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What are Quotation Marks?
- Types of Quotation Marks with Examples
- 1. Double Quotation Marks (" ")
- 2. Single Quotation Marks (' ')
- When to use single Quotation Marks
- When to use double Quotation Marks
What is Punctuation?
- Types of Punctuation
- Punctuation Examples
FAQs on Punctuation and Quotation Marks

How to Use Punctuation and Quotation Marks

Q: Where should punctuation marks go in relation to quotation marks?

In American English , periods and commas go inside the quotation marks. In British English , they go outside unless they’re part of the quoted material. Example (American): “It’s time to go,” he said. Example (British): “It’s time to go”, he said.

Q: How do I punctuate a quote within a quote?

Use single quotation marks (‘ ’) inside double quotation marks (“ ”). Example: He said, “When she told me ‘I’m leaving,’ I was shocked.”

Q: What about question marks and exclamation points?

They go inside the quotation marks if they are part of the quoted material, and outside if they apply to the whole sentence. Example: She asked, “Are you coming?” Did she really say, “I’m leaving”?

By Swati Singh

Updated on 29 Oct 2025, 17:18 IST

Punctuation may seem small, but it has a big job—it guides readers through your thoughts. Without it, sentences turn confusing or even hilarious in the wrong way. One of the trickiest parts of punctuation is understanding how to use quotation marks correctly. Whether you’re writing dialogue, quoting someone, or emphasizing a word, proper punctuation makes your writing clear and professional.

What are Quotation Marks?

Quotation marks, also known as speech marks, are punctuation symbols in English used to enclose the exact words spoken by someone or to highlight titles, names, or specific terms.

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According to the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, quotation marks refer to “a pair of marks (‘’) or (“”) placed around a word, sentence, etc., to show that it is what someone said or wrote, that it is a title, or that it is being used in an unusual sense.”

The Cambridge Dictionary describes quotation marks as “the symbols ‘ ’ or “ ” used around a word or phrase to indicate that it was originally spoken or written by someone else.”

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As explained by the Collins Dictionary, quotation marks are “the punctuation marks used to open and close a quotation—either ‘ and ’ or “ and ” in English writing. When double quotation marks are used, single quotation marks appear inside them for a quote within a quote, and vice versa.”

Similarly, the Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines quotation marks as “one of a pair of punctuation marks (‘ ’ or “ ”) primarily used to indicate the beginning and end of a quotation, showing that the exact wording of another person or text is being cited.”

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Types of Quotation Marks with Examples

There are two main types of quotation marks used in writing: single quotation marks (' ') and double quotation marks (" "). Their usage depends on language style (British or American) and context.

1. Double Quotation Marks (" ")

Used to enclose direct speech, quotations, or titles of short works. Common in American English.

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Examples:

She said, "I'm learning English."
The teacher asked, "Who finished the homework?"
I just read "The Last Leaf" by O. Henry.

2. Single Quotation Marks (' ')

Used when quoting inside another quotation or in British English as the main quotation mark.

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Examples:

She said, "I heard him shout, 'Stop that!' before he ran away."
In British English: 'It's a lovely day,' said Emma.
The word 'innovation' is often used in business contexts.

Also Check: List of English Grammar

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When to use single Quotation Marks

Single quotation marks are used in specific situations. Their usage differs between British and American English.

1 Quotation Within a Quotation (Both Styles)

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Used when you quote something inside another quotation.

Example: She said, "I heard him say, 'I'll be there soon.'"

2 Titles or Words Within Quotes

Used to highlight a title, phrase, or special term inside another quotation for clarity.

Example: "I loved the poem 'Daffodils' by Wordsworth," she said.

3 In British English

Used as the main quotation marks instead of double quotation marks.

Example 1: 'It's raining outside,' said John.

Example 2: She replied, 'I'll call you later.'

4 To Emphasize a Word or Phrase

Sometimes used to draw attention to a specific word, though italics are preferred in formal writing. (Less Common)

Example: The word 'literally' is often misused.

When to use double Quotation Marks

Double quotation marks (" ") are used in several key situations in writing.

1. To Show Direct Speech

Used to enclose the exact words spoken by a person.

Example: She said, "I will call you tomorrow."

2. To Quote Someone's Words or Text

Used when borrowing exact phrases or sentences from another source.

Example: According to Gandhi, "Be the change you wish to see in the world."

3. For Titles of Short Works

Used for titles of articles, poems, short stories, songs, or chapters.

Example: I enjoyed reading "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe.

4. To Highlight Specific Words or Phrases

Used to draw attention to a particular term or to indicate irony or sarcasm.

Example: He said he was "busy," but he was just watching TV.

The word "journey" is used metaphorically here.

5. When Quoting Within Another Quotation (in American English)

Double quotation marks are used outside, while single quotation marks go inside.

Example: Maria said, "I heard him shout, 'Help me!' before the lights went out."

Type / Use	Description	Example
1. Direct Speech	Used to show the exact words someone spoke.	She said, “I am going home.”
2. Quoting Text	Used when citing words or sentences from another source.	The article stated, “Education is the key to success.”
3. Titles of Short Works	Used for titles of poems, short stories, songs, or articles.	I love “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.”
4. Quotation Within a Quotation	Use single quotes (‘ ’) inside double quotes (“ ”).	“Did you hear her say, ‘I’m leaving’?” asked John.
5. Highlighting Specific Words or Phrases	Used to draw attention to a word or phrase (often in irony or discussion).	The word “literally” is often misused.
6. Dialogue in Writing	Used to show when a character speaks in stories or scripts.	“Where are you going?” asked Emma. “Home,” replied Sam.
7. Quoting Definitions	Used when giving a word and its meaning.	The word “kindness” means showing care for others.

What is Punctuation?

Punctuation refers to a set of symbols in written language that help organize sentences, convey meaning clearly, and show pauses or connections between words, phrases, and clauses. Common punctuation marks such as the period (.), comma (,), question mark (?), and exclamation point (!) each play a distinct role in improving readability and reducing confusion.

Types of Punctuation

There are 14 main types of punctuation marks used in English. Each serves a different purpose for clarity, rhythm, and meaning in writing.

No.	Punctuation Mark	Symbol	Main Use	Example
1	Period	`.`	Ends a statement or declarative sentence	She loves reading.
2	Question Mark	`?`	Ends a direct question	Where are you going?
3	Exclamation Mark	`!`	Shows emotion, surprise, or command	Stop right there!
4	Comma	`,`	Separates items, clauses, or adjectives	I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.
5	Semicolon	`;`	Connects closely related clauses	She likes coffee; he prefers tea.
6	Colon	`:`	Introduces a list, quote, or explanation	He brought three things: a map, a torch, and food.
7	Dash	`—` or `–`	Adds emphasis or shows a pause/interruption	She was nervous—her hands were shaking.
8	Hyphen	`-`	Joins words or parts of words	It’s a well-known brand.
9	Quotation Marks	`" "`	Indicates speech, quotations, or titles	She said, “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
10	Apostrophe	`’`	Shows possession or contraction	It’s raining. / Sarah’s book.
11	Parentheses	`( )`	Adds extra or explanatory info	The test (which was easy) ended early.
12	Brackets	`[ ]`	Adds clarification or editorial notes	He said, “[They] will come soon.”
13	Ellipsis	`…`	Shows omission or trailing thought	I was thinking… maybe later.
14	Slash	`/`	Separates alternatives, fractions, or dates	and/or, 1/2, 10/10/2025

Punctuation Examples

Here are examples of each punctuation mark in use:

Punctuation Mark	Example Sentence	Explanation
1. Period (.)	She finished her homework.	Ends a statement.
2. Question Mark (?)	Are you coming to the party?	Ends a direct question.
3. Exclamation Mark (!)	Watch out!	Expresses emotion or command.
4. Comma (,)	I bought apples, oranges, and bananas.	Separates items in a list.
5. Semicolon (;)	I wanted to go; it was too late.	Joins related clauses.
6. Colon (:)	She has three pets: a cat, a dog, and a parrot.	Introduces a list or explanation.
7. Dash (—)	He was gone—without a trace.	Indicates a pause or break in thought.
8. Hyphen (-)	It’s a well-known fact.	Joins words to make a compound.
9. Quotation Marks (“ ”)	“I’ll see you soon,” she said.	Shows direct speech or quotation.
10. Apostrophe (’)	It’s raining outside. / That’s John’s car.	Shows contraction or possession.
11. Parentheses ( )	The trip (which was amazing) ended too soon.	Adds extra or explanatory info.
12. Brackets [ ]	He said, “[They] are on their way.”	Adds editorial or clarifying detail inside a quote.
13. Ellipsis (…)	I was thinking… maybe later.	Shows omission or hesitation.
14. Slash (/)	Please press on/off.	Shows alternatives, fractions, or dates.

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FAQs on Punctuation and Quotation Marks

1. What are quotation marks used for?

Quotation marks (“ ”) are used to enclose direct speech, quotations, titles of short works, or to indicate a specific word or phrase being discussed.

Example:
She said, “I’ll be there at five.”

Where should punctuation marks go in relation to quotation marks?

In American English, periods and commas go inside the quotation marks.
In British English, they go outside unless they’re part of the quoted material.

Example (American): “It’s time to go,” he said.
Example (British): “It’s time to go”, he said.

How do I punctuate a quote within a quote?

Use single quotation marks (‘ ’) inside double quotation marks (“ ”).

Example:
He said, “When she told me ‘I’m leaving,’ I was shocked.”

What about question marks and exclamation points?

They go inside the quotation marks if they are part of the quoted material, and outside if they apply to the whole sentence.

Example:

She asked, “Are you coming?”
Did she really say, “I’m leaving”?