1
vote
1answer
69 views

What is the meaning of the quotation below?

“Perfection is a trifle dull. It is not the least of life’s ironies that this, which we all aim at, is better not quite achieved.” — W. Somerset Maugham
2
votes
1answer
500 views

Is there a difference between Quotes and Italics? [duplicate]

Possible Duplicate: What is the best way to mention a word: italics, quotes, or single-quotes (apostrophes)? Would it make a difference whether I put a word in quotes or in italics? Is ...
3
votes
1answer
943 views

When quoting a quotation, how do you handle the double quotes?

Assume there is original source text: This restaurant is amazing with "delicious lasagna" and great service. Make sure you go 6-7pm for the quietest times. I want to quote "delicious lasagna" ...
5
votes
1answer
228 views

Is it acceptable to use 'that' followed by a direct quote?

New York Times: Even before President Obama declared this month that “I have Israel’s back” in its escalating confrontation with Iran, pro-Israel figures like the evangelical Christian leader ...
2
votes
2answers
1k views

Use quotation marks for internal monologue?

In a similar vein to my previous question on styling written quotes, should I use quotation marks for interior monologue in narrative writing? It is common to use italics to denote thoughts: This ...
4
votes
1answer
2k views

Use quotation marks or italics for written quotes?

In narrative writing, should I use quotation marks or italics when I quote something someone wrote? I would go with italics to differentiate written from spoken quotes: “I know who the killer ...
1
vote
2answers
441 views

What's the rule for punctuating quoted words or phrases?

Please bear with me as I am not an English expert, only an aspiring amateur! I'm mostly aware of the rules regarding punctuation and quotes. Something like the following sentence makes sense to me: ...