Quotation Within A Quotation

Quoting someone else's words is a common practice in writing. However, what happens when the person you are quoting has already used a quotation within their statement? This is where the concept of "quotation within a quotation" comes into play. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the proper usage of quotation within a quotation.

What is a Quotation within a Quotation?

A quotation within a quotation is when you quote someone who has already used a quotation in their statement. To differentiate between the two, you need to use different quotation marks for each. The outer quotation marks will be double, while the inner quotation marks will be single. For example:

"John said, 'I heard Sarah say, "I love chocolate."' "

In this example, John is quoting Sarah, who has used a quotation within her statement.

When to Use Quotation within a Quotation

Using a quotation within a quotation can be necessary in certain situations. For example, if you are writing a book and need to reference a quote within a character's dialogue, you would need to use a quotation within a quotation.

Another instance where this may be necessary is in academic writing. If you are writing a research paper and need to quote a source that has already used a quotation, you would need to use a quotation within a quotation. It is important to note that overuse of this technique can make your writing appear cluttered and confusing.

How to Format Quotation within a Quotation

Formatting a quotation within a quotation can be tricky. The rule of thumb is to use single quotation marks for the inner quotation and double quotation marks for the outer quotation. For example:

"Mary said, 'I read an article that said, "The sky is blue."'

It is important to note that this rule can vary depending on the style guide you are using. Always check the guidelines before formatting a quotation within a quotation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake when using a quotation within a quotation is forgetting to change the quotation marks. Always remember to use double quotation marks for the outer quote and single quotation marks for the inner quote.

Another mistake is overusing this technique. While it can be necessary in certain situations, using it too frequently can make your writing appear cluttered and confusing.

Question and Answer

Q: Can I use double quotation marks for both the outer and inner quotation?

A: No, you should always use double quotation marks for the outer quotation and single quotation marks for the inner quotation. This is the standard formatting for quotation within a quotation.

Q: Do I need to cite the source of the inner quotation?

A: Yes, you should always cite the source of the inner quotation, just as you would for any other quotation in your writing. This helps to avoid plagiarism and gives credit to the original author.

Conclusion

Using a quotation within a quotation can be necessary in certain situations, but it is important to use proper formatting and not overuse the technique. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can effectively use quotation within a quotation in your writing.