Grammar Smart 3rd Edition - Princeton Review 2014

K. Quotation Marks
PART 4. Punctuation

The main problem with quotation marks is knowing whether other punctuation marks belon inside or outside of them. For periods, commas, and question marks, look back in thi section to A, B, and C, respectively.

Rules For Quotation Marks

1. Put quotation marks around direct quotations.

“Here’s Johnny!” said Nicholson.

2. If you have a quote within a quote, put single quotation marks around it.

“He said, ’I can’t live without you.’”

“Stop!” said Victor, “or I’ll yodel ’My Wild Irish Rose.’”

3. The use of quotation marks to show irony has become tired; avoid it if you can.

Quick Quiz #33

Billy Wifflamoo, the Final Chapter

Punctuate the following passage.

Billy had several more visits from the aliens sometimes they ate snacks on his Buick sometimes they played music and danced One alien in particular became Billy’s friend The alien taught Billy some good tricks a foolproof method for shooting foul shots a lip smacking recipe for tadpoles and a way to make his eyes change color at will.

Later in life Billy found himself married with two small children living in a peaceful suburb He said that he couldn’t be happier

You miss the aliens said his wife one night putting the children to bed

She was right His Buick had long ago gone to the scrap heap and the aliens once his friends did not appear anymore Sometimes it made Billy sad but he threw himself into his work as an accountant for a chain of dry cleaners and occasionally he made a little money making bets on his foul-shooting Although he lived a sedate quiet life he always treasured the days of snacking with the aliens.

Click here for the answers.

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