Where To Put The Period After A Quote
When writing a paper or an article, it is important to know where to put the period after a quote. This is not always straightforward, and there are different rules to follow depending on the situation. In this article, we will discuss the different ways to put the period after a quote.
Direct Quote at the End of a Sentence
When you use a direct quote at the end of a sentence, you should place the period after the quote. For example:
"I love reading," said Mary.
In this case, the period is placed after the quote because the quote is a complete sentence. If the quote is not a complete sentence, the period is placed inside the quote. For example:
"I love reading," said Mary, "it's my favorite hobby."
Indirect Quote at the End of a Sentence
If you use an indirect quote at the end of a sentence, the period should be placed outside the quote. For example:
Mary said that she loves reading.
In this case, the period is placed outside the quote because the quote is not a complete sentence. If the indirect quote is a complete sentence, the period is placed inside the quote. For example:
Mary said, "I love reading."
Multiple Sentences in the Same Quote
If a direct quote contains multiple sentences, the period is placed inside the quote only if the quote ends with a complete sentence. For example:
"I love reading," said Mary. "It's my favorite hobby."
In this case, the period is placed after the first sentence because it is a complete sentence. The second sentence does not end with a period because it is part of the same quote.
Quoting Within a Quote
If you need to quote someone who is quoting someone else, you use double quotes for the inner quote and single quotes for the outer quote. For example:
"John said, 'I heard Mary say, "I love reading."' "
In this case, the period is placed after the single quote because it is the end of the outer quote.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are different rules to follow when placing the period after a quote, depending on the situation. Direct quotes at the end of a sentence have the period placed after the quote, while indirect quotes have the period placed outside the quote. Multiple sentences in the same quote have the period placed inside only if the quote ends with a complete sentence. Finally, when quoting within a quote, double quotes are used for the inner quote and single quotes for the outer quote. By following these rules, you can ensure that your writing is clear and easy to read.