Quotes or direct quotations need to be set off properly within a sentence so the reader knows what are the exact words of the person being quoted versus the words of the writer. There are a few common punctuation marks that can be used to denote a quotation. The most common is quotation marks, but sometimes other punctuation like commas or colons are used. Let’s take a look at the options and when to use each one.
Quotation Marks
Quotation marks (” “) are the most standard way to denote a direct quotation. They indicate the beginning and end of the quoted material. For example:
She said, “I will be there tomorrow.”
In this sentence, the quotation marks around “I will be there tomorrow” indicate that those exact words were spoken by the individual. Without the quotation marks, there would be no clear indication of where the quote starts and ends.
There are a few rules to follow when using quotation marks:
- Place quotation marks at the beginning and end of the quoted material.
- Quotation marks always go outside periods and commas.
- Use single quotation marks (‘ ‘) for quotes within quotes.
- Quotations comprising multiple paragraphs should have opening quotation marks at the start of each paragraph. Closing quotation marks only go at the end of the final paragraph.
Examples:
He said, “I’m going to the park today.” (Period inside the quotation marks)
Did you read the article “How to Use ‘Quotation Marks'”? (Single quotes inside regular quotes)
She told me, “I love going on walks in the summertime. The park near my home is so lively and beautiful in the warm weather months.
The flower gardens are in full bloom, and people are always out walking their dogs.” (Multi-paragraph quote)
Commas and Colons
Commas and colons can sometimes be used instead of quotation marks, typically for short quotations integrated into the middle of a sentence. Here are some examples:
The coach told the players, keep your eyes on the ball.
The sign read: Authorized Personnel Only.
In these examples, the comma and colon indicate small quoted snippets without needing full quotation marks. This approach is more common with slogans, warnings, sayings, and famous lines that don’t require marking a long quotation.
Block Quotations
Lengthy quotations that are 40 words or longer can be formatted as block quotations. These are indented from the left margin and do not require quotation marks. For example:
Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure.
The indentation and lack of quotation marks signals that this is a lengthy quotation the reader is meant to read separately from the body text.
When to Use Which Punctuation Mark
Here are some guidelines on when to use which punctuation mark for quotations:
| Punctuation | When to Use |
|---|---|
| Quotation marks | Standard quotations of any length integrated into a sentence |
| Commas/colons | Short snippets under 1-2 words integrated into a sentence |
| Block indentation | Lengthy quotations over 40 words set off as a separate block |
The key is using the type of punctuation that makes the quotation clear for the reader and following standard conventions. Quotation marks are the norm, especially for direct speech, but commas, colons, and block indentation also have their place depending on context.
Other Considerations
There are a few other formatting rules to keep in mind when dealing with quotations:
- Use double quotation marks for standard quotations and single quotation marks for quotes within quotes.
- Quotation marks always go outside other punctuation like periods and commas.
- Some style guides allow using single quotation marks for all quotations, but double quotations are more conventional.
- If a quotation contains a question or exclamation point, include it inside the quotation marks.
- Lengthy quotations may need to be introduced with a colon or formatting like spacing between lines.
Formatting quotations properly according to standard conventions helps ensure clarity and readability. The main options are quotation marks, commas/colons, and block indentation, but the context should determine which approach makes the most sense.
Examples of Punctuating Quotations
Here are some examples of direct quotations formatted with different punctuation marks:
Quotation marks
“I don’t know why she said that,” remarked Bob.
The teacher announced, “There will be a test tomorrow on chapters 1-3.”
Commas and colons
The poster read: Keep Calm and Carry On.
The instructions said, press any key to continue.
Block indentation
The Gettysburg Address is a speech that was delivered by President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War. It was given at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on the afternoon of Thursday, November 19, 1863. In just over two minutes, Lincoln invoked the principles of human equality espoused by the Declaration of Independence and redefined the Civil War as a struggle not merely for the Union, but as a struggle for the principle of human equality.
Conclusion
In summary, the three main options for punctuating quotations are:
- Quotation marks – Standard for most quotations integrated into sentences
- Commas/colons – For short snippets of 1-2 words
- Block indentation – For lengthy quotations over 40 words
Quotation marks are the most commonly used, with single quotes inside regular quotes when needed. Formatting quotations properly provides clarity for the reader on what content is directly quoted. Following standard conventions like placing punctuation inside or outside the quotation marks also improves readability. The key is using punctuation to distinguish quoted material from the writer’s own words.
Some examples to demonstrate proper formatting:
“This is a directly quoted sentence,” John said.
The sign said: No trespassing.
This is an example of a lengthy block quotation that would be indented from the left margin and not use quotation marks.
By applying these punctuation rules for quotations, you can punctuate them properly according to standard conventions.