Do Quotation Marks Go Inside or Outside Other Punctuation?

November 20, 2024 | Learning Center

Wondering whether punctuation goes inside or outside quotation marks? The answer depends on whether you’re following British or American style. In UK English, punctuation like commas and periods usually appears outside quote marks—unless it’s part of the quote. In US English, those same marks almost always go inside. This guide explains how to use quotation marks with punctuation in both styles, including rules for commas, periods, colons, semicolons, exclamation points, and question marks. If you’re unsure about quotation mark placement, this article will clarify the rules with examples and a handy comparison table.

1. Periods and Commas 

• British Style (Outside): Periods and commas go outside quotation marks unless they are part of the quoted material.
  • Example: She described it as ‘an unusual event’.
• American Style (Inside): Periods and commas always go inside.
  • Example: She described it as “an unusual event.”

2. Colons and Semicolons

• Both Styles (Outside): Colons and semicolons always go outside quotation marks, regardless of the style.
  • Example in British style: He called it ‘an amazing feat’; however, others disagreed.
  • Example in American style: He called it “an amazing feat”; however, others disagreed.

3. Exclamation Points and Question Marks

• Both Styles (Depends on the Context):
  • If the exclamation point or question mark is part of the quoted material, it goes inside the quote marks.
    • Example: He asked, “Are you coming?”
  • If it is not part of the quoted material, it goes outside.
    • Example: Did she really say, “I don’t care”?

4. Single vs. Double Quotation Marks

• British Style (Usually Single): British style usually prefers single quotes for ordinary use, with double quotation marks for nested quotes. However, some British publications, such as the BMJ, use double quotes. Others allow either type as long as it is consistent. Both the Guardian and the BBC use double quotation marks in regular text, but single quotation marks in headings. To be sure you’re using the correct style, always check the specific style guidelines.
  • He said, ‘I try to keep the quote “You can achieve anything if you put your mind to it” in mind when making life decisions’.
• American Style (Always Double): American style uses double quotation marks, with single quotation marks for nested quotes.
  • He said, “I try to keep the quote, ‘You can achieve anything if you put your mind to it’ in mind when making life decisions.”

Summary Table

Always choose the style preferred by your audience to ensure your writing is clear and follows the style conventions expected by your audience, and if you need any help making sure your quotations are correct, don’t forget that our editors can help; get an instant quote on our order page.