How do I make quotation marks in Spanish?

When writing in Spanish, you can use either regular quotation marks (“ ”), known as comillas inglesas, or angular quotation marks (« »), known as comillas angulares or comillas latinas.

You should consult your style guide for which format is preferred and be consistent throughout your document.

To type angular quotation marks, use the following keyboard shortcuts:

Windows Mac
Opening angular quotation mark («) Ctrl + Alt + [ Option + \
Closing angular quotation mark (») Ctrl + Alt + ] Option + Shift + \

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When should I use single quotation marks?

In American English, single quotation marks (‘ ’) are used to indicate quotes within quotes.

Single quotation marks example (American English)
Martinez argues that “the president’s use of the phrase ‘mission accomplished’ undermined his credibility.”

In British English, single quotation marks are typically used in the ways double quotation marks are in American English. So, quotes within quotes are indicated with double quotation marks.

Single quotation marks examples (British English)
Martinez argues that ‘the president’s use of the phrase “mission accomplished” undermined his credibility’.

Try not to use the word ‘really’ in academic writing.

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Should I put a period before or after quotation marks?

Typically, a period goes before the ending quotation marks in American English.

Periods with quotation marks examples (American English)
The principal said the teacher was “an exemplar of the profession.”

She told me, “If I leave, I’m never coming back.”

However, in British English, the period only goes inside the quotation marks if the quotation itself is a full sentence. Otherwise, it goes outside. Additionally, British English typically uses single quotation marks instead of double.

Periods with quotation marks examples (British English)
The principal said the teacher was ‘an exemplar of the profession’.

She told me, ‘If I leave, I’m never coming back.’

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How do I make quotation marks in French?

French uses guillemets (« ») instead of quotation marks (e.g., The sign said: « Allumez vos feux »). Note that there is always a space after the opening guillemet and before the closing guillemet.

To type guillemets, use the following keyboard shortcuts:

Windows Mac
Opening guillemet («) Ctrl + Alt + [ Option + \
Closing guillemet (») Ctrl + Alt + ] Option + Shift + \

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Does the comma go inside the quotation marks?

Yes, commas typically go inside quotation marks in a sentence in American English.

Commas with quotation marks in American English examples
Critics said the book was “gripping,” “powerfully written,” and “emotional.”

“Don’t go without me,” Brett said.

Note, though, that when there’s an introductory phrase before a quotation, the comma goes before the opening quotation marks.

Brett said, “Don’t go without me.”

In British English, commas typically go outside of quotation marks (and single quotation marks are often used in place of double).

Commas with quotation marks in British English example
Critics said the book was ‘gripping’, ‘powerfully written’, and ‘emotional’.

‘Don’t go without me’, Brett said.

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Is mom capitalized?

Words that refer to family relationships (e.g., “mom,” “dad,” “grandma,” “uncle”) are not capitalized unless they are used in place of a name.

Capitalization of family relationship words examples
  • My mom is the best.
  • My Mom is the best.
  • I love you, Mom.
  • I love you, mom.
  • Is Uncle Jay coming to the wedding?
  • Is uncle Jay coming to the wedding?
  • Is your uncle coming to the wedding?
  • Is your Uncle coming to the wedding?

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What’s the difference between an en dash and a hyphen?

A hyphen (-) is shorter than an en dash and is used to connect words in compound adjectives (e.g., “fast-paced,” “old-fashioned”) or compound nouns (e.g., “seven-year-olds,” “jack-of-all-trades”).

An en dash (–) is slightly longer and can be used for several purposes:

  • To indicate number ranges (e.g., “2020–2024”)
  • To indicate a relationship or connection (e.g., “the London–Dublin train,” “the employer–employee relationship”)
  • To connect complex compound adjectives (e.g., “the Booker Prize–winning novelist”)

In many everyday writing situations, the hyphen is used in place of the en dash because it is easier to type. However, it is important to know the difference for academic and professional writing contexts.

QuillBot’s Grammar Checker can help you ensure you’re using different types of punctuation correctly.

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How do I type an en dash in Word?

There are several ways to type an en dash (–) in Microsoft Word:

  • On a Mac computer, you can hold down option and press the hyphen key (to the right of the 0).
  • On a Windows computer, you can hold down Alt and type 0150 on the numeric keypad.
    • If you don’t have a numeric keypad, you can press the Windows button + period (.) to bring up the symbols menu.
  • You can navigate to “Symbols” under the “Insert” menu to manually add an en dash.

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