Quotation Marks

Quotation marks are used most commonly around dialogue (words that someone has spoken), but there are really many rules we must follow when it comes to using this form of punctuation correctly.

Always put quotation marks before and after the names of: Articles in magazines and newspapers I cut out “The Amazing Life of a Hummingbird” from Sunday’s newspaper. Chapters in books Read the chapter called “The Boy from the Clouds” for homework.

Always put quotation marks before and after the names of: Essays and short stories My sister’s essay, “How to Improve This School,” won the award. The story “Dark and Stormy Night” was scary, but funny. Songs and poems For the talent show I’m singing “Amazing Grace.” “Love Among Thieves” is in the literary magazine.

We also use quotation marks to set off words or phrases that are special for any reason. I got “ambidextrous” right on the spelling test. He explained “the pursuit of happiness” in class yesterday.

Yet most of us think about using quotation marks when we’re writing out a direct quotation (or someone’s exact words). Mrs. Smith said, “It is a good idea to complete an outline as a prewriting strategy before you start to write your article.”

Especially important for the newspaper article assignment… Notice that periods, commas, and other punctuation marks that end or interrupt a quotation go inside the second (or ending) set of quotation marks. Mary said, “I haven’t seen such a mess since the last tornado.” “I haven’t seen such a mess since that last tornado,” said Mary.

“I haven’t seen such a mess,” said Mary, “since the last tornado.” “I haven’t seen such a mess in ages,” said Mary. “The last time was the last tornado.”

How SHOULD these sentences be written How SHOULD these sentences be written? (Hint: What punctuation is missing and where should it go?) Mrs. Barton said “I will never forget my adorable Molly”. “We have searched the entire river, but found no sign of the little girl” Detective Miller stated. “I know my parents have given up hope” Chris said to Pat “but I never will”.

Mrs. Barton said, “I will never forget my adorable Molly.” “We have searched the entire river, but found no sign of the little girl,” Detective Miller stated. “I know my parents have given up hope,” Chris said to Pat, “but I never will.”

When NOT to use quotation marks Do not use quotation marks with an indirect quotation, or words that do not match what someone said exactly. (In other words, when paraphrasing, quotation marks are not appropriate.) Mary said that she hadn’t seen such a mess since the last tornado. Mrs. Jones said it would be a good idea to do an outline before writing our draft of the article.