
  delivery on Tuesday.
• The sign clearly read, No trespassing or
  hunting.

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Paraphrases or indirect quotes

• Do not use quotations marks when you para-phrase
  something or use indirect quotations.
• I was sure Campbells wanted a Tuesday delivery.
• I wondered when help would arrive.
• The sign said that trespassing and hunting were
  not allowed.

5
Single quotation marks

• Use single quotation marks to set off a quotation
  within a quotation.
• I distinctly heard her say, The store opens at
  900. said Gene.
• My speech teacher asked, Does anyone in this
  room remember the way Jim Nabors used to say,
  Golly?

6
Dialogue

• Quoted words are always surrounded by quotation
  marks.
• Well, Nancy replied, credit cards are all I
  ever use.
• Keep an eye on the punctuation when using
  quotation marks.

7
Other uses for quotation marks

• To set off unfamiliar terms or nicknames. You may
  also see italics used in the same manner.
• None of us had heard of chutney before we read
  the article.

8
Quotation marks

• Quotation marks can be used to indicate irony or
  raised eyebrows. Do not overuse marks this way.
• When we were camping, our bathroom was a
  thicket behind our tent.

9
To set off titles of certain items

• Short stories
• Book chapter
• Television program
• Poem title
• Article headline or report
• Song title

10
Underline or italicize

• Novel titles
• Movie titles
• Poetry collection or Epic poem
• Magazine name
• Newspaper name
• Musical, play or long musical composition
• Ships, planes, trains

11
Punctuating within quotations

• Question marks, exclamation points and dashes go
  inside the quotation marks if they are part of
  the quotation.
• If not, place them outside the quotation marks.

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Examples

• The doctor asked, Can you feel any pain in this
  area? (part of quote)
• Have you read Nathaniel Hawthornes The
  Birthmark? (not part of quote)
• I wish Id never heard of -- Karen stopped
  abruptly as Nick entered the room. (part of quote)

13
Periods and commas

• Periods and commas go inside closing quotation
  marks.
• Lets wait a few minutes, suggested Doris,
  before we leave.

14
Colons and semicolons

• These go outside closing quotation marks
• I can see only one challenge for the speaker of
  The Road Less Traveled ambivalence.
• The critic called the latest sculpture an
  abomination to sensitive eyes the artist was
  hurt.

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Concluding thoughts

• Quotation marks can be tricky especially if you
  are new to including dialogue in your writing.
• Dont rely on the spelling tool in word
  processing software. Refer to your text instead.