Does The Period Go Before The Quotation Marks

Does the Period Go Before or After the Quotation Marks? A Comprehensive Guide

The seemingly simple question of punctuation within quotation marks is a surprisingly complex one, sparking debates among writers, editors, and style guides for decades. The placement of the period—before or after the closing quotation mark—depends entirely on the style guide you're following. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of this punctuation conundrum, exploring the different styles and offering clear examples to help you master this often-misunderstood aspect of grammar.

The Great Punctuation Debate: American vs. British Style

The primary source of confusion lies in the differing conventions between American and British English. This seemingly minor detail has significant implications for anyone writing for a global audience or adhering to specific style guides.

American Style: The Period Goes Inside

American style guides, including the widely used Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) and the Associated Press Stylebook (AP), dictate that periods and commas always go inside the closing quotation marks, regardless of whether the quotation is a complete sentence or a fragment.

Example:

*He said, "I'll be there." *

She whispered, "Goodbye."

The sign read, "Closed for the season."

This rule applies even when quoting only a portion of a sentence or a single word:

She used the word "definitely," which was quite inappropriate.

This consistent internal punctuation is one of the hallmarks of American English style and helps to maintain clarity and readability.

British Style: The Period Goes Outside (Usually)

British English style, as reflected in the Oxford Style Manual and other reputable guides, typically places periods and commas outside the closing quotation marks, unless they are part of the original quoted material. This rule, however, isn't as consistently followed as the American style, and there's room for nuance and exceptions.

Example:

He said, "I'll be there".

She whispered, "Goodbye".

The sign read, "Closed for the season".

However, if the punctuation is grammatically part of the quoted material itself, then it remains inside the quotation marks:

"It's a lovely day," she exclaimed.

This more flexible approach is not as rigidly enforced and sometimes leads to variations within British publications.

Other Punctuation Marks: A Detailed Breakdown

Beyond periods, other punctuation marks also present challenges when placed within or outside quotation marks. Let's examine these with examples:

Commas:

• American Style: Commas always go inside the closing quotation mark.

  • "It's a beautiful day," she said.

• British Style: Commas usually go outside the closing quotation mark, unless part of the original quote.

  • "It's a beautiful day," she said. (Often this is the case even in British English)

Question Marks and Exclamation Points:

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

• When the entire sentence containing the quote is a question or exclamation: The question mark or exclamation point goes outside the closing quotation marks in both American and British style.

  American: Did he really say, "I'm leaving for good"? British: Did he really say, "I'm leaving for good"?

• When the quote itself is a question or exclamation: The question mark or exclamation point goes inside the closing quotation marks in both American and British style.

  American: He shouted, "Look out!" British: He shouted, "Look out!"

• Exceptions and Nuances: Consider the following example:

  He asked, "Is this the correct way to punctuate?" (American style) He asked, "Is this the correct way to punctuate?". (British Style)

In this instance, the American style clearly indicates the question mark is part of the quoted material. The British style, while less clear, still conveys the meaning.

Semicolons and Colons:

Semicolons and colons are generally placed outside the closing quotation marks in both American and British style, unless they're a part of the quote itself.

Navigating Style Guide Preferences

Consistency is paramount. The most important aspect is to choose a style guide and stick to it consistently throughout your writing. Inconsistencies in punctuation can distract the reader and undermine your credibility. Some commonly used style guides include:

• The Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS): Primarily used in academic publishing and scholarly writing. Follows American style.
• The Associated Press Stylebook (AP): Widely used in journalism and news writing. Follows American style.
• The Oxford Style Manual: A leading style guide for British English. Contains a blend of rules and often offers guidance for variations.
• MLA Handbook: Often used in academic writing, particularly in the humanities. The MLA's preference generally mirrors American style.

Consult the specific style guide your publication or institution requires. If no style guide is specified, choosing either American or British style is acceptable, but maintain consistency throughout your document.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Scenarios

Let's explore some more complex scenarios where the rules might seem less clear:

Quotes Within Quotes:

When dealing with quotes within quotes, you'll need to use different types of quotation marks to differentiate between the levels of quotation. Typically, single quotation marks ('...') are used for the inner quote and double quotation marks ("...") for the outer quote.

• Example (American style): He said, "She told me, 'I'm not going.'"

• Example (British style): He said, "She told me, 'I'm not going'."

Notice that the punctuation still adheres to the respective style guide rules.

Ellipses:

Ellipses (...) indicate omitted words or phrases. The placement of ellipses within quotation marks depends on what is omitted. If the omission occurs at the end of the quoted sentence, then the period at the end of the quoted sentence (in American style) is omitted, and the ellipsis points are included within the quotation marks.

Parentheses and Brackets:

Parentheses and brackets are generally placed outside the closing quotation marks unless they are part of the original quote.

Conclusion: Master the Art of Quotation Mark Punctuation

The placement of periods and other punctuation marks within or outside quotation marks is a seemingly trivial detail but reflects the nuances of stylistic conventions. By understanding the key differences between American and British style, and by consistently following a specific style guide, you can ensure the accuracy and clarity of your writing. While there might be slight variations or exceptions, mastering these rules significantly enhances the professionalism and readability of your work. Remember, choosing a style and sticking with it throughout the writing is crucial; consistency is king. Always prioritize clarity and make sure the punctuation choices support the meaning and readability of your text.