Quick answer: In American English, use double quotation marks for a main quotation and single quotation marks for a quote inside it. Much British writing does the reverse: single quotes first, double quotes inside. Both styles use single quotes in news headlines.
Quick Quiz: Single vs Double Quotes
The single vs double quotes question confuses writers because the “correct” answer depends on where you live and what style guide you follow. The rules are simple once you see that American and British conventions mirror each other. Here is how each one works and which to choose.
| Term | Main use | Style or category | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double quotation marks | Main quotation marks in American style | US (also often Canada) | She said, “I’ll be there.” |
| Single quotation marks | Quote within a quote (US); main quotation marks (British) | US nested; UK primary | He told me, ‘I’ll be there.’ (British style) |
| Single quotes in headlines | Quoted material in a news headline | AP style | Mayor vows ‘no new taxes’ |
What are double quotation marks used for?
In American English, double quotation marks enclose a direct quotation. Style guides such as Chicago, AP, APA and MLA all recommend double quotes as the main marks, with single quotes saved for nested quotations.
They are also used for certain titles and for unusual terms. Canadian writing often follows the same pattern.
What are single quotation marks used for?
In American English, single quotation marks are used only for a quotation inside another quotation. In British style, they are the standard marks for a main quotation, particularly in formal writing and book publishing.
The New Oxford Style Manual, for example, recommends single quotes as the primary marks, with double quotes reserved for a quote inside a quote. Australian writing often follows the British pattern.
Single vs double quotes: which one should you use?
Use the style that matches your audience and your style guide. For American readers, use double quotes first, and for formal British publishing, use single quotes first.
There is an exception: British news outlets such as the BBC and the Guardian typically use double quotes for main quotations, with single quotes inside, just like American style. When in doubt, check your publisher’s or employer’s style guide and stay consistent throughout the piece.
How do you punctuate a quote within a quote?
Alternate the type of mark at each level. In American style, you go double, then single, then double again; in British style, you go single, then double, then single.
An American example: “The officer said, ‘Hold up your hands,’ and I did,” she recalled. Notice that the comma sits inside the single quote, and the two closing marks touch with no gap.
Where do periods and commas go with quotation marks?
In American style, periods and commas always go inside the closing quotation mark, whether the marks are single or double. Colons and semicolons go outside.
British style is more logical: a period or comma goes inside only if it belongs to the quoted material. Question marks and exclamation points follow a similar logic in both styles, going inside when they belong to the quotation and outside when they apply to the whole sentence.
Should you use single quotes in headlines?
Yes, news style uses single quotes for quoted material in headlines. AP style says so, and a typical example is: Man cries ‘Fire!’ in theater, causes panic.
The reason is mostly practical, since single marks take up less space in a headline. Outside headlines, American writers return to double quotes.
How can you remember which one to use?
Think about which mark sits on the outside. The tricks below help you remember the pattern and the exceptions.
Common mistakes
- ✗ She said, ‘I’ll call you.’ (in American style)
✓ She said, “I’ll call you.” - ✗ He told me, “She said “stop” twice.”
✓ He told me, “She said ‘stop’ twice.” - ✗ The sign said “Open”. (in American style)
✓ The sign said “Open.” - ✗ That is a “great” idea.
✓ That is a great idea. - ✗ Mayor vows “no new taxes” (as a news headline)
✓ Mayor vows ‘no new taxes’
Memory tricks
- Outside mark by country. Double on the outside in America; single on the outside in much of Britain.
- Nested means flip. The quote inside a quote always uses the other kind of mark.
- Periods hide in America. In American style, the period tucks inside the closing mark; in British style, it only goes in when it belongs there.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between single and double quotes?
In American English, double quotes mark a main quotation and single quotes mark a quote inside it. British English usually does the reverse.
Do British writers use single or double quotes?
Many British publishers prefer single quotes for main quotations, though British news outlets often use double quotes, so follow your style guide.
Where do periods and commas go with quotes?
In American style, periods and commas go inside the closing quotation mark. In British style, they go inside only if they belong to the quoted text.
Are single quotes used in headlines?
Yes. AP style uses single quotes for quoted material in headlines.
Can I use quotes for emphasis?
It is best to avoid it. Style guides advise saving quotation marks for actual quotations and certain titles.
Conclusion
The single vs double quotes rule comes down to audience: double on the outside for American readers, single on the outside for much British writing, and single quotes in headlines. Pick one style, stay consistent, and flip the marks for any nested quote. Share this with someone who mixes these up, and retake the quiz above to see what stuck.