Quotations are an essential part of writing, but the placement of the period can be confusing. Should the period be placed before or after the closing quotation mark? This is a common question among writers, and the answer is not as straightforward as you might think.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
Quotations are an essential part of writing, but the placement of the period can be confusing. Should the period be placed before or after the closing quotation mark? This is a common question among writers, and the answer is not as straightforward as you might think.
What are Quotations?
Quotations are words or phrases that are taken directly from a source and included in a piece of writing. They can be used to provide evidence, support an argument, or add credibility to a piece of writing.
Why is the Placement of the Period Important?
The placement of the period is important because it affects the clarity and readability of a sentence. Incorrect placement can cause confusion and distract the reader from the intended meaning of the sentence.
Quotation Before the Period
When a quotation is placed before the period, it is known as British style. In this style, the period is placed outside the closing quotation mark. For example:
She said, "I love you".
This style is commonly used in British English, but it is also used by some writers in American English.
When to Use Quotation Before the Period
Quotation before the period is used in the following situations:
- When the quotation is a complete sentence.
- When the quotation is a question and the question mark is not part of the quotation.
- When the quotation is followed by a citation or reference.
Example of Quotation Before the Period
John asked, "Have you seen my keys?"
According to Smith, "The study found that..."
Quotation After the Period
When a quotation is placed after the period, it is known as American style. In this style, the period is placed inside the closing quotation mark. For example:
She said, "I love you."
This style is commonly used in American English, but it is also used by some writers in British English.
When to Use Quotation After the Period
Quotation after the period is used in the following situations:
- When the quotation is a phrase or part of a sentence.
- When the quotation is followed by a parenthetical citation or reference.
Example of Quotation After the Period
She said that she loves "chocolate chip cookies."
(Smith, 2019)
Question and Answer
Q: Which is the correct placement of the period?
A: The correct placement depends on the style you are using and the context of the sentence. In general, British style places the period outside the closing quotation mark, and American style places the period inside the closing quotation mark.
Q: When should I use British style?
A: British style is mainly used when the quotation is a complete sentence, a question, or followed by a citation or reference.
Q: When should I use American style?
A: American style is mainly used when the quotation is a phrase or part of a sentence or followed by a parenthetical citation or reference.
Conclusion
The placement of the period in quotations can be confusing, but it is important to get it right to ensure clarity and readability. By understanding the differences between British and American style and when to use each one, you can improve the quality of your writing and avoid common mistakes.
