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Single Quotation Marks: Uses and Examples
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Punctuation allows us to express ourselves to readers in clear and structured ways. It is the system by which we organize, pace, and contain written language so it does not become a chaotic crowd of loose and random thoughts.
Within punctuation, the single quotation mark has particular functions. It is also a mark that can attract more questions of usage than other punctuation might.
Let's review how and when to use single quotation marks in your writing.
(Note our guidance is informed by the two style guides to which we most often refer, The Associated Press Stylebook and The Chicago Manual of Style. AP style favors daily journalism and communication such as newspapers and magazines; CMOS style commonly applies to more-formal publications such as books and official reports.)
Single Quotation Mark Examples: Quotes Within Quotes
When we have a quote inside of a quote, we distinguish the inner quote with single quotation marks and the outer quote with double quotation marks.
Examples
"I just spoke with Raymond, and he said, 'There's no way we're going to do that drive in a jeep. Get us an RV or I'm stayin' home.' "
Josephine thought of her mother's parting words: "My darling, there's an old saying that goes something like 'There's nothing wrong with good night unless it means good-bye.' We will see each other again before this is over." |
Note that when a single quotation mark and a double quotation start or end a sentence together, the single and double marks are separated by a space to support legibility.
When a sentence with a quote within a quote includes a question mark or an exclamation mark, punctuation follows logic according to the text to which such punctuation belongs.
Examples
"Why are you asking me 'where is the mustard'?"
"Tyrell keeps asking us 'where is the mustard?' "
"But you already said, 'We'll be home at eight'!"
"I asked Hunter about that, and he replied, 'I'll be home at eight!' " |
Observe also that in American English, punctuation such as commas, periods, question marks, and exclamation marks go inside quotation marks.
When content is treated as a block quotation instead of closed in quotation marks, the double marks are dropped from the primary quotation. Quoted matter within the block quotation is then enclosed in double quotation marks, not single quotation marks.
Example Not Block Quote
The news anchor interjected: "Certainly you saw the audience erupt when the candidate said, 'I promise you annual rebates on your property taxes.' " |
Example Block Quote
The news anchor interjected:
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Certainly you saw the audience erupt when the candidate said, "I promise you rebates on your property taxes." |
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On a related note, if you are including a pull quote in an article, AP advises to use single rather than double quotation marks.
Single Quotation Mark Examples: Headlines
When quoted matter appears in a headline, we use single quotation marks rather than double quotation marks. This includes references to the titles of works such as songs and short stories.
Examples
Ozzy: We're Off the Rails on a 'Crazy Train'
Economist Says Market a 'Shooting Star'
Subject Speaks of 'Metamorphosis'-Like Hallucinations
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(GrammarBook note: "Metamorphosis" is a short story by Franz Kafka.) |
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When Not to Use Single Quotation Marks
One common source of confusion with single quotation marks concerns whether they should be used to identify or emphasize special terms or other expressions that stand apart from standard usage.
For example, how do we punctuate the following?
I just spoke with my buddy, the IRS agent assigned to my audit.
Stanley is scoring so many points that his teammates are starting to call him Stanimal.
At this real estate firm, that contract is what we call a dealio. |
Such unusual terms are enclosed in double quotation marks, not single marks:
I just spoke with my "buddy," the IRS agent assigned to my audit.
Stanley is scoring so many points that his teammates are starting to call him "Stanimal."
At this real estate firm, that contract is what we call a "dealio." |
After the first emphasized reference, the quotation marks are not necessary.
Related Topics
Quotation Marks | Rules and Examples
Quotations Within Quotations
Quotation Marks for Emphasis
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Pop Quiz
Determine if single quotation marks are being used correctly (yes or no) in the following sentences. If not, correct the punctuation.
1. [Headline] Ringo Promises 'Strawberry Fields Forever'
2. Did Hannah really just refer to the amusement ride as 'totally tubular'?
3. "Remember what Kennedy said: 'Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.' "
4. ' "Cringey," I was told Brian said. Then, as if he wasn't confusing them enough, he kept asking Felix's parents if they "can hang." '
5. "Please, whatever you do, don't say 'I won't pay you'!"
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Wordplay
Pop Quiz Answers
1. [Headline] Ringo Promises 'Strawberry Fields Forever' Yes
2. Did Hannah really just refer to the amusement ride as 'totally tubular'? No
Correct: Did Hannah really just refer to the amusement ride as "totally tubular"?
3. "Remember what Kennedy said: 'Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.' " Yes
4. ' "Cringey," I was told Brian said. Then, as if he wasn't confusing them enough, he kept asking Felix's parents if they "can hang." ' No
Correct: " 'Cringey,' I was told Brian said. Then, as if he wasn't confusing them enough, he kept asking Felix's parents if they 'can hang.' "
5. "Please, whatever you do, don't say 'I won't pay you'!" Yes
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