How to Use Quotation Marks

In this lesson, you’ll learn how to use quotation marks.

Quotation marks help writers show when they are referring to others’ words and ideas. It is important to master quotation marks so that you can never be accused of plagiarism, which is stealing other’s ideas and words. Let’s learn about quotation marks.

Quotations and Punctuation

See the example below:

Einstein once said, “Imagination is more important than knowledge.”
“No way,” she answered.

Question marks and exclamation points should be placed inside the quotation marks if the question or exclamation is part of the quotation. If a question or exclamation is not part of the original quotation, the punctuation is placed outside the quotation marks.

See the examples below:

He asked, “Do you have a problem?”
Can you believe Einstein said “Imagination is more important than knowledge”?

Be sure to capitalize the first letter in a quotation. However, if the quotation finishes your sentence, it can be used without capitalization.

See the example below:

Jon Smith argues that “life is too short to hold grudges.”

Direct Quotations

See the example below:

Colin Powell said, “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination, and hard work.”

Notice that the writer clearly states who said the quotation. The writer places a comma after the word said, and then uses quotation marks at the beginning and end of the quotation. The writer also puts the final punctuation (the period) inside the last set of quotation marks.

You do not need to use quotation marks when you share someone’s ideas in your own words (paraphrase). However, it is still important that you tell the reader whose ideas you are sharing.

See the example below:

Colin Powell said that dreams happen through hard work and will power.

In the example above, the writer first clearly states who said the quotation, and then explains the ideas of the quotation in their own words (paraphrases).

Dialogue

“Why is it such a big deal?” asked Mark. Jenny looked upset. She had been working on this project for several weeks.
“It’s a big deal to me,” she stated.
Mark replied, “Let’s talk about this after the meeting.”

Titles of Short Works

See the examples below:

Yesterday I read Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken.”
I find the story “The Gift of the Magi” inspiring.

Notice that the quotation marks are placed at the beginning and end of the title of each work.

Practice Problems

1. True or False: Place commas and periods outside quotation marks.
2. True or False: If a question is not part of the original quotation, then the question mark goes outside of the quotation marks.
3. True or False: When directly quoting someone, it is not necessary to provide the name of who you are quoting.
4. True or False: When writing dialogue, start a new paragraph each time the speaker changes.
5. True or False: The following sentence uses quotation and punctuation marks correctly: Joanne asked, “Where are the old files located”?
6. True or False: The following sentence uses quotation and punctuation marks correctly: “I’m not sure,” Miguel answered.
7. True or False: The following sentence uses quotation and punctuation marks correctly: Doctor Jones told me to “take a vacation for at least seven days.”
8. True or False: The following sentence uses quotation and punctuation marks correctly: She read “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow last week.

9. Select the option that shows the sentence with the most correct quotation and punctuation mark use.

1. The manager said, “Finish mailing the online orders.” “Then start shelving the new stock.”
2. The manager said “Finish mailing the online orders. Then start shelving the new stock.
3. The manager said, “Finish mailing the online orders. Then start shelving the new stock.”
4. The manager said, “Finish mailing the online orders. Then start shelving the new stock”.

10. Select the option that shows the sentence with the most correct quotation and punctuation mark use.

1. Did you know that Michael Jordan said I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed”?
2. Did you know that Michael Jordan said “I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed?”
3. Did you know that Michael Jordan said “I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed?
4. Did you know that Michael Jordan said “I've failed over and over and over again in my life and that is why I succeed”?

Need More Help?

1. Study other English Language Practice pages in the Resource Center.
2. Visit the Online Tutoring Resources in the Resource Center.
3. Contact your Instructor.
4. If you still need help, Schedule a Tutor.