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Quotation Marks

Using quotation marks for direct speech, titles, and special terms

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When to Use Quotation Marks

  • •Direct speech: She said, 'I'm coming.'
  • •Titles of short works: articles, poems, songs, chapters
  • •Quoting someone else's words exactly
  • •Highlighting unfamiliar or ironic terms: The 'expert' was wrong.
  • •Definitions or translations: The word 'bonjour' means 'hello'.

How to Form Quotation Marks

Affirmative (+)

'Direct speech here' or "Direct speech here"

Negative (-)

Don't use quotation marks for indirect speech

Question (?)

'Are you coming?' she asked.

💡 British English prefers single quotes ('). American English prefers double quotes ("). Be consistent.

Examples of Quotation Marks

✓He said, 'I'll be there at five.'

✗He said, I'll be there at five.

Direct speech needs quotation marks.

✓Have you read the article 'Climate Change Today'?

✗Have you read the article Climate Change Today?

Titles of articles, poems, and short works use quotation marks.

✓She told me that she would be late.

✗She told me 'that she would be late.'

Indirect/reported speech doesn't use quotation marks.

Common Mistakes with Quotation Marks

💡 Practice Tips for Quotation Marks

  • • Direct speech = quotation marks; indirect speech = no quotation marks
  • • Comma before opening quote: He said, '...'
  • • Punctuation inside quotes (British: sometimes outside for ? and !)
  • • Single vs double: pick one style and be consistent
  • • Quotes within quotes: use the opposite style
Quick Quiz
  1. 1.Which sentence punctuates direct speech correctly? 
  2. 2.Which is correct for indirect (reported) speech? 
  3. 3.Which sentence places the comma correctly with the speech tag? 
  4. 4.Which question is punctuated correctly? 
  5. Question 5: Have you read the article blankClimate Change Today___? (mark used at each blank)
    5.Have you read the article Climate Change Today___? (mark used at each blank)
  6. Question 6: Insert the punctuation: She said blank I am happy. ___ (mark for both blanks; one answer)
    6.Insert the punctuation: She said I am happy. ___ (mark for both blanks; one answer)
  7. Question 7: Choose the correct punctuation. The 'expert' was wrong — the quotes here mean blank (one word).
    7.Choose the correct punctuation. The 'expert' was wrong — the quotes here mean (one word).
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