Direct Quote Quotation Marks
Direct quotations come in two different forms.
Direct quote quotation marks. This rule isn t just for speech. A direct quotation is a report of the exact words of an author or speaker and is placed inside quotation marks in a written work. Quotation marks also known as speech marks quotes or inverted commas are used to set off direct speech and quotations.
You put direct quotations in quotation marks. A direct quotation reproduces word for word material taken directly from another author s work or from your own previously published work. Use double quotation marks for a quote within a quote see examples below.
Quotation marks are used only with direct quotes. If the quotation is fewer than 30 words incorporate it into a paragraph and enclose the quotation in single quotation marks. If the quotation is fewer than 40 words incorporate it into your paragraph and enclose it in double quotation marks.
The exception is when you use a block quote which should be set off. Place a parenthetical citation either immediately after the quotation or at the end of the sentence. If you re quoting a written source you should still put the quote between quotation marks unless you plan to paraphrase it.
American usage has always preferred double quotes. For a direct quotation always include a full citation parenthetical or narrative in the same sentence as the quotation including the page number or other location information e g paragraph number. The use of quotation marks also called inverted commas is very slightly complicated by the fact that there are two types.
Quotation marks and direct quotations. King said i have a dream. Place the in text reference before the full stop.
What is a direct quotation. Run in and block quotations. This includes quotes from published works and primary data such as interviews.
As a general rule british usage has in the past usually preferred single quotes for ordinary use but double quotes are now increasingly common. A direct quotation reproduces word for word material directly quoted from another author s work or from your own previously published work.
