Does comma go before quotation marks? This is a common question that often arises when writing or editing text. Understanding the correct placement of commas in relation to quotation marks is essential for maintaining clarity and grammatical accuracy in written communication.
Quotation marks are used to indicate direct speech, quotations, or to set off titles of certain works. The placement of commas in relation to these quotation marks can vary depending on the context. Here’s a closer look at when to use a comma before or after quotation marks.
In general, a comma is placed before quotation marks when the quoted material is part of a larger sentence. This is known as the “comma inside” rule. For example:
– “I can’t believe it’s already June,” she exclaimed.
In this sentence, the comma is placed before the quotation marks because the quoted material (“I can’t believe it’s already June”) is part of the larger sentence (“she exclaimed”).
On the other hand, a comma is placed after quotation marks when the quoted material is a complete sentence or when the quotation is followed by a tag question. This is known as the “comma outside” rule. For example:
– “She’s going to be late,” he said, looking at his watch.
In this sentence, the comma is placed after the quotation marks because the quoted material (“She’s going to be late”) is a complete sentence, and the tag question (“isn’t she?”) follows it.
There are also instances where a comma is placed both before and after quotation marks. This occurs when the quoted material is part of a longer sentence and there is additional information before or after the quotation. For example:
– “I love pizza,” she said, “but I’m on a diet.”
In this sentence, the comma is placed before the quotation marks because the quoted material is part of the longer sentence, and there is additional information after the quotation.
Understanding the correct placement of commas before and after quotation marks is crucial for effective writing. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your text is clear, grammatically correct, and easy to read. So, to answer the question, “Does comma go before quotation marks?” the answer is: it depends on the context.
