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Punctuation: quotation marks

Quotation marks can be single (‘…’) or double (‘‘…’’). They are also called ‘inverted commas’ in British English.

Direct speech​

We use quotation marks (single or double) when we quote direct speech. For quotations inside quotations, we use double quotation marks inside single (or single inside double).

  • ‘His last words,’ said Albert, ‘were “Close that bloody window”.’

American usage often prefers single quotation marks inside double in these cases.

Special use of words​

We often put quotation marks (usually single) round words which are used in special ways – for example when we talk about them or when we give them special meanings.

  • People disagree about how to use the word ‘disinterested’.
  • A textbook can be a ‘wall’ between the teacher and the class.

American usage often prefers double quotation marks in these cases.