Do quotation marks go inside or outside other punctuation?

Quotation Marks and Punctuation: Where Should They Go?

The placement of quotation marks in relation to other punctuation marks can often be a source of confusion. This is particularly true with commas and periods, which tend to follow specific rules in American English that diverge from other styles, such as British English. Understanding where quotation marks belong in these scenarios is essential for clear and effective writing.

Commas and periods in American English

In American English, periods and commas are placed inside the quotation marks. For example:

  • She said, “I will see you tomorrow.”

This rule helps maintain the flow of sentences and ensures that the punctuation does not interrupt the quoted material. If there is no quotation but a context suggesting a pause, keep the punctuation within the quotation marks, if it is part of the quotation itself.

Commas and periods in British English

In British English, punctuation marks are generally placed outside the quotation marks, except when they are part of the quoted material. For example, if a sentence reads, "This is an example", the comma would be situated outside the quotation marks. This rule applies similarly to periods and semicolons, which also reside outside when they are not part of the quoted text. However, if the original quotation includes a question mark or exclamation point, these marks should remain within the quotation marks. Therefore, saying, "Can you believe he said that?" illustrates the inclusion of a question mark inside the quotation, as it is part of the quoted sentence.

Other punctuation marks

When it comes to other punctuation marks such as question marks and exclamation points, the placement depends on whether they are part of the quoted material. Here are some guidelines:

  1. Question Marks: If the quoted material is a question, place the question mark inside the quotation marks:

    • Did she really say, “Is this how you do it?”

    If the entire sentence is a question but the quoted material is not, place the question mark outside:

    • She asked, “What time is it”?

  2. Exclamation Points: Similar to question marks, if the exclamation mark is part of the quoted material, it goes inside:

    • He shouted, “Watch out!”

    If it applies to the entire sentence, then it goes outside:

    • I can’t believe he said, “That’s incredible”!

Multiple Quotations

When you have a quote within a quote, in American English, you will need to use single quotation marks for the inner quote, while keeping the outer quote as double marks. Consider this example:

  • She said, “I heard him yell, ‘Help me!’”

In British English, you’d need double quotation marks for the nested quotation, with single quotation marks preferred for the outer quote:

  • She said, ‘I heard him yell, “Help me!”’

Conclusion

Mastering the placement of quotation marks in relation to other punctuation marks enhances the clarity of your writing. Remember that in American English, periods and commas always stay within quotation marks, while question marks and exclamation points depend on their relation to the quoted content. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your writing remains both precise and professional.

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