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Quoting Direct Speech
Quoting Indirect Speech
Punctuating Quotations
Quoting within a Quotation
Quoting Long Passages
Quotations :
Quoting Direct Speech:
When directly quoting someone's words, enclose the quoted text in quotation marks (" ").
Example: Hari said, "I will be there at 5 p.m."
She said, "I will meet you at the park at noon."
John asked, "Can you help me with this assignment?"
"We’re leaving now," he announced, "so please hurry up."
"This is the best cake I’ve ever had!" exclaimed Sarah.
The teacher warned, "You need to finish your project by tomorrow."
In direct speech, the exact words spoken are placed within quotation marks, and punctuation is carefully placed to reflect the original tone and intention.
Quoting Indirect Speech:
If you are paraphrasing or summarizing someone's words, you don't need to use quotation marks. Instead, use reporting verbs such as "said," "stated," or "explained."
Example: Anuj explained that he couldn't attend the meeting.
She said that she would meet us at the park at noon.
John asked if I could help him with the assignment.
He announced that they were leaving and urged everyone to hurry up.
Sarah exclaimed that it was the best cake she had ever had.
The teacher warned that we needed to finish the project by the next day.
In indirect speech, the speaker’s words are reported or paraphrased rather than quoted directly, and quotation marks are not used.
Punctuating Quotations:
Place punctuation marks inside the closing quotation marks unless they belong to the surrounding sentence.
Example: Raja said, "I love to read."
"I'll meet you at noon," she said, "at the park."
John asked, "Can you help me with this assignment?"
"We’re leaving now," he announced, "so please hurry up."
Sarah exclaimed, "This is the best cake I’ve ever had!"
The teacher said, "You need to finish your project by tomorrow."
In punctuating quotations, place commas and periods inside the quotation marks, while question marks and exclamation points are placed inside or outside the quotation marks depending on the context.
English Grammar : Quotations
Quoting within a Quotation:
If you need to quote within a quotation, use single quotation marks (' ') for the inner quote. Example: He told me, "Gita said, 'I can't come.'"
She said, "When he told me, 'I’ll be late,' I was really worried."
John asked, "Did she actually say, 'I’m not interested'?"
The professor noted, "In the novel, the character exclaims, 'This is a disaster!' at the climax."
Sarah remembered, "He mentioned, 'I can’t wait to see the new movie,' right before the weekend."
The article stated, "The CEO remarked, 'We must focus on our core values,' during the meeting."
In these examples, single quotation marks are used to indicate a quote within another quote, while double quotation marks enclose the main quotation.
Quoting Long Passages:
For long quotations (more than three lines), indent the entire quote and do not use quotation marks. It is commonly referred to as a block quote.
Example: According to the report: "Lots of people died in the cyclone "
In her speech, she said:
“The impact of climate change is evident in many aspects of our environment. Rising temperatures have led to melting glaciers and more frequent extreme weather events. Ocean levels are increasing, threatening coastal communities around the world. We must take immediate action to reduce our carbon footprint and transition to renewable energy sources if we want to mitigate these effects and ensure a sustainable future for coming generations.”
John wrote in his report:
“The economic analysis of the past decade shows a significant shift in global trade patterns. Emerging markets have experienced rapid growth, which has altered traditional supply chains. Additionally, technological advancements have facilitated more efficient logistics and communication, further impacting international commerce. Understanding these changes is crucial for developing strategies that will enable businesses to thrive in a dynamic global economy.”
The historian noted:
“During the Renaissance, there was a remarkable explosion of artistic and intellectual activity. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo made groundbreaking contributions that have influenced Western art for centuries. This period also saw the rise of humanism, which emphasized the value of individual achievement and the study of classical texts. The innovations and ideas of the Renaissance laid the foundation for the modern world in many ways.”
The teacher included in her handout:
“Effective communication skills are essential for success in both personal and professional contexts. Being able to clearly express your ideas, listen actively to others, and adapt your message to your audience are key components of effective communication. Additionally, non-verbal cues such as body language and tone of voice play a significant role in how messages are received and interpreted. Mastering these skills can greatly enhance your interactions and relationships.”
In the novel, the character reflects:
“As she looked out over the vast, open sea, she thought about the journey that had brought her to this point. The hardships and triumphs, the people she had met along the way, and the dreams she had chased—all of these had shaped her into who she was now. She realized that every experience, whether good or bad, had contributed to her growth. With a deep breath, she embraced the sense of accomplishment and the anticipation of new adventures yet to come.”
For long passages, indenting the quoted text and using a colon to introduce the quotation are common practices.
Final Words :
Remember to use quotation marks accurately and match them with appropriate punctuation to clearly attribute the spoken words to their source. Quotations can add credibility and provide direct evidence in your writing, allowing readers to engage with the words and thoughts of others.
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