Periods are a fundamental part of punctuation, yet their role in quotes often confuses writers. When it comes to incorporating quotations into your writing, the placement of periods can make a significant difference in the overall flow and clarity of your text. This comprehensive guide will navigate you through the best practices for using periods in quotes, ensuring your writing maintains a professional and polished tone.
When to Place the Period Inside or Outside the Quotation Marks
One of the most common questions regarding periods in quotes is whether they should be placed inside or outside the quotation marks. The answer to this question depends on the style guide you are following and the context of your writing.
American English Style
In American English, the general rule is to place the period inside the closing quotation mark, regardless of whether the quotation is a full sentence or a fragment. This rule applies to both single and double quotation marks.
For example:
“The sky is blue, and it’s a beautiful day.” “He said, ‘I’ll be there soon.’”
British English Style
In British English, the period is often placed outside the closing quotation mark when the quotation is a complete sentence. However, if the quotation is a fragment or part of a larger sentence, the period is placed inside the quotation marks.
For instance:
“The sky is blue. And it’s a beautiful day.” “He said, ‘I’ll be there soon’, and then left.”
Handling Different Punctuation Marks
Periods are not the only punctuation marks that can appear within quotes. Here’s how to handle other common punctuation marks:
Question Marks and Exclamation Marks
If a quoted sentence ends with a question mark or exclamation mark, these marks should be placed inside the quotation marks, even in American English.
“Where are you going?” she asked. “I can’t believe you said that!” he exclaimed.
Commas and Semicolons
Commas and semicolons that are part of the original quotation should be placed inside the quotation marks. However, if they are used to separate the quote from the rest of the sentence, they should be placed outside the quotation marks.
“I love reading,” he said, “especially during summer breaks.” She whispered, “I agree”; it was a secret they shared.
Colons and Dashes
Colons and dashes that are part of the original quotation should be placed inside the quotation marks.
“I have two options: stay or go.” “There was a choice—stay or leave.”
Quoting Dialogue
When incorporating dialogue into your writing, the placement of periods becomes even more crucial.
Direct Quotations
When quoting a character’s exact words, ensure that the period is placed inside the closing quotation mark.
“I’m not sure,” she said. “It’s a difficult decision.”
Indirect Quotations
If you are summarizing or paraphrasing what someone said, the period should be placed outside the closing quotation mark.
He remarked that he “wasn’t feeling well” earlier.
Multiple Quotes or Nested Quotations
When dealing with multiple quotes or nested quotations, the placement of periods can become more complex.
Single Quotation Marks Inside Double Quotation Marks
When using single quotation marks inside double quotation marks, the period should be placed inside the closing single quotation mark.
“She said, ‘I’m going home,’ and left immediately.”
Double Quotation Marks Inside Single Quotation Marks
If you need to use double quotation marks inside single quotation marks, the period should be placed inside the closing double quotation mark.
‘He told me, “I’ll call you later,” but he never did.’
FAQ
Is it ever acceptable to omit the period after a quotation?
+Omitting the period after a quotation is generally discouraged as it can create confusion. However, in creative writing or journalism, you might occasionally see this done for stylistic reasons. In such cases, ensure the omission serves a clear purpose and doesn't compromise the clarity of your writing.
How should I handle periods when quoting a single word or phrase?
+When quoting a single word or phrase, the period should be placed inside the closing quotation mark. For example, "The word 'love' is powerful."
Can I use periods with other types of punctuation, like brackets or dashes?
+Periods can be used with other types of punctuation, such as brackets or dashes, as long as they are part of the original quotation. For example, "I love reading—especially on rainy days." or "The author, [name], is a renowned scholar."
Are there any special considerations for quoting poetry or song lyrics?
+When quoting poetry or song lyrics, the placement of periods can vary depending on the style guide. In general, it's best to follow the original formatting of the poem or lyrics. If the poem or lyrics are being quoted within a larger sentence, the period should be placed outside the closing quotation mark.
What if I need to add my own clarification or explanation within a quotation?
+If you need to add your own clarification or explanation within a quotation, use square brackets [like this] to indicate the added content. The period should be placed outside the closing quotation mark but inside the closing bracket.
By understanding these guidelines and practicing their application, you can ensure that your writing maintains a professional and polished tone, with periods in quotes used correctly and effectively.
