Period Inside Or Outside Of Quotes from fun-quot.blogspot.com
Introduction
Quoting in written communication is an essential skill that every writer should master. However, there has been an ongoing debate on whether to place a period inside or outside quotation marks. In this article, we'll explore the reasons behind both practices and determine the best approach for modern writing in 2023.
The Traditional Rule
The traditional rule for placing periods is to put them inside the quotation marks, regardless of whether the period is part of the quoted material or not. For example, in the sentence "She said, 'I love pizza,'" the period is placed inside the quotation marks. This rule originated in the early days of printing when the period key was located next to the quotation mark key on the keyboard.
The Modern Rule
In modern writing, the rule for placing periods is more flexible. The period should be placed inside the quotation marks only if it is part of the quoted material. For instance, in the sentence "I can't believe he said 'I hate chocolate'," the period is placed inside the quotation marks because it is part of the quoted sentence. However, in the sentence "She loves to say 'hi' to everyone she meets!," the period is placed outside the quotation marks because it is not part of the quoted material.
The British Rule
In British English, the rule for placing periods is more consistent than in American English. The period is placed outside the quotation marks unless it is part of the quoted material. For example, in the sentence "She said, 'I'm going to London.'", the period is placed outside the quotation marks because it is not part of the quoted sentence.
The Debate
The debate on whether to place periods inside or outside quotation marks has been ongoing for years. Those who advocate for placing periods inside the quotation marks argue that it is a traditional practice that has been in use for centuries. They also argue that it makes the text look neater and more organized. On the other hand, those who advocate for placing periods outside the quotation marks argue that it is a more logical approach that helps to avoid confusion. They also argue that it is more consistent with other punctuation marks, such as the comma and the semicolon.
The Solution
In modern writing, there is no hard and fast rule on whether to place periods inside or outside quotation marks. The best approach is to be consistent throughout the document. If you choose to follow the traditional rule, then stick to it. If you prefer the modern or British rule, then be consistent throughout the document.
The Exceptions
There are some exceptions to the rules on placing periods. For instance, if the quoted material is a question, then the question mark should be placed inside the quotation marks. Similarly, if the quoted material is an exclamation, then the exclamation mark should be placed inside the quotation marks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the debate on whether to place periods inside or outside quotation marks is still ongoing in 2023. However, the best approach is to be consistent throughout the document. Whether you choose to follow the traditional, modern, or British rule, ensure that you apply it consistently. Remember that consistency is key to making your writing look professional and organized.
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