Quotation marks are most commonly used to signify direct quotes. However, they also have a unique quality in that they can communicate sarcasm or snarkiness. They can also draw attention to words being described as words and they distinguish a short media piece from its larger container. Good writers need to be very proficient in the use of quotation marks; used incorrectly they can cause confusion or even plagiarism.

Terms You Need to Know to Use Quotation Marks

DIRECT QUOTATION
A direct quotation is a piece of speech, writing or something similar that has been taken from the original source and used without being paraphrased.

SARCASM/SNARK
Sarcasm and snark are forms of irony or satire, usually meant to mock something or someone.

5 Ways to Use Quotation Marks

Indicate a Direct Quotation
Indicate a Dictionary Definition
Indicate Sarcasm or Snarkiness
Address a Word as a Word
Indicate a Title of a Short Media Piece

1. Indicate a Direct Quotation

DESCRIPTION
A direct quotation is a piece of speech, writing or something similar that has been taken from the original source and used verbatim without being paraphrased. Quotation marks indicate these quotes within a written work.

APPLICATION
To use quotation marks to show a direct quotation, put quotation marks at the beginning and end of a direct quotation from a source.

EXAMPLE

Angelina Jolie once said, “Our experiences, good and bad, make us who we are” (PopSugar).
(In this sentence there is a quote from Angelina Jolie, noted by the quotation marks to show what she actually said.)

Note: If you are paraphrasing a quote (changing the quote’s verbatim phrasing to your own but keeping the main idea), you do NOT put the thought in quotations. Only use quotations when you are citing someone verbatim. Always still cite the source, even if the thought is paraphrased.

2. Indicate a Dictionary Definition

DESCRIPTION
Quotation marks can be used to indicate a dictionary definition of a word, This use is similar to that of using quotation marks for a direct quotation.

APPLICATION
To use quotation marks to indicate a dictionary definition, put quotation marks surrounding the words that make up the definition.

EXAMPLE

If you want to stop arguing with me, just look up the definition of eristic: “a person who engages in disputation” (Dictionary.com).
(In this sentence, the dictionary definition of a word that may be confusing or unknown is given, so it is put in quotation marks.)

3. Indicate Sarcasm and Snarkiness

DESCRIPTION
Sarcasm and snarkiness are forms of irony or satire, usually meant to mock something or someone. Quotation marks can help to show moments of sarcasm in writing.

APPLICATION
To indicate sarcasm or snarkiness with quotation marks, put quotation marks around the word or phrase that is meant to be sarcastic or snarky.

EXAMPLE

Isn’t the weather today just “fantastic”? I just “love” thunderstorms.
(In this example, the quotation marks provide a visual representation of what would be a sarcastic tone, which emphasizes that the speaker does not, in fact, like anything about the weather or thunderstorms.)

4. Address a Word as a Word

DESCRIPTION
Quotation marks can be used to indicate that a word is to be addressed as the word itself without any additional meaning placed on the word.

APPLICATION
To use quotation marks to address a word as a word, simply put quotation marks on either side of the word to be discussed.

EXAMPLE

In general, use of the words “I” and “you” refer to the author and reader; in most scientific writing, these terms should be avoided in favor of the third person “it” or “they” or “scientists.”
(In this sentence, the words “I,” “you,” “it,” “they,” and “scientist” are being singled out as words.)

5. Indicate the Title of a Short Media Piece

DESCRIPTION
Quotation marks should be used to indicate the titles of short media pieces like short stories, songs, poems, and other similar works. We use the term “short media” to refer to something that is part of something larger. For example, a song title is in quotation marks because it is usually part of something larger, like an album or music book. Quotation marks are also used around book chapters (which are part of a book), article titles (which are part of a magazine or newspaper), television episodes (which are part of a series), and so forth. The “large media” are typically noted by italicizing the title.

APPLICATION
To use quotation marks to indicate the title of a short media piece, put the title of the media piece between quotation marks.

EXAMPLE

Iridescent Mania will release their new single, “Sunshine and Rainbows,” while on tour this year.
(This sentence includes a song title, which is properly noted by use of quotation marks.)