Period Inside Or Outside Of Quote Marks
When it comes to writing, there are many rules to follow, and one common dilemma that writers face is whether to place the period inside or outside of quote marks. This can be a confusing topic, especially for non-native English speakers. In this article, we will discuss the different rules and exceptions related to this topic.
Period Inside Quote Marks
The general rule is that when a quote is enclosed within quotation marks, the period should be placed inside the quote marks. For example:
"I love to read," said Jane.
As you can see from the example above, the period is placed inside the quote marks because it is part of the original sentence spoken by Jane. This rule applies to all types of quotes, including direct speech, indirect speech, and titles of books, movies, and articles.
Period Outside Quote Marks
However, there are some exceptions to the general rule. If the quote is a question or an exclamation, the period should be placed outside the quote marks. For example:
"Do you love to read?" asked Jane.
"I can't believe you don't love to read!" exclaimed Jane.
In the examples above, the question mark and exclamation mark are part of the original sentence, so they should be placed inside the quote marks. However, the period is not part of the original sentence, so it should be placed outside the quote marks.
Exceptions
There are some other exceptions to the general rule that can be confusing for writers. For example, when a quote is part of a larger sentence, the period should be placed outside the quote marks. For example:
I love to read "Pride and Prejudice".
In the example above, the period is not part of the original quote, so it should be placed outside the quote marks. Another exception is when a quote is interrupted by a tag. In this case, the period should be placed outside the quote marks if the tag is not part of the quote. For example:
"I love to read," said Jane, "but I don't have much time."
In the example above, the tag "said Jane" is not part of the original quote, so the period should be placed outside the quote marks.
Conclusion
Knowing where to place the period in relation to quote marks can be a confusing topic, but by following the general rule and the exceptions mentioned above, you can ensure that your writing is clear and correct. Remember that the period should be placed inside the quote marks unless it is part of a question or exclamation, or is not part of the original quote.