Commas and Quotation Marks: Correct Punctuation Rules

_{September 29, 2023 by JoyAnswer.org, Category : Language}

Do commas go inside quotation? Learn the proper rules for using commas with quotation marks in written English.

Table of Contents

Do commas go inside quotation?

In American English, commas typically go inside quotation marks. This is a standard punctuation rule known as the "American style" or "inside-the-quotation-marks" style. Here's how it works:

Direct Quotations: When you are using quotation marks to enclose a direct quotation, the comma (or other punctuation) that is part of the quoted material goes inside the closing quotation mark. For example:
- She said, "I'll be there at 3 o'clock."
- He asked, "Do you want to go to the movies?"
Quoting a Phrase within a Sentence: If you are using quotation marks to enclose a specific phrase or word within a sentence, the comma (or other punctuation) still goes inside the closing quotation mark. For example:
- The term "digital marketing" refers to online advertising.
- He mentioned that "patience" was the key to success.
Punctuation at the End of a Quoted Sentence: If the punctuation at the end of the quoted sentence is not part of the original quotation, it goes outside the closing quotation mark. For example:
- She said, "Please bring some snacks."
- Did he ask, "What time is it?"

It's important to note that this punctuation style is specific to American English. In British English and some other English-speaking regions, the comma (or other punctuation) often goes outside the closing quotation mark unless it is an integral part of the quoted material. This is known as the "British style" or "outside-the-quotation-marks" style.

Here's an example in British English:

She said, "I'll be there at 3 o'clock".
He asked, "Do you want to go to the 'movies'?"

Always be consistent with the style you choose, and if you are writing for a specific publication or following a particular style guide, follow their guidelines for punctuation within quotation marks.

The Great Comma Debate: Should Commas Go Inside Quotation Marks?

There is a long-standing debate over whether commas should go inside or outside of quotation marks. The two styles are called American English and British English, respectively.

American English

In American English, commas and periods always go inside quotation marks. This is the style used by most major publishers in the United States, including the Associated Press and the Chicago Manual of Style.

For example:

"I'm going to the store," she said.
"Is it okay if I'm a couple minutes late to class today?" he asked.
"The best investments today," according to Smith, "are commodities and emerging-market stocks."

British English

In British English, commas and periods can go inside or outside of quotation marks, depending on whether the punctuation is part of the quotation or not. If the punctuation is part of the quotation, it goes inside the quotation marks. If the punctuation is not part of the quotation, it goes outside the quotation marks.

For example:

"I'm going to the store", she said.
"Is it okay if I'm a couple of minutes late to class today?", he asked.
"The best investments today", according to Smith, "are commodities and emerging-market stocks".

Which style should you use?

If you are writing for an American audience, you should use the American English style. If you are writing for a British audience, you can use either the American English or British English style. However, it is important to be consistent throughout your document.

Understanding the controversy

The controversy over where to place commas in quotation marks is largely a matter of personal preference. There is no right or wrong answer, and both styles are widely accepted. However, it is important to be aware of the different styles and to choose the one that is appropriate for your audience.

Tips for using commas in quotation marks

Here are some tips for using commas in quotation marks:

Always place commas and periods inside quotation marks in American English.
In British English, you can place commas and periods inside or outside of quotation marks, depending on whether the punctuation is part of the quotation or not.
Be consistent with your punctuation throughout your document.
If you are unsure of where to place a comma, consult a style guide.