General Rules:

  • Capitalize the first word of a direct quotation even if it’s not at the beginning of the sentence.
  • When the second part of a quote is separated by attribution, keep it lowercase unless it’s a proper noun.

Direct Quotations


Rule: Use quotation marks to surround the exact words of speakers or writers. 

Rule: Offset the quotation marks with commas as needed to introduce the quote or give attribution.

  • Example: “I plan on leaving,” he answered.
  • Example: “It’s really not a big deal,” he said, “I wanted to leave early.”
  • Example: Joe whispered, “The secret is out now.”


Partial Quotes


Rule: When quoting only a phrase, attribution offset with commas isn’t necessary. 

  • Correct: 

    A bystander said the accident was “too horrific to even discuss.”

Rule: Avoid quoting something a speaker or writer didn’t say.

  • Example Quote: 

    She said, “You cannot actually think that will work.”
  • Correctly Quoted in Text: She said they couldn’t actually “think that will work.”
  • Incorrectly Quoted in Text: She said “they couldn’t actually think that will work.” (She didn't say "they.")


Unnecessary Fragments


Rule: Do not put a few ordinary words in quotation marks.

  • Correct: Sarah said she would move to Canada if the presidential candidate she voted for lost.
  • Incorrect: Sarah said she would “move to Canada” if the presidential candidate she voted for lost.


Typing Instructions


Rule: When typing computer-related instructions, enclose any series of keystrokes within quotation marks. 

Rule: Place any punctuation outside the quotation marks – even when it breaks the rule for periods and commas.

  • Example: Type “chkntfs c:”, and hit Enter.

Note: When typing navigation instructions for moving around a website, troubleshooting a computer or software, or providing step-by-step instructions, omit quotations around the names of keys and tabs, but use capitalization.

  • Example: Go to the Start Menu. From there, click on Control Panel.


Unfamiliar Words


Rule: A word or words may be put in quotation marks when it is first introduced. Omit the quotation marks on subsequent references.

  • Example: “Kilohertz” measures broadcast frequencies.
    All subsequent references to kilohertz would be without quotation marks.


Referring to Words as Words


Rule: When referring to a word as a word, put the word in quotation marks.

  • Example: The Spanish word "bailar" means "to dance."
  • Example: "Dejected" is used to indicate depression.


Surrounding Punctuation


Rule: Periods and commas always go inside quotation marks.
  • Exception: Keystrokes for computer-related instructions

Rule: Dashes, colons, question marks and exclamation points always go outside quotation marks unless they are part of the quoted material.