Where To Put A Period In A Quote
Putting a period in a quote might seem like an easy task, but it can actually be quite tricky. Depending on the context, the period may need to be placed inside or outside of the quotation marks. In this article, we will explore the different scenarios in which a period may appear in a quote and provide some tips for proper punctuation.
Period Inside Quotation Marks
The most common scenario for placing a period in a quote is when the quote is a complete sentence. In this case, the period should be placed inside the closing quotation mark. For example:
"I love to read," said Jane.
In this sentence, the period is part of the quote, so it should be inside the closing quotation mark. If the quote ends with an exclamation point or question mark, the period should still be placed inside the quotation mark. For example:
"Did you see that?" asked John.
In this sentence, the question mark is part of the quote, so the period should be inside the closing quotation mark.
Period Outside Quotation Marks
There are some scenarios in which the period should be placed outside of the quotation marks. One such scenario is when the quote is not a complete sentence, but rather a fragment. For example:
"Reading is my favorite hobby," said Jane. "Especially books about dogs."
In this sentence, the quote is a fragment and not a complete sentence, so the period should be placed outside of the closing quotation mark. Another scenario in which the period should be placed outside of the quotation marks is when the quote is followed by a citation or reference. For example:
"I never travel without my diary," said Oscar Wilde. "One should always have something sensational to read on the train."
In this sentence, the period should be placed outside of the closing quotation mark because it is followed by a citation.
Other Punctuation Marks
Other punctuation marks may also appear in quotes, and their placement depends on the context. Commas, for example, are often used to separate items in a list within a quote. In this case, the comma should be placed inside the quotation mark. For example:
"I need to buy apples, oranges, and bananas," said John.
In this sentence, the comma is part of the quote, so it should be inside the closing quotation mark.
Colons and semicolons, on the other hand, are usually placed outside of the quotation marks. For example:
John said: "I am going to the store."
In this sentence, the colon is not part of the quote, so it should be placed outside of the closing quotation mark.
Conclusion
Knowing where to put a period in a quote can be a bit tricky, but it is an important skill to master. Remember that if the quote is a complete sentence, the period should be placed inside the closing quotation mark. If the quote is a fragment or followed by a citation, the period should be placed outside of the quotation marks. Other punctuation marks may also appear in quotes, and their placement depends on the context. With these tips in mind, you'll be able to punctuate quotes with confidence and clarity.