A-Z House Style Guide
- quotes #
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Use single quotes, and then double quotes for quotes within quotes. This rule applies to Bible quotes as well as speech, even if this is different to NIV style.
Partial quotes: begin with no punctuation and contain no punctuation. He said it was ‘amazing and unforgettable’. But it’s not great style and can be a lazy substitute for clear writing. Quotes should add colour, not carry facts. First choice, quote a beneficiary; second a partner; and third a Tearfund staff member.
Full quotes: you can begin with a comma and contain punctuation eg He said, ‘It was amazing, truly amazing.’ Or you can start a sentence with the quote if it works eg ‘It was amazing, truly amazing,’ said Manfred.
Don’t end a paragraph with a quote mark if the quote continues on to the next paragraph.
See also direct speech.