Glossary of Grammatical Terms

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Q  [question mark] [quotation] [quotation marks]

^ top    Question Mark

A question mark (?) is used at the end of a direct question. Is that Paul? I heard her shout: "Are you going to the cinema?" (Note: In this example, the question mark is at the end of the quotation, which is a question.  The whole sentence is a statement.  However, for neatness, there is no need to use a full stop at the end.) Related lesson: "Quotation Marks".

^ top    Quotation

A quotation is shown by placing it between quotation marks.  It is the use of words that have been previously spoken or written. "I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have." Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) "Never interrupt your enemy when he is making a mistake." Napoleon Bonaparte (1769-1821)  When introducing a quotation with an expression like "He said" or "She claimed", a comma or a colon precedes the quotation. Sherlock Holmes turned to Watson and said: "Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth."   Making his point, he said: "It is a situation, up with which I will not put." [quotation] Related lesson: "Quotation Marks".

^ top    Quotation Marks

Quotation marks (or speech marks) are punctuation marks ("") used to identify spoken or quoted words.  In addition, they are used to signify "so-called" or "alleged" and for names of things such as ships and books. You said: "You can keep all the strawberries you pick in a hour." His "mates" left him to freeze. (so-called mates) As the silt cleared, we could clearly see the bow of the "Mary Rose". (ship) Related lesson: "Quotation Marks".