Do Quotation Marks Go Inside or Outside Other Punctuation?

November 20, 2024 | Learning Center

The placement of quotation marks depends on whether you’re following British or American style. In British (or UK) style, punctuation that isn’t part of the quoted material is placed outside quotation marks. American (or US) style takes the opposite approach, placing punctuation inside quotation marks regardless of whether it’s part of the quote. Still not sure whether quotation marks should be inside or outside other punctuation? This guide to quotation mark placement has the answers.

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 quotation marks.
  • 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 quotation 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.