Properly referencing a song title that ends in quotation marks

Some grammar rules (and embarrassing mistakes!) transcend the uniqueness of different regions and style guides. This new International Grammar section by OnlineBookClub.org ultimately identifies those rules thus providing a simple, flexible rule-set, respecting the differences between regions and style guides. You can feel free to ask general questions about spelling and grammar. You can also provide example sentences for other members to proofread and inform you of any grammar mistakes.

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CataclysmicKnight
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Icon Properly referencing a song title that ends in quotation marks

Post by CataclysmicKnight »

Hi there! I'm so stumped by this issue that I decided to reach out to the fine folks of OBC for help.

Typically a song title should be enclosed with quotation marks in writing. BUT, what happens when that title ENDS with quotation marks?

The song title in question is 4'33". That's its actual name. The problem is this:

1) "4'33" incorrectly removes the last set of double-quotes from the title.
2) "4'33"" might be correct but it looks AWFUL.
3) Sometimes single quotes are used in place of double quotes in situations like these, but '4'33"' is just as dreadful looking.
4) 4'33" is the cleanest way to reference it, but song titles aren't typically italicized, and this would make it look like an album name instead.

PS: I'm looking to use this in an OBC review, so it's especially important to me that I get it right.

Thank you so much for your time and have an awesome day :D
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CataclysmicKnight
Previous Member of the Month
Posts: 912
Joined: 26 Jan 2015, 19:51
Favorite Book: Ready Player One
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Bookshelf Size: 1693
Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-cataclysmicknight.html
Latest Review: Simple Man Simple Message by Mark Dobosz

Post by CataclysmicKnight »

For future reference, Murray Lewis on Twitter (a writer in the video game industry) says that the proper way is with quotes: "4'33"." https://twitter.com/GameDevIdeas/status ... 00961?s=20

I'm going with that :D
Nothing is true, everything is permitted.
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