Quotation Marks Are Used for the Following Reasons

Quotation Marks

Quotation marks are used for the following reasons:

 Set off a speaker’s exact words in writing. This technique is called dialogue. It is important to note that when writing dialogue between more than one character, that a new line begins each time the speaker changes (this avoids ‘he saids’ and ‘she saids’ ad nauseum)

Example: “May I please have an actual answer?” the teacher asked. The student responded, “Uh-huh.” “Uh-huh is not a word, Sam,” “Okay.” “Okay what?” “OKAY . . . I agree with you.”

 Set off the titles of short works, such as poems, songs, essays, short stories, and articles.

Example: My favorite song is “Nevermind” by Nirvana. Example: Have you read the article “The Economy is Dying” in today’s USA Today?

 Set off a definition

Example: Irony means “incongruity between what might be expected and what actually occurs”.

 Single quotation marks are used to set off quoted material WITHIN a direct quotation (whew!)

Example: “I listened to ‘Since U Been Gone’ on the way to school today.” Elena said.

FYI: Longer works are underlined (books, newspapers, magazines, etc) Name: ______

Practice, Anyone?

Insert quotation marks where needed in the following sentences.

1. Have you seen my CD player? he asked.

2. Have you read the book Like Water for Chocolate? (think: this is tricky!)

3. Steven recited the poem The Wheelbarrow for the class.

4. The word integrity means being whole in promise and action.

5. I said get out of the way! she shouted.

6. The student questioned, When is my paper due about the short story The Yellow Wallpaper?

7. I read an article called Tips for Teen Investors in the New York Times this morning.

8. The child cried, Maaaaaammmmaaaaa!! as the door closed.

* * * * * * * * * * *

9. What types of writing needs quotation marks?______Give three examples: ______

10. What types of writing need to be underlined? ______Give three examples: ______