Quotation Marks
Learn about quotation marks and their proper usage in English
What Are Quotation Marks?
Quotation marks (" " and ' ') are punctuation marks used to indicate direct speech, quotes, titles, and special terms. They help distinguish between what someone said or wrote and the rest of the text. Understanding when and how to use quotation marks is essential for clear and accurate writing.
Uses of Quotation Marks
Direct Speech
Simple Quotes
"Hello," she said.
With Attribution
John said, "I'm tired."
Split Quotes
"I love," he said, "this book."
Questions
"Where are you going?" she asked.
Titles and Names
Short Works
"The Raven" by Poe
Articles
"How to Write" article
Songs
"Bohemian Rhapsody"
Chapters
"Chapter 1"
Special Terms
Irony/Sarcasm
His "expert" advice
Unfamiliar Terms
The "cloud" storage
Slang
That's "cool"
Definitions
"Grammar" means rules
Quotation Marks Examples
"Hello," she said. (Direct speech)
I read "The Great Gatsby." (Book title)
His "expert" advice was wrong. (Irony)
"Grammar" means the rules of language. (Definition)
Interactive Quiz 1: Identify Quotation Uses
Identify the use of quotation marks in each sentence:
"Hello," she said.
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Answer: Direct speech
I read "The Great Gatsby."
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Answer: Book title
His "expert" advice was wrong.
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Answer: Irony/sarcasm
Interactive Quiz 2: Add Quotation Marks
Add quotation marks where needed:
Hello, she said.
Show Answer
Answer: "Hello," she said.
I read The Great Gatsby.
Show Answer
Answer: I read "The Great Gatsby."
His expert advice was wrong.
Show Answer
Answer: His "expert" advice was wrong.
Interactive Quiz 3: Punctuation with Quotes
Choose the correct punctuation:
1. "Where are you going" she asked.
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Answer: "Where are you going?" she asked.
2. I love "The Great Gatsby".
Show Answer
Answer: I love "The Great Gatsby."
3. "Stop" he shouted.
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Answer: "Stop!" he shouted.
Interactive Quiz 4: Quote Rules
True or False about quotation marks:
1. Periods and commas go inside quotation marks in American English.
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Answer: True
2. Book titles should always be in quotation marks.
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Answer: False (only short works)
3. Quotation marks can indicate irony or sarcasm.
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Answer: True
Tips for Using Quotation Marks
Punctuation Inside
In American English, periods and commas go inside quotes.
Titles
Use quotes for short works, italics for long works.
Special Terms
Use quotes for irony, unfamiliar terms, or definitions.
Quick Reference
Pro Tip
Quotation marks show exactly what someone said - they're like speech bubbles in writing!