Single quotation marks examples

In American English, we use double quotation marks ( “ ” ) in most situations and single quotation marks ( ‘ ’ ) only for quotes within quotes or certain titles within quotes. In other words, double quotation marks are usually correct, although using single versus double quotation marks in England is a little different.

But the question remains: When exactly do you use double quotation marks, and when do you use single quotation marks?

Below, we explain the rules for when to use each, and we’ll even discuss the differences between quotation marks in British English and American English.

Single vs. double quotation marks: What’s the difference?

In form, quotation marks (or simply “quotes” for short) are just commas, elevated to the top of a text line instead of at the bottom.

Single quotation marks use only one comma—they look just like the apostrophe—while double quotation marks use two commas right next to each other. The direction the quotation marks face depends on whether they come at the beginning or end of the quote.

In writing, single

use of quotation marks in british english

use of quotation marks in american english