Rules For Using Single Quotation Marks

Using Single Quotation Marks

In standard United States punctuation rules, there are really only two answers to the question of when to use single quotation marks. One involves the more familiar double quotation marks, and the other has to do with headlines.

Rule 1: Quotations Within a Quotation

The most common use of the single quotation mark is when you're quoting someone within a quotation. You've probably seen this format used in different types of essays, books, interviews, and news stories.

• Sam exclaimed, "Joe was at the store and bumped into Alexa. When he saw her, he said, 'I hope we'll see you at the party next Friday,' but she didn't know anything about it!"
• The news reporter said, "All of the stores on the block have burned down. One shop owner screamed, 'I cannot believe this is happening!' as the flames engulfed her store."
• Jason told Mark, "I saw Cynthia the other day, and she said, 'I'm really looking forward to Mark's graduation!'"
• Her daughter asked, "Why did you call that man a 'ridiculous idiot'?"

Rule 2: Quotations Within a Headline

In a headline, single quotation marks are used in place of the standard double quotation marks. So, if the headline includes the title of a song, short story or a quotation, you would use single quotation marks. Generally, you'll see this used when the headline is in reference to something someone said.

• In the Words of The Beatles, 'Let it Be'
• The President Urges, 'Don't Worry, America'
• 'I Did it for My Kids,' Says Heroic Mom
• Candidate Promises 'No More Taxes'

Punctuating Single Quotation Marks

If you’re going to use single quotation marks, it’s important to know how to properly use punctuation with them.

• Commas are always placed inside quotation marks, whether the marks are double (“) or single (‘).
• For most quotes within a quote, where the text inside single quotes falls at the end of the sentence or question, the single and double quotation marks should be after the period or question mark at the end.
• However, if you are asking a question about the quote itself, the rule is different. In that case, the final single quotation mark should be placed just before the question mark.

British Usage of Single Quotation Marks

In British punctuation, single and double quotation marks are used the opposite of the way they’re used in the United States. In British usage, single quotation marks are used to mark direct speech (with speech within speech marked with double quotation marks).

• That’s not what Harry told me. He said, ‘I am going on holiday in June, so I’ll be able to help you move house in July.’
• My teacher said, ‘Sally, your mum always wears such lovely dresses.’
• Bridget explained, ‘I just love the Beatles. My motto is “we all live in a yellow submarine,” just like they said in my favorite song.’
• My mum won’t believe you. She said, ‘I don’t trust your friend. Last week she said, “my dad knows I’m staying for dinner,” and it turned out that he didn’t even know.’

Single quotes marks are also often commonly used to off a specific word in British usage, in the same way italics can be used. (I ‘truly’ cannot stand that woman.)

Single Quotations in Academic Writing

Single quote marks are also sometimes used in academic writing, though this isn’t considered a rule. Specialist terms that are unique to a subject are often enclosed in single quotation marks in both U.S. and British English. This is very common in specific disciplines, particularly philosophy or theology. If you're writing in a specific discipline, check with the style guidelines of the institution or publication for which you are writing to verify if you should use quotes in this way.

Quote Your Quotes

The next time you want to quote someone within a quote, call upon your friend, the single quotation mark. That's probably the most likely scenario where you'll come upon the single quotation mark. To beef up your quotation expertise further, learn how to use punctuation correctly with quotation marks. That will help you become an expert user of quotation marks. From there, you’ll be ready to explore how to punctuate dialogue correctly.