Quotation Marks
Learn how to use quotation marks to show direct speech, quotations, and titles
What Are Quotation Marks?
Quotation marks (" ") are punctuation marks used to show the exact words spoken or written by someone else. They are also used for titles of short works and to highlight certain words or phrases.
When to Use Quotation Marks
1. Direct Speech
Use quotation marks to show the exact words spoken by a person.
Example: She said, "I am going to the store."
2. Quotations
Use quotation marks to show a direct quote from a book, article, or speech.
Example: The teacher said, "Reading is important."
3. Titles of Short Works
Use quotation marks for titles of short stories, poems, articles, and songs.
Example: I love the song "Let It Go."
4. Highlighting Words
Use quotation marks to highlight a word or phrase being discussed.
Example: The word "courage" means bravery.
Quotation Marks in Context
"Can I have some water?" asked the child.
The sign read, "No Parking."
We read the poem "The Road Not Taken" in class.
Interactive Quiz 1: Quotation Mark Usage
Choose where the quotation marks should go:
The teacher said, ___Practice makes perfect.___
Show Answer
The teacher said, "Practice makes perfect."
___Where are you going?___ asked Mom.
Show Answer
"Where are you going?" asked Mom.
I love the poem ___Hope is the Thing with Feathers___.
Show Answer
I love the poem "Hope is the Thing with Feathers."
Interactive Quiz 2: Correct or Incorrect?
Is the quotation mark usage correct?
She said, "I am happy".
Show Answer
Incorrect. The period should be inside the quotation marks: "I am happy."
"Let's go!" shouted Tom.
Show Answer
Correct.
The word "friendship" means a lot to me.
Show Answer
Correct.
Interactive Quiz 3: Quotation Marks in Dialogue
Add quotation marks to the dialogue:
___What time is it?___ asked Sam.
Show Answer
"What time is it?" asked Sam.
Mom said, ___Dinner is ready!___
Show Answer
Mom said, "Dinner is ready!"
___I can't wait for the weekend!___ exclaimed Lily.
Show Answer
"I can't wait for the weekend!" exclaimed Lily.
Interactive Quiz 4: Create Sentences with Quotation Marks
Create sentences using quotation marks:
Direct speech: say, "Let's go to the park!"
Show Example
She said, "Let's go to the park!"
Title: poem, "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"
Show Example
We read the poem "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."
Highlight: word "bravery"
Show Example
The word "bravery" means courage.
Important Grammar Rules for Quotation Marks
Punctuation Inside
Periods and commas go inside the closing quotation marks.
Single Quotation Marks
Use single quotation marks for a quote within a quote.
Capitalization
Capitalize the first word of a complete quotation.
Related Topics
Quick Reference
Pro Tip
Quotation marks show exactly what someone said or wrote!