Quoting an already quoted sentence requires careful attention to formatting and punctuation. Here's how you can do it:
Single Quotation Marks for Inner Quotes
When quoting a sentence that already contains a quotation, you use single quotation marks for the inner quote and double quotation marks for the outer quote.
Example:
"He said, 'I'm going to the store,' and then left," she explained.
In this example, the entire sentence, "He said, 'I'm going to the store,' and then left," is enclosed in double quotation marks. The inner quote, "I'm going to the store," is enclosed in single quotation marks.
Formatting Tips
- Maintain the Original Punctuation: Keep the original punctuation of the inner quote.
- Periods and Commas: If the quote is within a sentence, place the period or comma inside the outer quotation marks.
- Question Marks and Exclamation Points: If the quote is a question or exclamation, place the question mark or exclamation point inside the inner quotation marks.
Example:
"She asked, 'Are you going to the party?'" he said.
Additional Considerations
- Multiple Levels of Quotation: If you are quoting a sentence that has multiple levels of quotations, you alternate between single and double quotation marks.
- Attribution: Always clearly indicate who is speaking or writing the quoted material.
Example:
"He said, 'I heard her say, "I'm leaving,"' and then walked away," she reported.
By following these guidelines, you can accurately and effectively quote an already quoted sentence while maintaining clarity and readability.
