If you’re new to writing, you may be unsure when to use single quotes (‘) or double quotes (“). While there are some general rules to follow, there are also many exceptions. The best way to ensure that you’re using the correct type of quote mark is to consult your style guide.
In general, use single quotes when you want to quote something that is already in double quotes, or when you want to emphasize a word in a sentence. For example:
My favorite type of cheese is ‘brie.’
He said, ‘I’m not going to the party.’
I really need to ‘study’ for my test.
In the first sentence, the word brie is already in double quotes, so we use single quotes around it. In the second sentence, the speaker is using single quotes to emphasize the word I. And in the third sentence, the speaker is using single quotes to emphasize the word study.
There are also some cases where you may want to use single quotes for clarity. For example, if you’re writing about the word ‘ain’t,’ you may want to use single quotes to show that you’re using the word in its proper context:
The word ‘ain’t’ is not considered proper English.
In this sentence, the word ain’t is in single quotes because it is not considered proper English. By using single quotes, we are showing that we are aware of the proper usage of the word and we are using it for effect.
There are also some cases where you may want to use single quotes because the word or phrase you’re quoting is special or unique. For example, if you’re quoting someone who has a unique way of speaking, you may want to use single quotes to show that you’re quoting their exact words:
My grandma always says, ‘A stitch in time saves nine.’
In this sentence, the phrase a stitch in time saves nine is in single quotes because it is a unique phrase that is associated with the speaker’s grandmother. By using single quotes, we are showing that we are quoting her exact words.
Finally, there are some cases where you may want to use single quotes because the word or phrase you’re quoting is ironic or sarcastic. For example, if you’re quoting someone who is being sarcastic, you may want to use single quotes to show that you’re quoting their exact words:
She’s such a ‘good’ friend.
In this sentence, the word good is in single quotes because the speaker is being sarcastic. By using single quotes, we are showing that we are quoting the person’s exact words and that we understand the irony.
