Researchers often struggle with deciding when to use single vs. double quotation marks. And we understand that this can be a confusing issue, as different style guides and language traditions offer different guidance on the subject. In this blog post, we will explore the differences in the usage of single vs. double quotation marks, and provide guidelines for when to use each type.
For example: “The professor said, ‘As John Stuart Mill famously wrote, “The only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others.”‘”
In this example, the quote within the professor’s statement is enclosed in single quotation marks.
For example, you might write, “In the poem ‘The Road Not Taken’ by Robert Frost, the speaker reflects on the choices he has made in life.”
For example, you might write, “The so-called ‘expert’ provided us with inaccurate information.”
By enclosing the word ‘expert’ in single quotation marks, you are indicating that you do not believe this person is truly an expert.
For example, you might write, “According to the article, ‘The weather this weekend will be sunny and warm.'” The phrase “The weather this weekend will be sunny and warm” is a direct quote, so it is enclosed in double quotation marks to indicate this.
For example, you might write, “The play ‘Hamlet’ by William Shakespeare is a classic tragedy that explores themes of revenge and mortality.”
For example, you might write, “The novel ‘The ‘God of Small Things’’ by Arundhati Roy explores the lives of a family in India.”
The title of the book contains a quote within it, so double quotation marks are used to enclose the quote within the title.
Found that useful? We have more such in-depth grammar articles in store for you. Check them out here.
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