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Definitions from WordNet

Definitions from the Web

Quotation Marks

Definition

Quotation marks, also known as inverted commas, are punctuation marks used to indicate that a specific phrase or text has been taken directly from another source. They are used to set off the exact words of a speaker or writer and are commonly used in written language.

Senses and Usage

1. Indicating Direct Speech:

Quotation marks are frequently used to enclose direct speech, indicating the exact words spoken by someone. For example:

• "I love reading," she said.
• "Could you please turn off the lights?" he asked.

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2. Quoting Text:

Quotation marks are used to quote or cite a specific text from another source. This usage is common in academic writing, research papers, and journalism. For example:

• In his article, John mentioned, "According to recent studies, the economy is expected to grow by 5%."
• The novel opens with the line, "It was a dark and stormy night."

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3. Signifying Sarcasm or Irony:

Quotation marks can be used to imply sarcasm or irony. When used in this sense, they indicate that the word or phrase enclosed should not be interpreted literally. For example:

• Wow, what a "great" idea you had!
• The "friendly" customer service representative was of no help at all.

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4. Highlighting Titles:

Quotation marks can be used to highlight or indicate the titles of shorter works such as articles, poems, songs, or TV episodes. For example:

• I recently read the article "The Importance of Exercise" in a health magazine.
• "Yesterday" is one of my favorite songs by The Beatles.

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Conclusion

Quotation marks are versatile punctuation marks used in various contexts to indicate direct speech, quote text, imply sarcasm or irony, or highlight titles. Proper use of quotation marks is essential for effective and accurate writing.