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Punctuating quotations
Posted: 13 Dec 2017, 06:47
by Rosemary Wright
Hello,
Should full stops, commas and question marks, be placed inside or outside quotation marks?
In US English, the full stop is placed inside the closing quotation mark, although, there are few exceptions.
For example,
1. "Come here," said Rosemary.
2. "She is fine," David said.
3. "She said 'I was responsible for it.' I was surprised!"
In British English, these punctuation marks are placed outside the quotation marks, with exceptions also.
For example,
1. "Hello", she said.
2. No one heard when she said " I need help".
3. Is it true that she said "How much is mum's salary"?
An example of the exceptions is that in both US and British English, it's proper to write; " She is doing well." You can see the full stop inside the closing quotation mark.
Confusing? Please, your contributions to this topic are highly appreciated. Some of us have such grammar challenges, and we are in this forum to groom our English grammar. Thanks.
Re: Punctuating quotations
Posted: 13 Dec 2017, 09:51
by Nyla
Thank you that's a knowledge added to my library of knowledge
there are lot of things we think we know but its the other way round.
Re: Punctuating quotations
Posted: 13 Dec 2017, 10:30
by Rosemary Wright
You're welcome Nyla. I'm glad you appreciate the topic.
Re: Punctuating quotations
Posted: 14 Dec 2017, 05:20
by DATo
A "thank you" from me too Rosie. I didn't know that either. [8- )
Re: Punctuating quotations
Posted: 14 Dec 2017, 08:33
by Rosemary Wright
You're welcome DATo.
Re: Punctuating quotations
Posted: 15 Dec 2017, 11:52
by Insightsintobooks729
I didn't know the differences between British and American punctuation. That is interesting, thank you.
Re: Punctuating quotations
Posted: 15 Dec 2017, 11:57
by Rosemary Wright
Insightsintobooks729 wrote: ↑15 Dec 2017, 11:52
I didn't know the differences between British and American punctuation. That is interesting, thank you.
I'm glad you got something from the topic.
Re: Punctuating quotations
Posted: 24 Jan 2018, 05:03
by Christina Rose
I’ve always been taught that punctuation should be placed inside the quotation marks. However, I do speak, read, and write American English, so those are the grammar rules I am familiar with. As far as I know (and, I could be wrong), reviews are scored using American English standards. Like I said, I could be wrong on this. I would love to find out if there is a definitive answer.
Re: Punctuating quotations
Posted: 24 Jan 2018, 07:39
by Rosemary Wright
Christina Rose wrote: ↑24 Jan 2018, 05:03
I’ve always been taught that punctuation should be placed inside the quotation marks. However, I do speak, read, and write American English, so those are the grammar rules I am familiar with. As far as I know (and, I could be wrong), reviews are scored using American English standards. Like I said, I could be wrong on this. I would love to find out if there is a definitive answer.
English is a West Germanic language that was first spoken in early medieval England. I don't think reviews are scored using American English standard alone. If any editor does that, I see it as ignorance and the affected reviewer should inform Scott or any other site admin.
Re: Punctuating quotations
Posted: 24 Jan 2018, 18:54
by MrsCatInTheHat
When I first started writing reviews here, it was made clear that the punctuation is to go inside the quotation marks. My first few reviews were definitely marked off for this issue. I'm fine with it. Consistency is important.
Re: Punctuating quotations
Posted: 24 Jan 2018, 23:20
by Christina Rose
CatInTheHat wrote: ↑24 Jan 2018, 18:54
When I first started writing reviews here, it was made clear that the punctuation is to go inside the quotation marks. My first few reviews were definitely marked off for this issue. I'm fine with it. Consistency is important.
I agree. Regardless of which standards are being used, each team member scoring the reviews should be on the same page. Consistency is key.
Re: Punctuating quotations
Posted: 26 Jan 2018, 01:00
by SPasciuti
That's facscinating. I never did understand why I would see that sometimes. I had originally thought it was something that was done when quoting someone else's writing which was my explanation for why I never seemed to find it in fiction books that I've read. I had no idea it was a British English grammar rule.
Re: Punctuating quotations
Posted: 28 Jan 2018, 18:30
by Mr Benj
There are some rules concerning the use of punctuations and quotations.These includes
1.Use a comma to introduce a quotation after a standard dialogue tag,a brief introductory phase or dependent clause.
2.Put commas and periods within quotation marks except when a parenthetical reference follows.
3.You can place colons and semicolon outside closed quotationsb mark.
Reference:http:owl.English.purdue.edu/owl/resource
/57
Yours sincerely,
Bok48.
Re: Punctuating quotations
Posted: 29 Jan 2018, 17:45
by Amystl26
Rosemary Wright wrote: ↑13 Dec 2017, 06:47
Hello,
Should full stops, commas and question marks, be placed inside or outside quotation marks?
In US English, the full stop is placed inside the closing quotation mark, although, there are few exceptions.
For example,
1. "Come here," said Rosemary.
2. "She is fine," David said.
3. "She said 'I was responsible for it.' I was surprised!"
In British English, these punctuation marks are placed outside the quotation marks, with exceptions also.
For example,
1. "Hello", she said.
2. No one heard when she said " I need help".
3. Is it true that she said "How much is mum's salary"?
An example of the exceptions is that in both US and British English, it's proper to write; " She is doing well." You can see the full stop inside the closing quotation mark.
Confusing? Please, your contributions to this topic are highly appreciated. Some of us have such grammar challenges, and we are in this forum to groom our English grammar. Thanks.
Oh my goodness, as a proofreader (and self-proclaimed grammar nerd!), I absolutely love this post! Thank you!
Re: Punctuating quotations
Posted: 29 Jan 2018, 17:49
by Amystl26
Not to mention, I just did a module on the difference between British and American words today-- what a coincidence!