The use of quotation marks is a common feature of the English language. Whether you are writing an essay, a research paper, or a novel, the use of quotation marks can help to make your writing more clear and concise. But there is one question that has been debated for decades: Does the period go inside or outside the quotes?
What is the Question?
The basic question is: when a sentence ends with a quotation, should the period be placed inside the quotation marks or outside? For example, if someone is quoting a famous saying, should the period be placed after the quotation or before it? This debate has been going on for years, and there is no one-size-fits-all answer.
Quotes Without Punctuation
In some cases, the answer is simple. If the quotation does not include any punctuation, then the period should always be placed outside the quotation marks. For example, if someone is quoting a famous saying such as “The only way to do great work is to love what you do”, the period should be placed after the quotation marks.
Quotes With Punctuation
When the quotation does include punctuation, the answer is not so clear-cut. Different style guides have different rules about this. For example, the Associated Press Stylebook states that the period should always be placed inside the quotation marks, regardless of the sentence structure. On the other hand, the Chicago Manual of Style states that the period should be placed outside the quotation marks, unless the punctuation is part of the quotation.
The Answer
To make things even more confusing, some style guides recommend that the period should always be placed inside the quotation marks, regardless of sentence structure or the presence of punctuation. So, what is the right answer? Ultimately, it depends on the style guide you are following. If you are writing for a specific publication, make sure to check their style guide to find out what their rules are.
No matter what style guide you are following, it is important to be consistent. Once you have decided which rule you are following, make sure to stick with it throughout your writing. This will ensure that your writing is clear and consistent, and that your readers will be able to follow your arguments with ease.
