Does The Period Go Inside Quotes

Does the Period Go Inside or Outside Quotes? The Definitive Guide

The placement of punctuation marks in relation to quotation marks is a common grammar conundrum. Many writers struggle with whether the period goes inside or outside the quotation marks, especially when dealing with American versus British English styles. This guide will clarify the rules and help you punctuate correctly every time.

Understanding the Styles: American vs. British

The main difference lies in the style guides followed:

• American English: The period (and other punctuation marks like commas, colons, and semicolons) generally go inside the closing quotation marks.
• British English: The period (and those other punctuation marks) generally go outside the closing quotation marks.

The American Style: Period Inside

This is the style predominantly used in the United States and Canada. Here's how it works:

• Example: He said, "The meeting is at 2 p.m."
• Explanation: The period is placed inside the quotation marks because the entire sentence, including the quotation, is complete.

This rule applies to most punctuation within a quote:

• Example: She asked, "Where's the report?"
• Example: He exclaimed, "It's a disaster!"; then he sighed.

Exceptions in the American Style:

• Quotes within quotes: Follow the same rules, nesting quotation marks. Periods would go inside the inner most set of quotes.
• Parenthetical statements: Punctuation for parenthetical statements containing quotations follows standard rules for parenthetical statements. In this case, the punctuation of the parenthetical statement overrides the quotation mark rule.

The British Style: Period Outside

This style is generally followed in the United Kingdom, Australia, and other Commonwealth countries.

• Example: He said, "The meeting is at 2 p.m.".
• Explanation: The period is placed outside the closing quotation marks.

Choosing the Right Style

Consistency is key. Select a style guide (American or British) and stick to it throughout your writing. Most style guides will specify which system to use. If you're unsure, consult your editor or publisher, or choose the style of the publication you are writing for.

Beyond Periods: Other Punctuation

The rules for other punctuation marks generally follow the same logic, with some variations:

• Commas and Semicolons: In American English, these go inside the closing quotation marks. In British English, these go outside the closing quotation marks.
• Question marks and Exclamation points: These are placed inside the quotation marks if the quote itself is a question or exclamation. If the entire sentence is a question or exclamation, and the quote is not, the punctuation goes outside.

Tips for Avoiding Errors:

• Use a style guide: Familiarize yourself with a reputable style guide (like the Chicago Manual of Style or the AP Stylebook) to ensure consistent punctuation.
• Proofread carefully: Always review your writing to catch any punctuation errors.
• Use a grammar checker: While not foolproof, grammar and style checkers can help identify potential punctuation issues.

By understanding and applying these rules consistently, you can ensure your writing is clear, accurate, and professionally presented. Mastering punctuation shows attention to detail, enhancing the credibility and impact of your written work.