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Anonymous Posted 16 years ago
Grammar
Comma and quotes
Does the comma come after or before quotes?
Example: She waited for her 'prince,' but since he did not show up, she left in a hurry. (OR) She waited for her 'prince', but since . . . .
I've seen both forms: comma within quotes and comma outside of it. Which is acceptable?
Example: She waited for her 'prince,' but since he did not show up, she left in a hurry. (OR) She waited for her 'prince', but since . . . .
I've seen both forms: comma within quotes and comma outside of it. Which is acceptable?
Top answer
Many style manuals say it should go inside the quote, but for single words like that I put them outside. The key for me is whether the comma belongs as part of the structure of the text inside the quotes: if it does, then put it inside. If the comma belongs to the structure of the outside sentence, however, I'd put it outside.
- Many style manuals say it should go inside the quote, but for single words like that I put them outside.
- The key for me is whether the comma belongs as part of the structure of the text inside the quotes: if it does, then put it inside.
- If the comma belongs to the structure of the outside sentence, however, I'd put it outside.
- Since both ways are acceptable, depending on the authority, the best idea is to ask the person who will be assessing your writing.
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1 Answers
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Many style manuals say it should go inside the quote, but for single words like that I put them outside. The key for me is whether the comma belongs as part of the structure of the text inside the quotes: if it does, then put it inside. If the comma belongs to the structure of the outside sentence, however, I'd put it outside.
Since both ways are acceptable, depending on the authority,
Since both ways are acceptable, depending on the authority,
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