Quotation marks are used in written text to indicate that the enclosed words are a direct quotation. They can also be used to indicate that the enclosed words are being used in an ironic or sarcastic way.
Single quotation marks are used to enclose a quotation within a quotation.
For example:
"I said, 'I don't want to go.'"
"He asked me, 'What do you think?'"
Double quotation marks are used to enclose all other quotations.
For example:
"I don't want to go."
"What do you think?"
Quotation marks should be placed at the beginning and end of the quoted material. They should not be used to enclose a single word or phrase.
For example:
Incorrect: "The word 'dog'"
Correct: The word dog
Quotation marks should not be used to enclose a question or exclamation mark.
For example:
Incorrect: "Are you going?"
Correct: Are you going?
Quotation marks can be used to enclose ironic or sarcastic statements.
For example:
"I'm so happy to see you." (said with sarcasm)
Quotation marks can also be used to enclose the titles of books, movies, and other works.