Quotations Before Or After The Period

Quotations: Before or After the Period? A Comprehensive Guide to Punctuation

The placement of punctuation marks in relation to quotation marks is a common source of confusion for writers. This comprehensive guide will delve into the nuances of placing periods and other punctuation marks when using quotations, focusing specifically on the debate of whether to place periods inside or outside of closing quotation marks. We'll explore the differences between American and British English styles, provide clear examples, and offer advice for navigating this punctuation puzzle.

Understanding the Different Styles: American vs. British

The seemingly simple question of where to place a period relative to a quotation mark actually reveals a significant difference between American and British English punctuation styles. This divergence stems from historical conventions and continues to be a point of contention even today.

American English (Chicago Manual of Style and Associated Press Stylebook): In American English, periods and commas are always placed inside the closing quotation marks, regardless of whether the quoted material is a complete sentence or a fragment. This applies to single and double quotation marks.

British English (Oxford Style Guide): In British English, the placement of punctuation depends on whether the quoted material is a complete sentence. If the quoted material forms a complete sentence, the period is placed outside the closing quotation marks. If the quoted material is a fragment or doesn't constitute a complete sentence, then the period is placed inside the closing quotation marks. This creates a more flexible and context-dependent system.

Examples Illustrating the Differences

Let's illustrate the differences with clear examples:

American English:

• "The cat sat on the mat," she said.
• He exclaimed, "What a beautiful day!"
• She whispered, "It's a secret."

British English:

• "The cat sat on the mat." she said.
• He exclaimed, "What a beautiful day!"
• She whispered, "It's a secret".

Notice how in the British examples, the period in the first sentence is placed outside the quotation marks because the quoted material forms a complete sentence. However, in the other examples, where the quoted material is a fragment, the period is inside.

Beyond Periods: Other Punctuation Marks

The rules regarding the placement of punctuation marks extend beyond periods. Let's look at other commonly used punctuation marks:

Commas: Similar to periods, commas are placed inside closing quotation marks in American English and may be placed inside or outside in British English, depending on whether the quoted material is a complete sentence.

American English: He said, "The meeting is at 3 p.m., and I will be there."

British English: He said, "The meeting is at 3 p.m., and I will be there".

Semicolons and Colons: In both American and British English, semicolons and colons are placed outside the closing quotation marks.

• American English: He stated his position; "This is unacceptable."
• British English: He stated his position; "This is unacceptable".

Question Marks and Exclamation Points: The placement of question marks and exclamation points depends on whether the entire sentence containing the quotation is a question or an exclamation.

• Question within a statement: If the quoted material is a question, but the overall sentence is a statement, the question mark goes inside the closing quotation marks in both American and British English. "Did you hear him say, 'Where are we going?'"

• Statement within a question: If the quoted material is a statement, but the overall sentence is a question, the question mark goes outside the closing quotation marks in both American and British English. "Is it true that he said, 'I will be there'?"

• Question within a question: If the quoted material is a question, and the entire sentence is also a question, the question mark goes inside the closing quotation marks in both American and British English. "Didn't he ask, 'Where is the nearest library'?"

The same principles generally apply to exclamation points.

Consistency is Key: Choosing a Style Guide

The most important aspect of quotation punctuation is consistency. Choose a style guide (American or British) and stick to it throughout your writing. Inconsistent punctuation is more jarring than adhering to one style, even if it's not the one you're most familiar with. Using a consistent style guide presents a polished and professional image.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Scenarios

Let's explore some more complex scenarios to solidify understanding:

Quotations within Quotations: When dealing with quotations within quotations, use single quotation marks for the inner quotation and double quotation marks for the outer quotation. The rules for punctuation within the inner and outer quotations follow the same rules outlined above.

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

Ellipses within Quotations: Ellipses (...) indicate omitted words within a quotation. When using ellipses, follow the same punctuation rules as above. Note that if the ellipsis is at the end of the sentence, the period is usually omitted. However, there are exceptions depending upon your style guide.

Example: "The quick brown fox jumps... over the lazy dog."

Brackets within Quotations: Brackets ([...]) are used to insert explanatory words or phrases into quotations. The punctuation within the quotation follows the regular rules and is placed before the closing bracket.

Example: He stated, "The project [which was initially expected to be completed this week] has been delayed."

Choosing the Right Style for Your Audience

Consider your audience when making your decision. Academic writing often adheres to specific style guides which may specify the placement of punctuation. If you're writing for a specific publication, adhere to their style guide.

Tools and Resources

While many word processors have grammar and spell-check capabilities, they are not always reliable for consistently applying style-guide rules concerning punctuation around quotes. It's often beneficial to manually review your punctuation, especially when dealing with extensive use of quotations.

Conclusion: Mastering Quotation Punctuation

Mastering the intricacies of quotation punctuation may seem daunting, but with practice and a clear understanding of the rules, you'll become proficient in placing periods and other punctuation marks correctly. Remember that consistency is paramount, and choosing and adhering to a style guide ensures clarity and professionalism in your writing. While the differences between American and British English styles can initially appear confusing, consistent application will eliminate any ambiguity and enhance the overall readability of your work. By understanding the underlying principles and actively applying them, you can elevate the quality and impact of your written communication.