Many English writers get confused about the English guidelines on quoting within a quote. Where should you place the single quotes? When do we use the double quotes? Show
Let’s discuss the basic rules on how to quote a quote. I also shared some sentence examples that will help you understand the topic. How to Quote a QuoteThe basic rule for quoting within a quote is using single quotation marks within double quotation marks. This structure is called a nested quotation, which follows a hierarchy of alternating between double and single quotes. Example:
The example above uses single quotes within double quotes as the American rule. The main quote is enclosed within double speech marks, while the quotation within the quotation is enclosed in single marks. At the end of every sentence, single and double marks should appear as a matching closing quotation mark. This signals the end of the inner and outer quotations. Below are more examples:
Another essential rule is to use the same opening and closing speech marks. Example:
To use a quote within a quote within another quote, that means the innermost mark should be double marks. Example:
How to Quote a Quote with Exclamation PointsQuoting with exclamation points and question marks also follows the American-style quotation marks. But unlike periods, exclamation points and question marks can be placed in quotations within quotations. Remember to place the punctuation mark within the single closing quotation mark. Example:
But if the question is within the outer quotation marks, then the question mark should be between the single and double quotation marks. This also means that the question mark should come before the outermost quotation mark. Example:
Notice there’s no period after the inner quote’s last word, “living.” That’s because one of the many quotation mark rules is that the stronger mark wins. Exclamation points and question marks are “stronger” than periods, so there’s no need to add one. How to Quote Multiple Quotes in One SentenceIt’s also possible to quote multiple quotes within a quote in only one sentence. Examples:
In the sentence above, two quotations are enclosed within double quotation marks. When to Use ApostrophesApostrophes are known as the most abused punctuation marks in the English language. Never use them to quote statements. Instead, they should only have two functions: to show possession and to indicate a contraction. Examples:
Double apostrophe marks are also not substitutes for double quote marks. Examples:
When to Use Colons When QuotingCreative writers can choose whether they want to use commas or colons for dialogues. In formal writing, commas are more common. However, some style guides recommend using a colon if the introduction is an independent clause. Example:
Another rule for colons vs. quotation marks is to use a comma if the introduction is not an independent clause. Example:
You can only use a comma after a quotation. For example:
How to Use Semicolons in Quotes Within QuotesIt gets more complex when unusual punctuation marks are inside quotes within quotes. But you can use semicolons the same way we use them outside quotations. Example:
Quotes Within Quotes in British EnglishYou might also find in an essay or book that the systems of speech marks are the opposite. These are usually British writing pieces. The single quote marks are for outer quotes, while double quote marks are for inner quotes. Examples:
Notice how the period is outside the outer quotes. British English punctuation rules state that commas and periods are always outside the closing quotation mark. The only exception is when the marks are part of the quotation. Summary of Quoting Within QuotesI hope this guide helps English writers correctly use quotes within quotes. Remember, if you’re a British writer:
But if you write for Americans:
How do you put multiple quotes in one sentence?When multiple quotation marks are used for quotations within quotations, keep the quotation marks together (put periods and commas inside both; put semi-colons, colons, etc., outside both).
What is a nested quotation mark?A nested quotation is a quotation that is encapsulated inside another quotation, forming a hierarchy with multiple levels. When focusing on a certain quotation, one must interpret it within its scope.
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