Quotation marks (“ ”) are punctuation marks used to indicate direct speech, quotes from texts, or titles of shorter works such as articles or short stories. They serve to distinguish the quoted material from the surrounding text. Proper use of quotation marks is essential for accurately attributing words to their original source and avoiding plagiarism.
Correct Usage
Using quotation marks correctly is super important in academic writing. Here are some things to remember:
- ➔Direct Quotations: When we want to use someone else’s words exactly, we put them in quotation marks.
- ➔Titles of Shorter Works: Quotation marks are also friends with shorter works like articles or short stories.
- ➔Nested Quotations: Sometimes we quote something that already has quotes in it. We switch between double and single quotation marks to avoid confusion.
Example: According to the study, “The findings suggest a strong correlation between variables.”
Example: “The Impact of Technology on Society” is an interesting article that talks about…
Example: The author argues, “In her analysis, Smith states, ‘The data suggests a significant correlation.'”
Common Mistake to Avoid
Even though quotation marks seem simple, there is a common mistake. Watch out for it:
- ➔Using Quotation Marks for Emphasis: Don’t use quotation marks to make something stand out. Use italics or bold instead.
✗Incorrect: The product is “guaranteed” to work.
✓Correct: The product is guaranteed to work.