Question

What Punctuation is used around a quotation

Answer 1

When quoting someone’s words, the primary punctuation used is quotation marks. In American English, double quotation marks (“ ”) are typically used for direct quotes, while single quotation marks (‘ ’) are often used for quotes within quotes.

Here's how it works:

1. **Direct Quote**:
- Example: She said, “I will be there soon.”

2. **Quote Within a Quote**:
- Example: “I heard him say, ‘I will be late,’” she mentioned.

Additionally, punctuation such as commas and periods usually go inside the quotation marks in American English, while in British English, punctuation can go outside if it isn't part of the quoted material.

Example in American English:
- Correct: “It’s a great day,” she said.
- Correct: “I believe,” he stated, “that we can win.”

Example in British English (for the second part):
- Correct: “It’s a great day”, she said.
- Correct: “I believe”, he stated, “that we can win”.

Other punctuation marks, like question marks and exclamation points, depend on whether they are part of the quoted material or the sentence itself.

Examples:
- If the quoted material is a question:
- She asked, “Is it already time?”
- If the entire sentence is a question:
- Did she really say, “I’ll be there”?

Be sure to adjust your punctuation based on the style guide you are following (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).