0
MrGuedes Posted 11 years ago
Grammar
Quotation marks and signs preceding them
Hello, guys!
This time, I have a couple of simple questions, but which have confused me recently. What is the correct punctuation mark to be placed before the quotation marks when quoting someone? A colon, a comma, or just nothing?
Also, I am led to understand that British usage generally dictates single marks, similar to one single apostrophe ('), whilst American usage dictates double marks ("). Is this true? And what am I supposed to do when there is a quotation within another quotation? Should I alternate between single and double marks or always use the same?
Thank you in advance for any answer!
This time, I have a couple of simple questions, but which have confused me recently. What is the correct punctuation mark to be placed before the quotation marks when quoting someone? A colon, a comma, or just nothing?
Also, I am led to understand that British usage generally dictates single marks, similar to one single apostrophe ('), whilst American usage dictates double marks ("). Is this true? And what am I supposed to do when there is a quotation within another quotation? Should I alternate between single and double marks or always use the same?
Thank you in advance for any answer!
Top answer
Consult the manual of style you have chosen or that has been thrust upon you. My favorite, The Chicago Manual of Style , will give you examples in which "a colon, a comma, or just nothing" may be appropriate. " I am given to understand that your remark about American and British usage is correct.
- Consult the manual of style you have chosen or that has been thrust upon you.
- My favorite, The Chicago Manual of Style , will give you examples in which "a colon, a comma, or just nothing" may be appropriate.
- " I am given to understand that your remark about American and British usage is correct.
- In any case, alternate the marks for quotations within quotations.
- If you find yourself three levels deep, perhaps you should consider rephrasing.
Get the Weekly English Kit 📬
New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.
1 Answers
0
Consult the manual of style you have chosen or that has been thrust upon you. My favorite, The Chicago Manual of Style, will give you examples in which "a colon, a comma, or just nothing" may be appropriate. In many instances of quotes after verbs of utterance, a comma is prescribed:
He asked, "What is the correct punctuation mark to use?"
I am given to understand
He asked, "What is the correct punctuation mark to use?"
I am given to understand
0
Related Questions