Quotation marks

Definition

Quotation marks are punctuation marks used to denote direct speech, quotations, or phrases that require special emphasis. They help clearly attribute spoken or written words to their original source, ensuring the reader understands who is speaking or the context of a statement. Proper use of quotation marks is crucial for accuracy and clarity in writing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Quotation marks are placed at the beginning and end of a quote to indicate the exact words spoken or written by someone.
2. When incorporating quotes into text, it is important to maintain the original wording and punctuation from the source.
3. In American English, periods and commas are typically placed inside the quotation marks, while in British English, they may be placed outside if they are not part of the quoted material.
4. Single quotation marks can be used within double quotation marks to indicate a quote within a quote.
5. It's important to use quotation marks correctly to avoid plagiarism and to give appropriate credit to the original source of ideas.

Review Questions

• How do quotation marks enhance clarity in writing when incorporating quotes?
  • Quotation marks enhance clarity by clearly signaling to the reader that the enclosed text represents someone's exact words or thoughts. This distinction helps prevent confusion about who is speaking or what is being referenced. By properly using quotation marks, writers can accurately attribute ideas and maintain the integrity of the original statement, ensuring that readers understand the context and source of information.
• Discuss the importance of proper placement of punctuation with quotation marks and how it varies between American and British English.
  • Proper placement of punctuation with quotation marks is essential for adhering to grammatical standards and ensuring readability. In American English, commas and periods are generally placed inside the quotation marks regardless of whether they are part of the quoted material. In contrast, British English allows for more flexibility, permitting punctuation to be placed outside if it does not belong to the quoted content. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective communication and maintaining professionalism in writing.
• Evaluate how incorrect use of quotation marks can lead to misinterpretation in news reporting.
  • Incorrect use of quotation marks in news reporting can lead to significant misinterpretation of facts or statements, which can affect public perception and trust. For instance, failing to quote accurately may distort a speaker's intent or imply a sentiment they did not express. This can lead to misinformation and damage credibility. Therefore, journalists must ensure they are using quotation marks correctly to faithfully represent sources, especially in high-stakes reporting where clarity and accuracy are paramount.

Related terms

Attribution:

Attribution refers to identifying the source of a quote or information in a piece of writing, providing credit to the original speaker or author.

Paraphrasing:

Paraphrasing involves rewording a quote or passage in one's own words while maintaining the original meaning, often without the use of quotation marks.

Dialogue: Dialogue is a written conversational exchange between characters or speakers that is often presented using quotation marks to indicate spoken words.