Do The Quotations Go After The Period

Do Quotation Marks Go After the Period? A Comprehensive Guide to Punctuation

The placement of quotation marks in relation to other punctuation marks, specifically periods, is a common source of confusion for writers. The seemingly simple question – "Do quotations go after the period?" – actually depends on several factors, including your style guide (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc.) and the type of quotation used. This comprehensive guide will clarify the rules and exceptions, ensuring you punctuate your writing correctly and confidently.

Understanding the Basics: American vs. British Style

The primary difference in quotation mark placement lies between American and British English. While both styles use quotation marks to set off direct quotes, they diverge on the placement of periods and commas relative to those marks.

American Style: Inside the Quotation Marks

In American English, periods and commas always go inside the closing quotation marks, regardless of whether the punctuation is part of the original quote or added for grammatical purposes.

Example:

"The cat sat on the mat," she said.

"It was a beautiful, sunny day," he recalled.

British Style: Outside the Quotation Marks

British English, on the other hand, generally places periods and commas outside the closing quotation marks unless they are part of the original quotation.

Example:

“The cat sat on the mat,” she said.

“It was a beautiful, sunny day,” he recalled.

The Rules for American English Quotation Marks

Let's delve into the specifics of American English punctuation rules concerning quotation marks. These rules apply to various types of quotations:

1. Direct Quotations:

Direct quotations reproduce the exact words spoken or written by someone else. Periods and commas always go inside the closing quotation marks in American English.

Examples:

• "I'm going to the store," she said.
• He exclaimed, "What a beautiful sunset!"
• "The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog," is a well-known pangram.

2. Single Quotations Within Double Quotations:

When you have a quotation within a quotation, use single quotation marks for the inner quotation and double quotation marks for the outer quotation. Periods and commas still go inside the closing quotation marks of the innermost quote.

Example:

He said, "She told me, 'I'm leaving tomorrow,' and I was shocked."

3. Question Marks and Exclamation Points:

The placement of question marks and exclamation points depends on whether the punctuation is part of the quoted material or the sentence containing the quote.

• If the punctuation applies to the quote: The question mark or exclamation point goes inside the closing quotation marks.

  Example: He shouted, "Help!"

• If the punctuation applies to the entire sentence: The question mark or exclamation point goes outside the closing quotation marks.

  Example: Did she really say, "I'm never coming back"?

4. Colons and Semicolons:

Colons and semicolons always go outside the closing quotation marks.

Examples:

• He said, "The meeting is adjourned"; then everyone left.
• The following quote is important: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

5. Ellipses:

Ellipses (...) indicate omitted words or phrases within a quotation. If the ellipsis is at the end of a quoted sentence, the period is usually omitted. The ellipsis is placed inside the closing quotation marks.

Examples:

• "To be or not to be... that is the question."
• He said, "I... uh... don't know."

6. Dashes:

The placement of dashes depends on whether they are part of the original quotation or added for grammatical purposes. If part of the quote, they remain inside the quotation marks. If used for grammatical purposes outside of the quote, they would sit outside the closing quotation marks.

Example:

• "This is—to put it mildly—a difficult situation."
• The report—including the quote, "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts"—was well-received.

The Rules for British English Quotation Marks

While the American style is fairly consistent, British English presents a slightly more nuanced approach:

1. Periods and Commas Outside:

As mentioned earlier, periods and commas usually go outside the closing quotation marks in British English, unless they are part of the original quote.

Example:

"The cat sat on the mat,” she said.

2. Question Marks and Exclamation Points:

Similar to American style, the position of question marks and exclamation points depends on whether they relate to the quote itself or the overarching sentence.

3. Other Punctuation:

The placement of other punctuation marks like colons, semicolons, and dashes follows similar principles to American English, often placed outside the closing quotation marks unless integral to the original quote.

Which Style Guide Should You Follow?

Consistency is key. Always adhere to the style guide specified by your institution, publisher, or instructor. If no style guide is specified, choose either American or British style and remain consistent throughout your writing. Choosing the American style is generally preferred for wider international audience reach.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Several common mistakes related to quotation mark placement can significantly detract from the readability and professionalism of your writing:

• Inconsistent Placement: Switching between American and British styles within a single document is a major error.
• Incorrect Placement with Question Marks and Exclamation Points: Misplacing question marks and exclamation points related to the quoted material itself versus the encompassing sentence is a frequent error.
• Incorrect Placement of Colons and Semicolons: Always placing these outside the quotation marks, unless they are integral part of the original quote, avoids common punctuation errors.
• Overuse of Quotation Marks: Only use quotation marks for direct quotations and avoid using them for emphasis or sarcasm, as this may confuse the reader and dilute their impact when properly used.

Practicing Correct Quotation Mark Usage

Mastering the intricacies of quotation mark punctuation requires consistent practice. Regularly review the rules, and try editing your own writing, paying close attention to quotation mark placement. Consider using online grammar checkers, but always remember that these tools are not foolproof and should be used to support rather than replace your own understanding of the rules.

Conclusion: Clarity and Consistency are Paramount

The placement of quotation marks, particularly in relation to periods, might seem like a minor detail. However, correct punctuation significantly impacts the clarity and professionalism of your writing. By understanding the nuances of American and British styles and consistently applying the appropriate rules, you can ensure your writing is both grammatically correct and easy to read. Remembering the core principle of consistency, whatever style you choose, will avoid ambiguity and maintain the flow of your writing. This attention to detail demonstrates careful consideration and enhances your credibility as a writer.