QUOTATION MARKS

I HAVE a passion for quotations. I am the editor of The Oxford Dictionary Of Humorous Quotations. My wife is the compiler of a dictionary of theatrical quotations. We rarely attempt to say anything original to each other. We simply exchange other people’s brilliant banter.

For quotations, one requires quotation marks (never just ‘quotes’). Quotation marks are used to mark the beginning and end of direct speech — ‘You don’t need a bigger screen,’ she said. ‘Just move the sofa closer to the one you’ve got.’

In British English, single inverted commas are used more frequently than double ones. In American English it’s the other way around.

Either is acceptable, but having made your choice, stick with it. You only use both sorts if you happen to have a quote within a quote — or, as I think of it, a quotation within a quotation: ‘Money talks. All mine ever seems to say is “Goodbye”.’

Quotation marks, not italics, are required when you are using a word or phrase and want to give it a sarcastic or ironic edge: She’s ‘curvy’. (She’s fat.) He’s a ‘cool dude’. (He’s anything but.)