Before or after the quotation mark

[Cariad]

I admit, I don't remember.

If I'm writing a quote that's a question, or simply a quote with an explanation mark, where do they go.

He said, 'Where is the ball?'
or
He said, "Where is the ball'?

What's the rule?

And what about a full stop?

I replied 'your ball is under the table'.
or
I replied, 'your ball is under the table.'

[Lovehound]

The rules for quotation marks are far more complicated than most people realize. There is no simple rule for proper use, but most of the usage falls within this simplified rule: Place the terminal punctuation inside the quotes.

He said, "Where is the ball?"

I replied, "Your ball is under the table."

Note that the quotation is generally preceded by a comma outside the quotes, and the first letter of the quotation is capitalized.


Again, just so I don't get shot down, the above is a simplified rule pertaining to common quotations of spoken dialog. A complete rule for proper use of quotation marks is far, far more complicated than this simple rule.

[Advocat]

I admit, I don't remember.

If I'm writing a quote that's a question, or simply a quote with an explanation mark, where do they go.

He said, 'Where is the ball?'
or
He said, "Where is the ball'?

What's the rule?

If the person being quoted is asking the question, the question mark goes inside the quotes. If you are asking the question, and are quoting someone within your question, the question mark goes outside the quotes.

And what about a full stop?

I replied 'your ball is under the table'.
or
I replied, 'your ball is under the table.'

Generally the same rule as above, with the exception that if the quote (ending with a period) ends your sentence, then you leave off the period within the quote and place it outside. You have to define the end of your sentence.

[Lovehound]

I believe you're wrong Advocat, but it's difficult to determine without your providing examples. My rule describes the convention used in 99 percent of the dialog in 99 percent of the novels that I read. Note that it's easy to devise examples that my simplified rule doesn't cover, e.g. when footnotes are present. Please note that Cariad's question refers to quotation of dialog, which is but a subset of all quotational use.

[Fiona]

Yep. LH is right. Inside.

[Advocat]

This might help (examples are given on the page):

http://www.grammarbook.com/punctuation/quotes.asp

Periods and commas always go inside quotation marks, even inside single quotes.

The placement of question marks with quotes follows logic. If a question is in quotation marks, the question mark should be placed inside the quotation marks.

When you have a question outside quoted material AND inside quoted material, use only one question mark and place it inside the quotation mark.

[Lovehound]

Wikipedia: Quotation Marks (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quotation_marks)

It's impossible to relate to what you are saying unless you give specific examples. I suspect you're addressing issues outside of Cariad's question, which is why I stated that my simplified rule pertains only to quoting spoken dialog, which is what I believe Cariad was interested in.

If you go digging up every possible eventuality of using quotation marks, this thread is going to implode and suck in Global Affairs and all of the known universe, and possibly even parts of the unknown universe beyond that! :rofl:

[cdw]

If you click on the link it gives examples. Nice link by the way Advocat. :)

[Lovehound]

I guessed I glossed his link. Only his rule #1 applies in Cariad's case, the same rule I stated.

Which rule governs the following:... if the quote (ending with a period) ends your sentence, then you leave off the period within the quote and place it outside. You have to define the end of your sentence.

I didn't see that rule on his linked page. :)

[cdw]

I was only trying to assist you in trying to relate by pointing out his link had examples. And clear cut, easily understood ones to boot! :)

[Lovehound]

If his examples are so damned good, why did he get his post #3 so wrong? Particularly following post #2 which had the correct answer... ;)

You're trying to start a fight between me and Advocat, right Cyd? :)

[cdw]

LH. Who let you out of the kitchen again?
I said nothing about him being right, you being right, nothing, nadda, zilch. All I did was point out that the examples you were looking for (since you couldn't relate) were in the link. And that the link had a very clear concise explanation with examples of the proper way to use punctuation and quotation marks. So, if there was still a question in Cariad's mind, there was a source for her. And, it was also a good reminder for myself. That's it.

[Stiofán]

This thread is rediculous.

[Lovehound]

This thread is rediculous.
Not only that, it's ridiculous too. ;)

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/ridiculous

[cdw]

This thread is rediculous.


:lol:

[Lovehound]

"Fools rush in where wise men fear to tread..."

If I were wise I'd quit posting in this forum area. I'm seriously considering that...

[Cariad]

well er...thanks, I think - all is clear as mud now. :whap:

[ethics]

Did you see Advocat's link?

http://www.grammarbook.com/punctuation/quotes.asp That's the golden rule. :)

[Cariad]

Actually no, I missed that link completly. Thanks, I think I got it. :)

[Allene]

I was out of town when this question came up. I've just skimmed the thread, but I'd like to point out that British/Canadian and American punctuation rules for quotations aren't identical.

[Cariad]

I was out of town when this question came up. I've just skimmed the thread, but I'd like to point out that British/Canadian and American punctuation rules for quotations aren't identical.

lol, I know, I was trying to figure out the American way since some of the kids at school were writing an essay on the pc's and I was asked a lot of questions regarding quotes and the like. What I do doesn't always tally with what's done over here. Don't even get me started on the spelling of different words.

[Allene]

You're from Wales, aren't you? I'm from Nova Scotia, but I've been in the United States for almost 40 years. I know what you mean about the differences in spelling. After coming here I had schizophrenic spelling habits for a few years. For example, labor in one paragraph and labour in the other. :(

[Lovehound]

lol, I know, I was trying to figure out the American way since some of the kids at school were writing an essay on the pc's ...

On PC's what? You've used the possessive form. What do the PCs possess?