Quotation marks: when and how to use them to quote accurately?
Quotation marks play an essential role in both typography and grammar. They always work in pairs: the opening quotation mark and the closing quotation mark.
They are used to transcribe exact words of a borrowed passage, highlight specific words or phrases, or indicate irony. However, each language uses different styles of quotation mark: single or double rafters, straight or curly forms, with varying positions and orientations.
To become an expert on quotation marks and use them correctly, we’ll explain everything you need to know.
1. What types of Quotation Marks?
Different styles of quotation marks have different names based on their form:
«…» : French quotation marks,
»…« : German quotation marks,
“…” : English/American quotation marks,
‘…’ : Single quotation marks.
In French, a non-breaking space is required between the quotation marks and the words inside them. In other languages, no space is used. In all languages, there should be a space before opening quotation marks, but not after the closing ones.
2. How to Type Quotation Marks?
Mac Keyboard Shortcuts for Quotation Marks
French quotation marks: «…» and German quotation marks: »…«
- Opening: Option +
- Closing: Option + Shift +
English quotation marks: “…”
- Opening: Option + [
- Closing: Option + Shift + [
Single quotation marks: ‘…’
- Opening: Option + ]
- Closing: Option + Shift + ]
PC Keyboard Shortcuts for typing Quotation Marks
French quotation marks: «…» and German quotation marks: »…«
- Opening: Alt + 0171
- Closing: Alt + 0187
English quotation marks: “…”
- Opening: Alt + 0147
- Closing: Alt + 0148
Single quotation marks: ‘…’
- Opening: Alt + 0145
- Closing: Alt + 0146
These shortcuts may vary slightly depending on your keyboard type and language settings, so check your system settings if needed.
How to make quotation marks in Word?
To insert quotation marks in Word or any other word processing software, you can use the shortcuts listed in the paragraphs above.
You can insert quotation marks by going to the “Insert > Symbol” tab.
Furthermore, Word can use smart quotes by default: a feature that automatically adjusts straight quotation marks (” “) according to the language and style of the text. This can be very useful if you are writing in a language that is not your own.
3. When to Use Quotation Marks?
- Original work — No
- Previously evaluated original work — Yes
- Direct quotes (exact copy or translation) — Yes
- Paraphrased ideas — No
- Visuals (images, graphs, photos, illustrations) — No
- Common knowledge (legends, historical events) — No
4. Why Use Quotation Marks?
Quotation Marks for Direct Quotes
Beyond typographical rules, these punctuation marks allow you to faithfully reproduce the words of an author.
Example: She said: “Life is beautiful.”
Things get more complicated when there are one or more quotes within a quote.
For the main quote, nothing changes, we use quotation marks according to the language used. If there’s another quote inside the internal quote, we use single quotation marks ‘…’ without spaces between the quotation marks and the words inside.
Example: “During the exam, the teacher reminded: ‘Don’t forget what Victor Hugo said: ‘Freedom begins where ignorance ends.’ Use this quote to support your arguments.’”
Quotation Marks for Titles of Works
Titles of articles, chapters, poems, or short works are often placed in quotation marks.
Example: I read the article “New Marketing Trends” in a newspaper.
Quotation Marks for Irony
Quotation marks can indicate that a word is used ironically or figuratively.
Example: He is considered a “genius” by his colleagues.
Quotation Marks for Speech or Dialogue
In literature, dialogues are often enclosed in quotation marks.
Example: “How are you?” he asked.
Compilatio Studium Helps You Use Quotation Marks Correctly
Compilatio Studium Helps You Use Quotation Marks Correctly
The plagiarism checker Compilatio Studium includes an AI detector. The software automatically detects different types of quotation marks and all borrowed content in your text. It helps you verify that you’ve properly used quotation marks to indicate direct quotes. If borrowed content is detected without quotation marks, Compilatio alerts you so you can add them and cite the authors. Additionally, it lists all sources used in your work, which you can then insert in footnotes and your bibliography.
Compilatio Studium identifies borrowings: make sure you cite your sources correctly
5. How to Choose Between Quotation Marks and Italics?
Content Type: Quotation Marks or Italics?
If you’re referring to a complete work, use italics.
Example: The Lord of the Rings.
If you’re quoting part of that work or a short text, use quotation marks.
Example: “The grass is always greener on the other side” she said, quoting the proverb.
Stylistic Effect: Quotation Marks or Italics?
If you want to draw attention to a word or phrase for ironic effect or to emphasize a particular meaning, quotation marks are appropriate.
Example: He considers himself an “expert” in writing, but he doesn’t even know how to cite his sources.
If the intent is to indicate a technical word, expression, or Latin name, italics are more suitable.
Example: She has a special something in her style.
Sometimes you may need to use both quotation marks and italics in the same sentence.
Example: She said: “To kill a mockingbird is a must-read novel.”
From a typographical standpoint, it’s not mandatory to italicize your quote within quotation marks. However, you can make this choice for emphasis and aesthetic purposes.
Was this article helpful?
Mohamed BADI
Committed to academic integrity and authenticity, I help students and teachers understand and prevent the risks associated with plagiarism and generative AI.
