Usually, quotes signify a word that the sentence refers to. The word itself is not
a part of the grammar construction of the sentence. The use of quotes around these
words can make the sentence easier to read.
Incorrect: A typical table of contents
would have one main heading, such as Geriatrics, under which there would be about
eight topics, each of which would contain about eight subtopics.
The lack of quotes can make for an unclear meaning. Somebody reading this sentence
could possibly think that it says this: A typical table of contents would have one
main heading, such as Geriatrics do…at this point the reader may wonder what
kind of headings Geriatrics have, and why Geriatrics is capitalized and may think
Geriatrics is some kind of club that has a style for using headings or book that
has headings.
Correct: A typical table of contents would have one main heading, such as "Geriatrics,"
under which there would be about eight topics, each of which would contain about
eight subtopics. This clearly tells the reader that "Geriatrics" is an
example that the sentence refers to.
Incorrect: If you see a note such as
Define technical term, or Subdivide complex question, it instructs you to write
a definition question or do whatever the note calls for.
Correct: If you see a note such as "Define technical term," or "Subdivide
complex question," it instructs you to write a definition question or
do whatever the note calls for.
The quotes provide a precise indicator of what "note" refers to in the
sentence. Without quotes, it is unclear where the sample contents of a "note"
begin and end and where the sentence continues.
Regarding the Flashcard project, this is especially important for Derivation Questions.
Using quotes around the derived word and the original word provide a consistent
format for easier identification of these words.
Use of single quotes: Besides identifying a quote within a quote, some writers
use single quotes to signify a word or phrase separate from the grammatical structure
of the sentence. This format is most commonly used in philosophical discourse, newspaper
headlines and some countries (such as the United Kingdom). Within the U.S., it is
standard to use double quotes.
Correct: The above paragraph discussed "single quotes."
Incorrect: The above paragraph discussed
'single quotes.'
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