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Congratulations ! You have reached the best place to know more about the quotation mark usage ("__") in English writing. This article will look at the ways in which you can use quotation marks as a punctuation mark in your writing. For accurate proofreading of quotation mark use and other punctuation or grammar rules, the artificial intelligence of the WhiteSmoke online English writing and grammar software will give you the best results every time. Even the best writers need an English editor to perfect their work.
Enjoy your reading and start using those quotation marks correctly.
Quotation marks are important punctuation marks in English that have four different uses. Whenever you quote words, ideas or texts taken from an external source, whether spoken or appearing in print, you have to set them off with quotation marks. This accredits the source to being the origin of the text, a compulsory practice in academic writing, and a recommended one in virtually any type of writing. In standard academic writing, from an essay to a thesis, you must also provide a reference to the actual source of the quote, detailing how the reader may track back to it. This bibliographic referencing should be performed according to strict rules provided in various documentation style guides, such as the MLA, APA, etc.
It is both unprofessional and unethical to take credit for ideas that are not your own. Therefore, quotation mark usage is a sign of developed writing, created by writers who are well read and able to have their text communicate with ideas from other texts, in an ever-growing web of information. This article will follow MLA style conventions regarding the usage of the quotation marks in English writing.
The 4 uses of quotation marks are:
1. Setting off quotations
2. Setting off dialog and poetry
3. Setting off special text
4. Setting off titles
In addition, the following section is important to consider
5. Quotation marks style conventions
1. When writing the exact words (direct words) of a speaker quoted in dialog, you need to set the speech apart from the narrative (the words of the author telling the story) and differentiate between the different speakers' words. Therefore, enclose the words of each speaker's line with both opening and closing quotation marks. Non-dialog text may appear in the same paragraph as dialog.
See integrative example below
2. When writing a dialog, you should start a new paragraph every time the writer changes. If the spoken lines are brief and you prefer to keep all information pertaining to a certain scene together, then you may start a new paragraph at the beginning of a new scene.
See integrative example below
3. If a speaker is being quoted in more than one paragraph, use double quotation marks in the beginning of each paragraph but add the closing quotation marks only at the end of the last paragraph of that speaker's paragraph sequence.
My English as a foreign language class used to meet twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays evenings. We were a mixture of exchange students from all over the world trying to improve our English in London. Our teacher, Bella, was a lively redhead grandmother, looking much less than her real age, always smiling and laughing. Each lesson would start in the same way. Good evening everybody, let's see now, who's late today? " Bella used to say.
"It's Jose, he's late again, " said Hans, the class genius and teacher's pet. Then, the Indian girls would start giggling at Hans's funny accent. "That Hans sure talks funny, but he's cute and... " they would converse secretly amongst themselves.
"Who has something interesting to say about yesterday's news? I asked you to watch the 20:00 o'clock news .
Yes, Sven, what can you tell us about..." Bella would always start with Sven, who worked as a political commentator for Swedish T.V. and...
4. Do not use quotation marks in screenplays and scripts, where every line is dialog. Start a new paragraph every time the speaker changes.
1. When referring to words used as words, you can mark them out by either quotation marks, underlining or italics. Whichever option you choose, be consistent throughout any given piece of writing.
It is a common mistake among students of English to confuse "expect" and "except " when reading or writing.
[words set off with quotation marks]
It is a common mistake among students of English to confuse expect and except when reading or writing.
[words set off using italics]
2. When you use technical terms related to a certain profession or field of study, enclose them in quotation marks and provide a definition. This is important as your audience may not be familiar with these expressions and may take them at face value. If the audience of your writing is familiar with professional jargon, it would be unnecessary or even insulting to use quotation marks. Do not reuse quotation marks with technical terms once they have been introduced and defined.
"The passive voice " – the form of the verb in which the subject is acted on in order to emphasize the action rather than its doer – is not recommended to be used profusely, according to most writing guides. However, not all writers take this recommendation about the passive voice seriously.
[term introduced in quotation marks, definition provided between dashes, reoccurrence of term without quotation marks]
3. When you use a word that in itself is not unusual, but locate it in a context in which it would have a different nonstandard sense or is jargon related, enclose it in quotation marks. This way, the reader understands that the word is used in a manner out of the ordinary.
In the grammatical jargon of English verb tenses, a "simple " verb means that the verb is composed of one word and simply states an action or situation. Actions which are incomplete and still ongoing are expressed by "progressive " forms, while "perfect " tenses denote the completeness of the action rather than it having been performed perfectly or without flaws.
4. When you use self-coined terms your readers are unlikely to be familiar with, draw their attention to these by using quotation marks and providing definitions.
On our last writing assignment about creating instructions for a new game, we received one grade for writing proficiency and one for "idiot proofing , " that is, how clear and self-explanatory the instructions would be to even the most obtuse reader.
5. Use quotation marks with words and phrases where the sentence would be difficult to understand, as the reader may not be able to relate certain words to others by, for example, mistaking parts of speech.
unclear: In some word processors, track changes is a feature that allows you to make editing changes visible.
[ track changes may be mistaken for a demand directed at the reader]
better: In some word processors, "track changes " is a feature that allows you to make editing changes visible.
[ track changes is perceived as an independent concept]
6. Use quotation marks with English translations of words and phrases from other languages. Use italics for the original in the source language.
My old Latin teacher would always complain that his wife could keep on chatting with her country club friends ad infinitum ( "continuing forever ").
7. Use quotation marks around words you mean to use ironically or in any other non-literal manner.
The "reform " proposed by the Ministry of Education turned out to be yet another budget-cut scheme.
[ironical use of reform]
In politically correct language, bad looking girls are sometimes referred to as "aesthetically challenging. "
[non-standard use of aesthetically challenging]
8. Academic writing does not usually tolerate slang or clichés and prefers different wordings to express the same idea. If you cannot or do not wish to avoid these for stylistic purposes, use quotation marks to set them off the text.
Avoid: When a new American brand enters the local market, initial consumer response has it "selling like hot cakes ."
Better: When a new American brand enters the local market, initial consumer response creates an immediate considerable demand.
9. Use quotation marks with nicknames when these appear together with the full name. Nicknames on their own do not warrant quotation marks. If the nickname is well known, you do not need to give it with the full name.
Cherilyn LaPiere, better known as the singer Cher
[Known person, no quotation marks around Cher]
Lou "the Lizard" Maloney
[unknown person, quotation marks around the nickname the Lizard, which appears with the full name ]
10. In order to distinguish some phrases used as adjectives, it is recommended to set them off with quotation marks.
I think the "artsy-fartsy " crowd she is hanging out with is a bit snobbish.
I don't like the "don't call us – we'll call you " attitude you get in job interviews.
*Watch out !
11. Do not use quotation marks with a word simply to call attention to it or express sarcasm.
No: She was "very " pleased with the students' grades.
12. Do not enclose or use quotation marks with titles of school essays or academic papers in quotation marks, unless they include another title that does require quotation marks.
Comparative Literary Analysis of Shakespeare's "Macbeth " with Ibsen's "A Doll's House. "
As our brief article shows, those tiny 6s and 9s – the quotation marks – turn out to have quite a few usages in addition to just indicating quotation. It is important for good writers to be able to make use of the wide range of quotation mark usage, as it is the small details that give your writing the final polishing touches. As we cannot all be expected to know the rules of English grammar and punctuation, tools like WhiteSmoke English Writing Software can ensure that our use of quotation marks and other punctuation marks is always correct. With WhiteSmoke technology checking your grammar, punctuation and spelling, your writing will always be perfect.
You are now ready to read part 3 of our review of quotation marks in English writing.
Go to the English Lessons Portal for more English Lessons
Use of Quotation Marks in English Punctuation ("__") - Part 2
Part 1 | Part 3Mark It up with Quotation Marks
Congratulations ! You have reached the best place to know more about the quotation mark usage ("__") in English writing. This article will look at the ways in which you can use quotation marks as a punctuation mark in your writing. For accurate proofreading of quotation mark use and other punctuation or grammar rules, the artificial intelligence of the WhiteSmoke online English writing and grammar software will give you the best results every time. Even the best writers need an English editor to perfect their work.
Enjoy your reading and start using those quotation marks correctly.
Quotation Marks – What Are They ?
Quotation marks are important punctuation marks in English that have four different uses. Whenever you quote words, ideas or texts taken from an external source, whether spoken or appearing in print, you have to set them off with quotation marks. This accredits the source to being the origin of the text, a compulsory practice in academic writing, and a recommended one in virtually any type of writing. In standard academic writing, from an essay to a thesis, you must also provide a reference to the actual source of the quote, detailing how the reader may track back to it. This bibliographic referencing should be performed according to strict rules provided in various documentation style guides, such as the MLA, APA, etc.
It is both unprofessional and unethical to take credit for ideas that are not your own. Therefore, quotation mark usage is a sign of developed writing, created by writers who are well read and able to have their text communicate with ideas from other texts, in an ever-growing web of information. This article will follow MLA style conventions regarding the usage of the quotation marks in English writing.
The 4 uses of quotation marks are:
1. Setting off quotations
2. Setting off dialog and poetry
3. Setting off special text
4. Setting off titles
In addition, the following section is important to consider
5. Quotation marks style conventions
Uses of Quotation Marks in English Writing
2. Setting off Dialog and Poetry
1. When writing the exact words (direct words) of a speaker quoted in dialog, you need to set the speech apart from the narrative (the words of the author telling the story) and differentiate between the different speakers' words. Therefore, enclose the words of each speaker's line with both opening and closing quotation marks. Non-dialog text may appear in the same paragraph as dialog.
See integrative example below
2. When writing a dialog, you should start a new paragraph every time the writer changes. If the spoken lines are brief and you prefer to keep all information pertaining to a certain scene together, then you may start a new paragraph at the beginning of a new scene.
See integrative example below
3. If a speaker is being quoted in more than one paragraph, use double quotation marks in the beginning of each paragraph but add the closing quotation marks only at the end of the last paragraph of that speaker's paragraph sequence.
My English as a foreign language class used to meet twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays evenings. We were a mixture of exchange students from all over the world trying to improve our English in London. Our teacher, Bella, was a lively redhead grandmother, looking much less than her real age, always smiling and laughing. Each lesson would start in the same way. Good evening everybody, let's see now, who's late today? " Bella used to say.
"It's Jose, he's late again, " said Hans, the class genius and teacher's pet. Then, the Indian girls would start giggling at Hans's funny accent. "That Hans sure talks funny, but he's cute and... " they would converse secretly amongst themselves.
"Who has something interesting to say about yesterday's news? I asked you to watch the 20:00 o'clock news .
Yes, Sven, what can you tell us about..." Bella would always start with Sven, who worked as a political commentator for Swedish T.V. and...
4. Do not use quotation marks in screenplays and scripts, where every line is dialog. Start a new paragraph every time the speaker changes.
3. Setting off Special Text
1. When referring to words used as words, you can mark them out by either quotation marks, underlining or italics. Whichever option you choose, be consistent throughout any given piece of writing.
It is a common mistake among students of English to confuse "expect" and "except " when reading or writing.
[words set off with quotation marks]
It is a common mistake among students of English to confuse expect and except when reading or writing.
[words set off using italics]
2. When you use technical terms related to a certain profession or field of study, enclose them in quotation marks and provide a definition. This is important as your audience may not be familiar with these expressions and may take them at face value. If the audience of your writing is familiar with professional jargon, it would be unnecessary or even insulting to use quotation marks. Do not reuse quotation marks with technical terms once they have been introduced and defined.
"The passive voice " – the form of the verb in which the subject is acted on in order to emphasize the action rather than its doer – is not recommended to be used profusely, according to most writing guides. However, not all writers take this recommendation about the passive voice seriously.
[term introduced in quotation marks, definition provided between dashes, reoccurrence of term without quotation marks]
3. When you use a word that in itself is not unusual, but locate it in a context in which it would have a different nonstandard sense or is jargon related, enclose it in quotation marks. This way, the reader understands that the word is used in a manner out of the ordinary.
In the grammatical jargon of English verb tenses, a "simple " verb means that the verb is composed of one word and simply states an action or situation. Actions which are incomplete and still ongoing are expressed by "progressive " forms, while "perfect " tenses denote the completeness of the action rather than it having been performed perfectly or without flaws.
4. When you use self-coined terms your readers are unlikely to be familiar with, draw their attention to these by using quotation marks and providing definitions.
On our last writing assignment about creating instructions for a new game, we received one grade for writing proficiency and one for "idiot proofing , " that is, how clear and self-explanatory the instructions would be to even the most obtuse reader.
5. Use quotation marks with words and phrases where the sentence would be difficult to understand, as the reader may not be able to relate certain words to others by, for example, mistaking parts of speech.
unclear: In some word processors, track changes is a feature that allows you to make editing changes visible.
[ track changes may be mistaken for a demand directed at the reader]
better: In some word processors, "track changes " is a feature that allows you to make editing changes visible.
[ track changes is perceived as an independent concept]
6. Use quotation marks with English translations of words and phrases from other languages. Use italics for the original in the source language.
My old Latin teacher would always complain that his wife could keep on chatting with her country club friends ad infinitum ( "continuing forever ").
7. Use quotation marks around words you mean to use ironically or in any other non-literal manner.
The "reform " proposed by the Ministry of Education turned out to be yet another budget-cut scheme.
[ironical use of reform]
In politically correct language, bad looking girls are sometimes referred to as "aesthetically challenging. "
[non-standard use of aesthetically challenging]
8. Academic writing does not usually tolerate slang or clichés and prefers different wordings to express the same idea. If you cannot or do not wish to avoid these for stylistic purposes, use quotation marks to set them off the text.
Avoid: When a new American brand enters the local market, initial consumer response has it "selling like hot cakes ."
Better: When a new American brand enters the local market, initial consumer response creates an immediate considerable demand.
9. Use quotation marks with nicknames when these appear together with the full name. Nicknames on their own do not warrant quotation marks. If the nickname is well known, you do not need to give it with the full name.
Cherilyn LaPiere, better known as the singer Cher
[Known person, no quotation marks around Cher]
Lou "the Lizard" Maloney
[unknown person, quotation marks around the nickname the Lizard, which appears with the full name ]
10. In order to distinguish some phrases used as adjectives, it is recommended to set them off with quotation marks.
I think the "artsy-fartsy " crowd she is hanging out with is a bit snobbish.
I don't like the "don't call us – we'll call you " attitude you get in job interviews.
*Watch out !
11. Do not use quotation marks with a word simply to call attention to it or express sarcasm.
No: She was "very " pleased with the students' grades.
12. Do not enclose or use quotation marks with titles of school essays or academic papers in quotation marks, unless they include another title that does require quotation marks.
Comparative Literary Analysis of Shakespeare's "Macbeth " with Ibsen's "A Doll's House. "
Quotation Marks: Summing it up
As our brief article shows, those tiny 6s and 9s – the quotation marks – turn out to have quite a few usages in addition to just indicating quotation. It is important for good writers to be able to make use of the wide range of quotation mark usage, as it is the small details that give your writing the final polishing touches. As we cannot all be expected to know the rules of English grammar and punctuation, tools like WhiteSmoke English Writing Software can ensure that our use of quotation marks and other punctuation marks is always correct. With WhiteSmoke technology checking your grammar, punctuation and spelling, your writing will always be perfect.
You are now ready to read part 3 of our review of quotation marks in English writing.
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