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The Rules for Using Quotation Marks? (with Examples)

The Rules for Using Quotation Marks? (with Examples)

Quotation marks ("") are punctuation marks used in pairs to:

• To identify previously spoken or written words
• To signify so-called or alleged
• To highlight the name of things like ships, books, and plays.

Quotation marks are also known as speech marks, quotes, and inverted commas.

Examples of Quotation Marks in Sentences

Here are some examples of quotation marks in sentences.

Quotation marks to identify previously spoken or written words

• George Bernard Shaw said: "When a thing is funny, search it carefully for a hidden truth."
(When a quotation is introduced with words like He said, He whispered, He wrote, it is usual to precede the quotation with a comma or a colon.)


• If you think what your uncle said is funny, then you should take Shaw's advice and "search it carefully for a hidden truth."
(When a quotation is used as part of a sentence, do not introduce it with a comma or a colon.)

Quotation marks to signify so-called or alleged

• So, when are you and your "girlfriend" leaving?
• My "mates" drove off with my clothes, leaving me in the lake.