Does Period Come Before Or After Quotation Marks

Does Period Come Before or After Quotation Marks? A Definitive Guide

The placement of punctuation marks in relation to quotation marks is a common source of confusion, even for seasoned writers. This seemingly minor detail can significantly impact the clarity and professionalism of your writing. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of punctuation with quotation marks, specifically focusing on the placement of periods, and offer clear, concise rules to ensure your writing is always grammatically correct.

The Basic Rule: American vs. British Style

The fundamental rule governing the placement of periods (and other punctuation) relative to quotation marks differs between American and British English. Understanding this distinction is crucial to avoiding errors.

American English Style

In American English, periods and commas always go inside the closing quotation marks, regardless of whether the quoted material is a complete sentence or a fragment.

Example:

• "The meeting is at 3 p.m.," she said.
• He shouted, "Help!"

British English Style

In British English, the rules are reversed. Periods and commas generally go outside the closing quotation marks, unless they are part of the quoted material itself.

Example:

• "The meeting is at 3 p.m.", she said.
• He shouted, "Help!"

Beyond Periods: Other Punctuation Marks

While the focus here is on periods, it's important to understand how other punctuation interacts with quotation marks, especially in American English style, which is prevalent online and in many professional settings.

Commas

Like periods, commas always go inside the closing quotation marks in American English:

• "I love this book," she declared.
• She said, "Let's go for a walk," and then she left.

Question Marks and Exclamation Points

The placement of question marks and exclamation points depends on the context:

• If the entire sentence, including the quotation, is a question or exclamation, the question mark or exclamation point goes outside the closing quotation marks:

  • Did he say, "I'm going home"?
  • He yelled, "Look out!"

• If only the quoted material is a question or exclamation, the question mark or exclamation point goes inside the closing quotation marks:

  • She asked, "Where are you going?"
  • He cried out, "Help me!"

Semicolons and Colons

Semicolons and colons always go outside the closing quotation marks in both American and British English:

• She said, "The meeting is canceled"; however, she didn't explain why.
• The instructions were clear: "Follow the path to the end."

Dashes and Parentheses

The placement of dashes and parentheses depends on what they enclose:

• If they enclose only the quoted material, they go inside the closing quotation marks:

  • She explained,—"The project is behind schedule"—and offered a solution.
  • He said, (referring to the document), "This section needs revision."

• If they enclose the entire sentence, including the quotation, they go outside the closing quotation marks:

  • —"The meeting is canceled," she announced.
  • (He said, "The project is on track.")

Addressing Common Errors

Many grammatical errors arise from a misunderstanding of these rules. Let's look at some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Incorrect Placement of Periods

A frequent error is placing the period outside the quotation marks when using American English. Remember, in American English, the period always goes inside the closing quotation marks.

Incorrect: He said, "The meeting is at 3 p.m."

Correct: He said, "The meeting is at 3 p.m."

Misplaced Commas and Other Punctuation

Similar errors occur with commas, question marks, and exclamation points. Always carefully consider whether the entire sentence or just the quoted material is a question or exclamation.

Incorrect: She asked, "Where are you going"?

Correct: She asked, "Where are you going?"

Inconsistent Application of Style

Maintaining consistency is paramount. Choose either American or British style and stick to it throughout your entire document. Switching between styles mid-document is jarring and unprofessional.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Considerations

While the fundamental rules outlined above cover most scenarios, certain situations require additional consideration.

Quotations within Quotations

When dealing with nested quotations, use single quotation marks for the inner quote and double quotation marks for the outer quote. Punctuation rules apply to both levels.

Example (American English):

He said, "She told me, 'I'm not going,' and then she hung up."

Example (British English):

He said, "She told me, 'I'm not going'," and then she hung up.

Ellipses within Quotations

Ellipses (...) indicate omitted words. Their placement within quotations follows the general rules for punctuation:

Example (American English):

He said, "The meeting...is canceled."

Example (British English):

He said, "The meeting... is cancelled."

Emphasis and Other Formatting

When incorporating emphasis through italics or bold within a quotation, ensure that the emphasis formatting is contained within the quotation marks.

Example:

He shouted, "This is extremely important!"

Practical Application and Best Practices

To improve your writing and avoid punctuation errors:

• Proofread Carefully: Always proofread your work meticulously, paying close attention to the placement of punctuation marks in relation to quotation marks.
• Use a Style Guide: Refer to a reputable style guide (such as the Chicago Manual of Style or the Associated Press Stylebook) for further clarification and guidance.
• Read Widely: Reading widely exposes you to various writing styles and helps you internalize correct punctuation usage.
• Utilize Grammar Checkers: While not foolproof, grammar and spell checkers can help identify potential punctuation errors. However, always double-check their suggestions.
• Seek Feedback: Ask a colleague or friend to review your work for punctuation accuracy. A fresh pair of eyes can often catch mistakes you might overlook.

Conclusion

Mastering the rules of punctuation with quotation marks is essential for clear, concise, and professional writing. By understanding the differences between American and British English styles and carefully applying the rules outlined above, you can avoid common errors and ensure your writing is grammatically sound. Remember to maintain consistency throughout your work and utilize resources to help you refine your skills. Consistent and correct punctuation contributes significantly to your credibility as a writer and enhances the overall impact of your written communication. Consistent application of these rules will make your writing clearer, more professional, and more effective. By understanding these rules and applying them consistently, you'll produce polished and error-free writing.