Inverted Commas Meaning

Inverted commas or quotation marks are punctuation marks used in pairs to mark off speech, a quotation, a phrase or a word. Both single (‘’) and double (“”) quotes are correct. Double quotation marks are preferred in US English, while both single and double quotation marks are used in. ‘The inverted commas indicate the workings of an inferiority complex.’ ‘It sounds as if the entire text is being spoken in inverted commas.’ ‘Aren't the elements of sexism and racism all in inverted commas and hence essentially playful and harmless?’ ‘The inverted commas indicate that. In British English, quotation marks are often called inverted commas. Also known as quote marks, quotes, and speech marks. In the U.S., periods and commas always go inside the quotation marks. In the U.K., periods and commas go inside the quotation marks only for a complete quoted sentence; otherwise, they go outside. In inverted commas Used to indicate that something one just said is untruthful, ironic, or disingenuous. ('Inverted commas' is another term for quotation marks, chiefly used in British English.) We were 'taught,' in inverted commas, by the teaching assistant, but we did most of our learning independently.

Welcome to the eighth post in the series: Punctuation For Beginners. This post is all about inverted commas.

Punctuation is the name for the marks we use in writing. Punctuation marks are tools that have set functions. We use them to give a sentence meaning and rhythm.

These are the most common punctuation marks:

[Top Tip: If you need practical help with your grammar, buy The Complete Grammar Workbook.]

Today, I will be writing about inverted commas.

What are inverted commas?

Inverted commas are punctuation marks used to show where speech or a quotation begins and ends.

‘Inverted commas can be single – ‘x’ – or double – “x”. They are also known as quotation marks, speech marks, or quotes.’ –Oxford

In American English, inverted commas are called quotation marks. In British English, we use single marks more often than the double marks.

We use inverted commas:

1. To indicate the beginning and end of direct speech.

Direct speech means the exact words used by a speaker or writer.

In British English we use single marks. Example: ‘I’m tired,’ she said.

In American English, the rule is to use double quotation marks: Example: “I’m tired,” she said.

2. To indicate a word or phrase being discussed, or a word or phrase directly quoted from somewhere else.

In British English, we use single marks. We place punctuation outside the closing quotation mark.

Example: Her latest novel is called ‘Seven Days’.

In American English, you can use single or double quotation marks. You place the punctuation before the closing quotation mark or marks.

Example: Her latest novel is called “Seven Days.”

Note: Direct speech within direct speech

In British English we use single inverted commas for direct speech and double marks to enclose the quote. Example: Mr Smith said, ‘I think it was Sarah who said “It was a mistake” more than once.’
In American English you use single quotation marks when direct speech is quoted within another piece of direct speech. Example: Mr Smith said, “I think it was Sarah who said ‘It was a mistake’ more than once.”

What does the phrase ‘In Inverted Commas’ mean?

‘If you say in inverted commas after a word or phrase, you are indicating that it is inaccurate or unacceptable in some way, or that you are quoting someone else.’ (source)

Example: She sounded detached, as if she were speaking in inverted commas.

in inverted commas

Used to indicate that something one just said is untruthful, ironic, or disingenuous. ('Inverted commas' is another term for quotation marks, chiefly used in British English.) We were 'taught,' in inverted commas, by the teaching assistant, but we did most of our learning independently.

in inverted commas

BRITISH, SPOKEN

COMMON If you say in inverted commas after or before a word or phrase, you are drawing attention to the word, and showing that it is not an accurate way to describe the situation you are referring to. So, in what sense do you see the students as disadvantaged, in inverted commas?I think that the assumptions of some people were that we would take democratic decisions, well, democratic in inverted commas. Compare with quote, unquote.

in inverted ˈcommas

(spoken) used to show that you think a particular word, description, etc. is not true or appropriate: The manager showed us to our ‘luxury apartment’, in inverted commas.

Inverted commas are another name for quotation marks (‘ ’) or (“ ”).

See also:

Use Of Inverted Commas

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Inverted Commas Vs Quotation Marks

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