Where To Put Punctuation After A Quote
When writing, it’s important to know where to put punctuation after a quote. This can be confusing, but there are some simple rules to follow. In this article, we’ll go over these rules and provide some examples to help you understand them better.
The Basic Rule
The basic rule for punctuating a quote is to place the punctuation mark after the quote. For example:
“I love to read,” she said.
In this example, the comma is placed after the quote because it is part of the sentence and not part of the quote.
Quotation Marks
Quotation marks are used to indicate that someone is speaking or that a text is being quoted. They should always be placed around the quote. For example:
“I’ll see you later,” he said.
When using quotation marks, it’s important to know the difference between single and double quotes. In American English, double quotes are used to enclose a quote, while single quotes are used for quotes within quotes. For example:
“I heard him say, ‘I’m not sure,’” she said.
Commas
Commas are often used in conjunction with quotes. They can be used to separate parts of a sentence, to indicate a pause, or to separate items in a list. For example:
“I love to read,” she said, “but I don’t have much time for it these days.”
In this example, the comma after said separates the quote from the rest of the sentence. The comma after read separates the two parts of the sentence.
Periods and Commas
Periods and commas are always placed inside the quotation marks. For example:
“I’ll see you later,” he said.
In this example, the period is placed inside the quotation marks because it is part of the quote.
Question Marks and Exclamation Points
Question marks and exclamation points can be placed inside or outside the quotation marks, depending on the context. If they apply only to the quote, they should be placed inside the quotation marks. For example:
“What time is it?” she asked.
If the question mark or exclamation point applies to the entire sentence, it should be placed outside the quotation marks. For example:
Did she really say, “I’m not sure”?
Colon and Semi-Colon
Colons and semi-colons are placed outside the quotation marks. For example:
He said they were “going to the store”; however, they never made it there.
Conclusion
Knowing where to put punctuation after a quote is an important skill for any writer. By following the rules outlined in this article, you can ensure that your writing is clear and easy to read. Remember to always place periods and commas inside the quotation marks, and to use colons and semi-colons outside the quotation marks.