Have you ever found yourself happily reading an article, book, essay, or anything, really, whether in print or digital, and suddenly your eyeballs are assaulted by—brace yourself—a single quotation mark, when it should be a double (or vice versa)? The horror!
I’m telling you, folks, my eyes are not only assaulted (which is bad enough), they are insulted!
Now I’ve been pulled right out of my blissful little world of reading into a harsh reality.
Why are so many writers lost in a quote quandary? How does this get past the editing stage? (Oh, oh, that’s another can of wriggling, niggling English irritations better left for another day.)

Let’s bring some light to this quotation night.

American or British English
First, we must decide whether we are using American English or British English in the piece we are writing.
Each has its own rules for using single and double quotation marks.
There are more rules on this subject than can be addressed in this short piece. Here are three of the most common.

American English
1. Direct Speech
Example: Hannah said, “I think violet is the prettiest colour in the world.”
2. Quoting within a Quote
Example: Billy said, “Al told me, ‘Jay will be late,’ and the drinks are at the bar.”
3. Titles of Short Works
Example: “August” is one of Taylor Swift’s most popular songs.
Example: Gone with the Wind is considered a film classic.

British English
1. Direct Speech
Example: Jim said, ‘There is a full moon with a clear sky tonight.’
2. Quoting within a Quote
Example: Tammy said, ‘Betty swore to me, “I promise I told the truth,” and I believe her.’
3. Titles of Short Works
Example: ‘I Want to Hold Your Hand’ is one of the Beatles’ most popular songs.
Example: Oliver Twist is a novel written by Charles Dickens.
It is important to note that these are general guidelines addressing common instances of use; there may be variations or exceptions in specific contexts or publications. I urge you to refer to the style guide or manual prescribed by the relevant institution, publisher, or organization for the most accurate and consistent use of quotation marks.
Congratulations! You have banished quote quandary!
End Notes
All images © T’Lara Joy Freedom using Canva.
Sources: The Chicago Manual of Style, (17th ed.) Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2017; Editing Canadian English, (3rd ed.) Toronto: Editor’s Association of Canada, 2015.