Quotes Vs Quotations
Main Difference – Quote vs Quotation
In everyday use, we often use the two words quote and quotation interchangeably, and many people think that this usage is correct. However, there is a difference between quote and quotation, and we should pay attention to this difference, especially in formal language. The main difference between quote and quotation is that quote is a verb while quotation is a noun.
Quotation marks can be used to express measurements. A single quotation mark denotes a foot, while the double quotation mark follows the inches. For example: 5’4″. Technically, the marks used with measurements are called a prime and double prime, and they are straight whereas quotation marks are curly. For quotations that are more than four lines of prose or three lines of verse, place quotations in a free-standing block of text and omit quotation marks. Start the quotation on a new line, with the entire quote indented ½ inch from the left margin while maintaining double-spacing. Quote vs Quotation The English language is constantly evolving, and so oftentimes we find ourselves wondering whether old rules still apply on how we use words. This is usually illustrated in our usage of certain terms that we think both refer to one thing but upon closer examination we can see that they are really different from each other.
What is a Quote
Quote, (verb) refers to repeating the exact words of another person, providing acknowledgement of the original source. For example,
“I realized that she was quoting passages from Shakespeare.”
“‘The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has limits’, she quoted Einstein.”
“Examples quoted above prove that the majority of the interviewees had no idea about the effects of formaldehyde.”
You will note that in all three examples, the word ‘quote’ refers to repeating words from a text or speech written or spoken by another person to prove a point. However, keep in mind that in modern, informal usage, quote is also used as noun to replace ‘quotation.’
Quote also refers to the estimated price of a job or service. When someone says, “garage quoted him 50$”, it means that the estimated price given by the garage is 50 $.
What is a Quotation
Quotation (noun) refers to a phrase or sentence taken from a text or speech and repeated by someone other than the original writer or the speaker. You all must have heard the statement “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” This is a quotation from Alexander Pope. Always remember that quotations should be written inside quotation marks.(“”) The term “quotation” also refers to a formal statement setting out the estimated cost of a particular job or service. Given below are some famous quotations by famous people.
“Live as you were to die tomorrow, learn as if you were to live forever.” – Mahathma Gandhi
“The Greatest Glory in living lies not in ever falling, but in rising every time we fall.” – Nelson Mandela
“To improve is to change, to be perfect is to change often.” – Winston Churchill
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.” – Mark Twain
Difference Between Quote and Quotation
Meaning
Quote is repeating the exact words from a text or speech of another person.
Quotation is a group of words taken from a text or a speech of another person.
Alternative meaning
Quote can also refer to the estimated price of a job or a service.
Quotation can refer to a formal statement indicating the estimated cost of a job or service.
Form
Quote is a verb.
Quotation is a noun.
Contemporary Usage
Quote is used as a noun in the informal, spoken language.
Quotation is only used as a noun.
Image Courtesy:
Quotes Or Quotations
“Albert einstein by zuzahin-d5pcbug” by InformiguelCarreño – Own work. (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons
You're probably familiar with quotation marks - those double scoops in the air (“”), used before and after we relay something someone said or wrote, verbatim. Pretty standard in writing, but what about their slimmer offshoot, single quotation marks (‘’)? While single quotation marks aren’t used that frequently, they do serve an important purpose.
Using Single Quotation Marks
In standard United States punctuation rules, there are really only two answers to the question of when to use single quotation marks. One involves the more familiar double quotation marks, and the other has to do with headlines.
Rule 1: Quotations Within a Quotation
The most common use of the single quotation mark is when you're quoting someone within a quotation. You've probably seen this format used in different types of essays, books, interviews, and news stories.
- Sam exclaimed, 'Joe was at the store and bumped into Alexa. When he saw her, he said, 'I hope we'll see you at the party next Friday,' but she didn't know anything about it!'
- The news reporter said, 'All of the stores on the block have burned down. One shop owner screamed, 'I cannot believe this is happening!' as the flames engulfed her store.'
- Jason told Mark, 'I saw Cynthia the other day, and she said, 'I'm really looking forward to Mark's graduation!''
- Her daughter asked, 'Why did you call that man a 'ridiculous idiot'?'
Rule 2: Quotations Within a Headline
In a headline, single quotation marks are used in place of the standard double quotation marks. So, if the headline includes the title of a song, short story or a quotation, you would use single quotation marks. Generally, you'll see this used when the headline is in reference to something someone said.
- In the Words of The Beatles, 'Let it Be'
- The President Urges, 'Don't Worry, America'
- 'I Did it for My Kids,' SaysHeroic Mom
- Candidate Promises 'No More Taxes'
Punctuating Single Quotation Marks
If you’re going to use single quotation marks, it’s important to know how to properly use punctuation with them.
- Commas are always placed inside quotation marks, whether the marks are double (“) or single (‘).
- For most quotes within a quote, where the text inside single quotes falls at the end of the sentence or question, the single and double quotation marks should be after the period or question mark at the end.
- However, if you are asking a question about the quote itself, the rule is different. In that case, the final single quotation mark should be placed just before the question mark.
Quotes Vs Quotations
British Usage of Single Quotation Marks
In British punctuation, single and double quotation marks are used the opposite of the way they’re used in the United States. In British usage, single quotation marks are used to mark direct speech (with speech within speech marked with double quotation marks).
- That’s not what Harry told me. He said, ‘I am going on holiday in June, so I’ll be able to help you move house in July.’
- My teacher said, ‘Sally, your mum always wears such lovely dresses.’
- Bridget explained, ‘I just love the Beatles. My motto is “we all live in a yellow submarine,” just like they said in my favorite song.’
- My mum won’t believe you. She said, ‘I don’t trust your friend. Last week she said, “my dad knows I’m staying for dinner,” and it turned out that he didn’t even know.’
Single quotes marks are also often commonly used to off a specific word in British usage, in the same way italics can be used. (I ‘truly’ cannot stand that woman.)
Single Quotations in Academic Writing
Single quote marks are also sometimes used in academic writing, though this isn’t considered a rule. Specialist terms that are unique to a subject are often enclosed in single quotation marks in both U.S. and British English. This is very common in specific disciplines, particularly philosophy or theology. If you're writing in a specific discipline, check with the style guidelines of the institution or publication for which you are writing to verify if you should use quotes in this way.
Quote Your Quotes
The next time you want to quote someone within a quote, call upon your friend, the single quotation mark. That's probably the most likely scenario where you'll come upon the single quotation mark. To beef up your quotation expertise further, learn how to use punctuation correctly with quotation marks. That will help you become an expert user of quotation marks. From there, you’ll be ready to explore how to punctuate dialogue correctly.
Quotes Vs Quotations Sayings
M.A. Communication