Is it OK to use single quotation marks?
Single quotation marks are used to indicate quotations inside of other quotations. “Jessie said, ‘Goodbye,’” Ben said. This is Ben talking, so his words go in quotation marks. But because we’re quoting Ben quoting someone else, Jessie, we use single quotation marks to indicate the quote within the quote.
Are single quotation marks used alone?
Well, it depends. Most authorities agree that if the full stop, comma, question mark or exclamation mark is part of the quotation, then it should go inside the closing quotation mark. There should be no problem with quotations that stand alone but, when they’re part of a bigger sentence, you need to take care.
Do you use single or double quotation marks to emphasize a word?
Do not use quotation marks to emphasize a word. Just don’t. It’s wrong. The strength of your words should make any formatting unnecessary, but if you really want to emphasize something, use boldface or italics.
What are double quotation marks used for?
Quotation marks, double (“”) or single (”), are generally used for direct quotes, certain titles, and words used in a special manner. Quotation marks are ALWAYS used in pairs, one at the beginning of the quoted text and one at the end.
Do you use single or double quotation marks for a title?
Double quotation marks are used for direct quotations and titles of compositions such as books, plays, movies, songs, lectures and TV shows. They also can be used to indicate irony and introduce an unfamiliar term or nickname. Single quotation marks are used for a quote within a quote.
What is the difference between single and double quotation marks?
General Usage Rules In America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the general rule is that double quotes are used to denote direct speech. Single quotes are used to enclose a quote within a quote, a quote within a headline, or a title within a quote.
How do you not use quotation marks?
Quotation Marks: When Not to Use. Do not use quotation marks with indirect quotations. One woman I interviewed said that her husband argued like a lawyer. Do not use quotation marks with cliches, slang, or trite expressions that you have doubts about using.
What is the difference between single quotes and double quotes?
When a single quote is next to a double quote, no space should be put between them, although inserting a “thin space” in a formatting program does make them look nicer and easier to see. American authors should use double quotes for scare quotes (to show a phrase is being used in an ironic or nonstandard way) or for emphasis.
Do you use double quote marks when writing?
If you’re writing in North America, double quote marks are typically used. However, sometimes a publisher’s or an author’s style may take precedence over such general preferences.
Do British publishers use single or double quotes?
However, some British publishers follow the American rules of using double quotes. British: ‘I think that’s a great idea,’ she said. When something is quoted inside a dialogue, American formatting uses single quotes inside the double quotes. Conversely, British formatting uses double quotes inside of single quotes.
What is a double quote used for in a headline?
Single Quotes used as a quote in a headline Double quotes are used to mark speech, for titles of short works like TV shows and articles, as scare quotes to indicate irony or an author’s disagreement with a premise. In America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, the general rule is that double quotes are used to denote direct speech.