The use, well, "overuse," of quotations
Look around. Signs, billboards and even notes from your colleagues are popping up with quotations marks in "ever so random" places. In fact, there is even a blog devoted to such overuse of quotation marks. It's called The "Blog" of "Unnecessary" Quotation Marks, at http://quotation-marks.blogspot.com/.
According to the Associated Press Stylebook, quotation marks are to be used for the following:
- Direct quotations: "I have no intention of running for office," the senator replied.
- Running quotations: "I am at great loss for what to say."
"It was such a horrible accident." - Dialogue or conversation: "Can I go with you?"
- "Yes, you can go with me."
- Composition Titles: "The Star Spangled Banner"
- Nicknames: Frank "Buzz" Williams
- Irony: My sister said she was too "busy" to help me.
However, quotation marks used to indicate irony should be used with care. They can obscure the writer's intended meaning or be mistaken for direct quotations. - Partial quotes: The senator said she did not support such an "ambiguous and unnecessary bill."
However, be sure not to put quotation marks around words that the speaker could not have used, as in this case: The senator said the bill "was ambiguous and unnecessary." - Quotes within quotes: "One of my favorite quotes from Ralph Waldo Emerson is 'Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.'"
Remember to alternate between double quotations marks "..." and single marks '...'.
It's also important to avoid using quotation marks in this instance:
- Unnecessary fragments: Don't quote ordinary words. Don't use: He said, "I am going home." Use: He said he was going home.
And proper quotation use in this instance:
- When writing a story, do not use ellipses at the beginning and end of direct quotes. Don't use: "...it is evident I lost the race," he said. Use: "I lost the race," he said.
So, the next time you see a sign for a "free" slice of pizza, ask the store clerk if he was trying to be ironic? Is that slice really free? Or, the next time you see something as "10 cents," tell the clerk you'd like to negotiate to "5 cents." If something starts at "10 a.m.," ask if that really is the time or perhaps a new nickname? And finally, one of my favorites: Slow "Dip" Ahead. Is there really a "dip" ahead, or are you just fooling me?
Regardless, avoid using quotations in ever so random places.
They aren't "cute," only "annoying."
Sandi Alswager Karstens
Communications Specialist
IANR News Service, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
(402) 472-9711
salswager2@unl.edu
