Grammar and Style
Quotation Marks

If you cannot find words and are without a spark, borrow some with a quotation mark.

Julie Erb

Quotation marks, as their name implies, mark quotes in a piece of text. This means that the double quotation mark (") appears before and after each stretch of text said or written exactly by someone other than the author. If the text that the author is quoting already contains a quote, then the larger or outside quote uses the double quotation marks (") and the smaller or inside quote uses a single quotation mark ('). However, if the quote extends for more than four lines of typed text, replace quotation marks by indenting the entire quote one-inch. This applies to direct quotes whereas indirect quotes, or words the author summarizes or paraphrases, should not be indicated with quotation marks or indentations. Unfortunately, quotation marks do not stop just with quotes. Quotation marks denote written dialogue by placing them before and after each individual speaks. The author also starts a new paragraph each time the speaker changes. Quotation marks designate short works (stories, poems, songs, articles, ect.). Even the translations of foreign words are put in quotation marks. Quotation marks are also set off words and phrases used in a special sense, such as technical terms. Quotation marks also indicate words that the author uses ironically, sarcastically, or words the author wants to make distant from himself, but overusing this is problematic. Some authors choose not to use them, but using quotation marks properly makes understanding our written language a lot less painful.

Exercises
1. Place quotation marks where they are needed in this sentence.
I enjoyed reading the short story, The Giving Tree, today, Susan said.

2. Madre means mother. Use this information in a sentence using quotation marks.

3. Make up an incident in which Bill and Judy say good morning to each other, using quotation marks.

4. Paraphrase this quote. "The first key to wisdom is constant and frequent questioning, for by doubting we are led to question and by questioning we arrive at the truth." -Peter Abelard

5. Quote this sentence. The movie, Apocalypse Now, was largely based on the short story, "Heart of Darkness."

6. The baker is talking to his fellow baker. Decide if this sentence is correct. If it is not, correct it.
The baker said, "This is some mighty good bread to his fellow.

7. The "Silas Creek University" is actually Forsyth Technical Community College.
Why are the quotation marks used here?

8. Which sentence needs quotation marks? Where?
Hester greeted Jane this morning. Hester greets Jane, Hi.

9. Write a word or phrase that you have seen with quotation marks due to irony.

10. Why would it be more than incorrect grammar if someone directly quoted something, but did not use quotation marks?

Answer Key:
1. "I enjoyed reading the short story, 'The Giving Tree', today," Susan said.
2. Various. My madre ("mother") is Mary Erb.
3. Various. Bill said, "Good morning, Judy."
"Good morning, Bill," Judy replied.
4. Various. Wisdom is questions. Doubts create questions that arrive at the truth.
5. The article "Movies and Literature" argued, "The movie, Apocalypse Now, was largely based on the short story, 'Heart of Darkness.'"
6. Incorrect. The baker said, "This is some mighty good bread," to his fellow.
7. It is a false name of the community college.
8. Hester greets Jane, "Hi."
9. Various. He is "tiny."
10. It would be plagiarism because he is taking credit for words that are not his.

References

Chris M. Anson and Robert A. Schwegler. The Longman Handbook for Writers and Readers Second Edition. Addison-Wesley Educational Publishers Inc., USA, 2000.

Joseph Gibald. MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers Fourth Edition. The Modern Language Association of America, USA, 1995.