Does the period go before or after quotations? This is a common question that arises when writing formal or academic documents. Understanding the correct placement of the period in relation to quotations is essential for maintaining clarity and adhering to proper grammatical conventions. In this article, we will explore the rules governing the placement of the period in quotations and provide practical examples to help you master this aspect of writing.
Quotations play a vital role in academic writing, as they allow authors to incorporate the exact words of others into their work. However, the placement of the period in a quotation can vary depending on the context and the specific rules of punctuation. Let’s delve into the different scenarios where the period may be placed before or after the quotation marks.
In general, when a quotation is a complete sentence, the period should be placed inside the quotation marks. This is because the quotation is considered a complete thought, and the period signifies the end of that thought. For example:
“The sun sets in the west,” he said confidently.
In this example, the period is placed inside the quotation marks because the quotation is a complete sentence.
On the other hand, when a quotation is part of a longer sentence, the period should be placed outside the quotation marks. This is because the quotation is not a complete thought on its own, and the period signifies the end of the entire sentence. Consider the following example:
She mentioned that the sun sets in the west, which is a well-known fact.
In this case, the period is placed outside the quotation marks because the quotation is part of a longer sentence.
There are also instances where a quotation is part of a longer sentence, but the period is placed inside the quotation marks. This occurs when the quotation is a fragment, meaning it is not a complete sentence on its own. Here’s an example:
“Sunsets are beautiful,” she commented thoughtfully.
In this example, the period is placed inside the quotation marks because the quotation is a fragment.
To summarize, the placement of the period in relation to quotations depends on the context. If the quotation is a complete sentence, the period goes inside the quotation marks. If the quotation is part of a longer sentence, the period goes outside the quotation marks. When dealing with fragments, the period is placed inside the quotation marks. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your writing is clear, concise, and grammatically correct.
