What are double quotation marks?
Double quotation marks, also known as “double quotes” or “speech marks,” are a form of punctuation used to indicate direct speech, quoted text, or to draw attention to specific words or phrases. They consist of a pair of symmetrical marks that are usually positioned at the beginning and the end of a quoted section.
Uses of double quotation marks:
1. Direct speech: Double quotation marks are commonly used to indicate the exact words spoken by someone. For example:
– He said, “I am a professional writer.”
– She asked, “What time is the meeting?”
2. Quoted text: When quoting someone or referring to a specific text, double quotation marks are used to enclose the quoted text. For example:
– The article stated, “According to recent studies…”
– In the book, the author writes, “Love is a powerful force.”
3. Titles of short works: Double quotation marks are often used to enclose titles of short literary works, such as poems, short stories, or song titles. For example:
– “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe
– “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
4. Unusual or ironic use: Double quotation marks can be used to indicate a word or phrase that is being used in an unconventional or ironic sense. For example:
– The so-called “expert” couldn’t answer a basic question.
– The sign said “fresh” fish, but the smell said otherwise.
5. Nested quotes: When quoting someone within a quote, single quotation marks are typically used as an alternative to double quotation marks. For example:
– He said, “She told me, ‘I can’t believe you said that.'”
It is important to note that the use of double quotation marks may vary slightly depending on the style guide or conventions followed in different regions or disciplines.
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