Punctuation - Quotation Marks
 
Quotation Marks Direct Quotations and Indirect Quotations Quotation marks are used to distinguish or set off the exact words of a speaker or writer. Example of a Direct Quotation: After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, President Franklin Roosevelt described the day as “a date which will live in infamy.” Do not use quotation marks around indirect quotations (someone’s idea rather than their exact words.) The word that usually signals an indirect quotation. Example of an Indirect Quotation: President Roosevelt believed that the day of the bombing of Pearl Harbor would be an infamous date. Proper Punctuation and Quotation Marks: Quoted phrases are typically distinguished from the rest of the sentence by a comma. When the comma comes at the end of the set of words, it is included inside the quotation marks. This rule is also true for the period ending the sentence. Also put question marks and exclamation points inside quotation marks unless they apply to the sentence as a whole. Furthermore, direct quotations begin with capital letters, even when the quotes are preceded by other words. Examples: Devon begged, “Take me to the carnival tonight!” “Calm down. We’ll go another night,” her mom replied. “If we miss the carnival,” Devon threatened, “I’ll be so mad at you.” Have you heard the old proverb “Good things come to those who wait”? Quotation Marks and Titles of Short Works Quotation marks can be used to distinguish the titles of short works, such as magazine and newspaper articles, short stories, song titles, episodes of television or radio programs, poems, and chapters of books. Do not confuse short works with longer works, such as magazines, and newspapers, books, plays, movies, albums, websites, and television or radio programs. Titles for longer works should be underlined when written, not distinguished by quotation marks. In print, the names of longer works are usually italicized. Examples: In poetry class we did an in depth study of “My Life had stood- a Loaded Gun,” a poem by Emily Dickinson. “The Body,” a short story by Stephen King, was later made into the movie Stand By Me. Big Crosby’s version of “White Christmas” is my all time favorite holiday song. More Rules on Using Quotation Marks: Use single quotation marks to enclose a quotation within a quotation. Example: According to Paul Elliot, Eskimo hunters “chant an ancient magic song to the seal after: ‘Beast of the Sea! Come and place yourself before me in the early morning!’” Quotation marks may also be used to distinguish words used as words. They are sometimes italicized. When writing your own papers make sure to stay consistent. Example: The words “accept” and “except” are frequently confused. The words there and their are often misused. Practice what you’ve learned. Insert the correct punctuation and capitalization whenever necessary. Answers will be at the bottom of this page. 1. If it rains said Tyler the Giant’s game will be cancelled 2. Melissa exclaimed if I pass my statistics class, I will begin university this January 3. Melissa said that if she passes statistics class, she will begin university in January. 4. I asked could I borrow your calculator for the quiz 5. Katherine Mansfield’s The Garden Party provoked a lively discussion in our women’s lit class. 6. I always mix up the word nose and knows when writing essays. 7. Haven’t you heard the slogan just do it Answers: 1. “If it rains,” said Tyler, “the Giant’s game will be cancelled.” 2. Melissa exclaimed, “If I pass my statistics class, I will begin university this January!” 3. (Trick question. This is an indirect quote. Nothing needs to be fixed with this one.) 4. I asked, “Could I borrow your calculator for the quiz?” 5. Katherine Mansfield’s “The Garden Party” provoked a lively discussion in our women’s lit class. 6. I always mix up the words “nose” and “knows” when writing essays. 7. Haven’t you heard the slogan “Just do it”?
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