Does quotation mark go before or after period? This is a common question among writers and editors alike. The correct placement of quotation marks in relation to the period can vary depending on the style guide you follow. Understanding the rules can help ensure your writing is both clear and professional.
In the United States, the most widely used style guides, such as the Modern Language Association (MLA) and the Chicago Manual of Style, typically place the period inside the quotation marks. This means that if you are quoting a sentence or a phrase, the period should follow the quotation marks. For example:
“The weather today is perfect for a picnic,” she said.
However, in the United Kingdom, the British style guide, the Oxford Style Manual, recommends placing the period outside the quotation marks. This is also the case in some other countries and in academic writing. For instance:
“The weather today is perfect for a picnic,” she said.
The main difference between these two approaches is the emphasis on punctuation and the clarity of the writing. In the UK style, the period is outside the quotation marks, which can make it easier to read and understand the sentence as a whole. In the US style, the period is inside the quotation marks, which is often preferred in formal writing.
It’s important to note that these are general rules, and there may be exceptions depending on the context. For example, if you are quoting a sentence that already contains a period, you would place the period inside the quotation marks:
“The report was completed by the end of the day,” he announced.
On the other hand, if you are quoting a sentence that is part of a longer sentence, you would place the period outside the quotation marks:
She mentioned that “the report was completed by the end of the day,” but she didn’t seem pleased with the outcome.
In conclusion, the question of whether quotation mark goes before or after period depends on the style guide you are following. It’s essential to be consistent with your chosen style to maintain clarity and professionalism in your writing. Whether you choose to place the period inside or outside the quotation marks, understanding the rules and applying them correctly will help you produce well-crafted, error-free text.
