# Punctuation question; "quotes." or "quotes". **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [December 5, 2004, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punctuation-question-quotes-or-quotes/278131 "2004-12-05T00:27:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 15\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![rfgdxm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c0e974/32.png) [@rfgdxm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rfgdxm)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 6:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punctuation-question-quotes-or-quotes/278131/21 "2004-12-05T06:52:51Z")
> [@Roland Orzabal](#): > > I hate to be the one to tell you this, but it isn’t just the kids. You’ll want to avoid going to the grocery store down the street from my apartment, which sells _Only The “Freshest” Meat and Poultry_! :eek: ROFL. Are you serious? If so, I’d suggest you meet with the manager and bring your linguistic cluestick along. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hilarity_n.suze/32/6223_2.png) [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilarity_N.Suze)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 6:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punctuation-question-quotes-or-quotes/278131/22 "2004-12-05T06:57:11Z")
> [@Cicada2003](#): > > I always liked the handmade sign down the street, [dang, how did that happen] [well, to continue. . .] KEEP “DOGS” OFF LAWN Of course they were amateurs. In the phone book I saw the work of professionals. Much the same. Why Pay “More”? PS–I am a copyeditor, professionally trained & everything. In American usage the period and the comma go inside the quotes, always, according to “all” the stylesheets I use. The colon, semicolon, exclamation point, and question mark go inside if it goes with the quoted material, otherwise outside. Recently I edited something by a Brit, living in Canada. The Brits follow a different punctuation convention–spelling, too–and the PWB wanted it left that way. Drove me nuts. ---
**Author:** ![rfgdxm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c0e974/32.png) [@rfgdxm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rfgdxm)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 6:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punctuation-question-quotes-or-quotes/278131/23 "2004-12-05T06:59:19Z")
> [@Sunspace](#): > > Bwa-ha-ha-ha-haaa… > > _snicker_ Why do you snicker? You would doubt that a global communications medium like the Internet would have influence on the evolution of language? And I suspect that it is more far reaching than you imagine. For the first time in history people around the world who know English are communicating with each other regularly. This surely will over time result in less regionalism in how the language is written. ---
**Author:** ![rfgdxm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c0e974/32.png) [@rfgdxm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rfgdxm)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 7:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punctuation-question-quotes-or-quotes/278131/24 "2004-12-05T07:05:24Z")
> [@Cicada2003](#): > > Recently I edited something by a Brit, living in Canada. The Brits follow a different punctuation convention–spelling, too–and the PWB wanted it left that way. Drove me nuts. You probably should have tried punting that to another editor. Too easy to get confused with the style differences. ---
**Author:** ![sagitta](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/76d3ee/32.png) [@sagitta](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sagitta)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 3:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punctuation-question-quotes-or-quotes/278131/25 "2004-12-05T15:52:29Z")
> [@Cicada2003](#): > > [dang, how did that happen] > [well, to continue. . .] > > KEEP “DOGS” OFF LAWN > > Of course they were amateurs. In the phone book I saw the work of professionals. Much the same. Why Pay “More”? Since you ask: Counsel: Er, you are Sir Thomas More, Lord Chancellor of Henry VIII? More: Yep. Counsel: Chancellor, would it be fair to say that you not only built up the centralized monarchy in England but also opposed religious schism in Europe? More: (modesty) That’s what they say. Counsel: Did you persecute the protestants? More: Yeah. Counsel: And did you face persecution yourself by for making common cause with the Pope in opposition to Henry’s divorce and bid for religious independence? More: I sure did that thing. Counsel: Chancellor. Are you acquainted with the defendant, Harold Latch? More: Since I was so high (indicates how high). Counsel: Speaking as a saint of the Roman Catholic Church, as Lord Chancellor to Henry VIII, and as one of the architects of the modern world already - would you say that Harold Larch was a man of good character? More: Listen. Harry is a very wonderful human being. Counsel: M’lud. In view of the impeccable nature of this character witness may I plead for clemency. Judge: Oh but it’s only thirty shillings. (Enter Inspector Dim.) Dim: Not so fast! Prisoner: Why not? Dim: (momentarily thrown) None of your smart answers … you think you’re so clever. Well, I’m Dim. (A caption appears on the screen ‘DIM OF THE YARD’) Omnes: Dim! Consternation! Uproar! Dim: Yes, and I’ve a few questions I’d like to ask Sir Thomas so-called More. More: Good day, Master Dim. Dim: So-called Chancellor, I put it to you that you were beheaded in July 1535. More: That is correct. Dim: Ah ha! He fell for my little trap. (Court applauds and More looks dismayed.) More: Curse you Inspector Dim. You are too clever for us naughty people. Dim: And furthermore I suggest that you are none other than Ron Higgins, professional Sir Thomas More impersonator. More: It’s a fair cop. Counsel: My you’re clever Dim. He’d certainly taken me in. Dim: It’s all in a day’s work. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punctuation-question-quotes-or-quotes/278131/26 "2004-12-05T16:48:41Z")
I agree with **Nightwatch Trailer** , **Polycarp** and **Musicat**. Or should I say, ‘I agree with “Nightwatch Trailer”, “Polycarp” and “Musicat”.’? This is the way I use quotes. If someone is being quoted, then the punctuation goes inside of the quotes: Frankie says, ‘Bend over!’ If the word or phrase is not part of a quotation, then the punctuation goes outside: We call that thing a ‘widget’. ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punctuation-question-quotes-or-quotes/278131/27 "2004-12-05T17:24:10Z")
Some of the previous threads on placement of quotes: > **[Placement of punctuation within quotation marks.](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=281994)** > > I didn’t want to hijack this thread anymore, but I’m confused about a punctuation rule. The following conversation took place in that thread: So if I use twickster’s last example, changing it to a statement, I would put it this way: I also... > **[Improper use of quotation marks.](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=253746)** > > I’m currently reading a brief written by my boss. He makes extensive use of quotation marks to emphasize words, or to put a sarcastic slant on them. For example: The deputy then “testified” about what he was told. That doesn’t seem right. I... > **[Punctuation and quotations: Inside or outside?](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=240238)** > > I remember several years ago in high school being taught that punctuation should always be put inside quotation marks, whether it’s an entire sentence or a single one-word phrase. I’ve always stuck with this rule whenever I write. However,... > **[Grammatical Issue Regarding Punctuation and Quotations](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=173869)** > > I always thought that punctuation should be included inside quotations, like in “this example.” Recently I saw on some news channel where they included a question mark outside of the quotes, “like this”? I’m wondering if it is always required that... > **[A simple question on grammar](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=159427)** > > So let’s say I’m writing an essay involving The Jungle, although the subject is only tangentially related to my question. If I have a sentence constructed similar to: Should that comma after “hoboing it” be placed inside or outside the quote... > **[Punctuation and Quotes question](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=60278)** > > Which is correct - placing the punctuation inside the end quote, or outside? Example: “I don’t know which is correct,” said Dooku, “and it has been driving me crazy.” “I don’t know which is correct”, said Dooku, “and it has been driving me crazy”.... > **[Grammar Questions ".](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=36291)** > > More and more I am seeing end-of-sentence periods outside of closing quotation marks, as in Josh said, “I want to go home”. Now, my learnin’ would say absolutely not, no way, never is this correct. (I do know the situation is contextual with a... > **[A slightly more complicated grammar question...](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=32823)** > > Actually it’s part grammar, part pronunciation, but I wanted something snappy for a subject name :). re point 3.: Could you give an example of this? It’s just that in British English, I’m sure the punctuation that isn’t part of the quote goes... > **[Use of " " and punctuation](https://boards.straightdope.com/sdmb/showthread.php?t=7675)** > > I was taught that a period or a comman go inside quotation marks. (“I didn’t say that,” he said.) But that a ? or ! or other punctuation goes outside. (“Did he say that”?) Is this correct? A true Board Favorite™ ---
**Author:** ![Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hilarity_n.suze/32/6223_2.png) [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilarity_N.Suze)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punctuation-question-quotes-or-quotes/278131/28 "2004-12-05T20:18:37Z")
> [@rfgdxm](#): > > You probably should have tried punting that to another editor. Too easy to get confused with the style differences. Would that be the American punt or the British punt? ---
**Author:** ![Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hilarity_n.suze/32/6223_2.png) [@Hilarity\_N.Suze](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hilarity_N.Suze)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 8:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punctuation-question-quotes-or-quotes/278131/29 "2004-12-05T20:22:00Z")
> [@Johnny L.A.](#): > > I agree with **Nightwatch Trailer** , **Polycarp** and **Musicat**. Or should I say, ‘I agree with “Nightwatch Trailer”, “Polycarp” and “Musicat”.’? This is the way I use quotes. > > If someone is being quoted, then the punctuation goes inside of the quotes: Frankie says, ‘Bend over!’ > > If the word or phrase is not part of a quotation, then the punctuation goes outside: We call that thing a ‘widget’. Well, if I got your copy I’d have to fix it. But the good thing about the American system is, you can use a macro and do it globally. The bad thing about the Brit system is you have to read every single instance to get the sense of it to decide if the comma’s where it properly belongs. Probably only another copy editor could see the advantages. Or care. ---
**Author:** ![Sunspace](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sunspace/32/1250_2.png) [@Sunspace](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sunspace)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2004, 11:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punctuation-question-quotes-or-quotes/278131/30 "2004-12-05T23:56:36Z")
> [@rfxgm](#): > > Why do you snicker? You would doubt that a global communications medium like the Internet would have influence on the evolution of language? And I suspect that it is more far reaching than you imagine. For the first time in history people around the world who know English are communicating with each other regularly. This surely will over time result in less regionalism in how the language is written. Oh, I believe you. 🙂 I just happen to _be_ one of those geeks, and I relish the oppurtunity to twist the language to my desires. That was Evil Mad Tech Writer laughter. I should have added a 😃 . 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Musicat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/musicat/32/20189_2.png) [@Musicat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Musicat)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2004, 1:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punctuation-question-quotes-or-quotes/278131/31 "2004-12-06T01:09:04Z")
Of course no punctuation thread is complete without a mention of Lynne Truss’ book, [Eats, Shoots, and Leaves.](http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1592400876/qid=1102295160/sr=2-1/ref=pd_ka_b_2_1/103-6820281-3675816) If punctuation means enough to you to read this thread, you will enjoy this book. ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2004, 4:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punctuation-question-quotes-or-quotes/278131/32 "2004-12-06T04:11:43Z")
Or you will read the fun parts and then skip over the bits advising about punctuation, which are nearly worthless for American usage. ---
**Author:** ![mangeorge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d78d45/32.png) [@mangeorge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mangeorge)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2004, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punctuation-question-quotes-or-quotes/278131/33 "2004-12-06T04:35:53Z")
No. Smoking Allowed? ---
**Author:** ![rfgdxm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c0e974/32.png) [@rfgdxm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rfgdxm)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2004, 4:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punctuation-question-quotes-or-quotes/278131/34 "2004-12-06T04:50:41Z")
> [@Exapno Mapcase](#): > > Or you will read the fun parts and then skip over the bits advising about punctuation, which are nearly worthless for American usage. Good point, in that I write such as to try to conform with standard American usage. Only interest I might have in how punctation is dealt with across the pond is if punctation according to American usage could result in a different meaning in the UK, it would be better to rephrase that such it would make sense on both sides of the pond. ---
**Author:** ![rfgdxm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c0e974/32.png) [@rfgdxm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rfgdxm)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2004, 5:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punctuation-question-quotes-or-quotes/278131/35 "2004-12-06T05:00:37Z")
> [@Cicada2003](#): > > Would that be the American punt or the British punt? Ahh…I wasn’t fully aware of how that word was used in the UK. I was aware of “punter”, which in US English translates either as “customer”; or alternately “fellow” or “guy”. I see that “punt” in the UK means “to gamble”. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/punctuation-question-quotes-or-quotes/278131.md?page=1)