What are quotation marks?
Quotation marks have several uses in our writing. Most of us know the primary use. They mark the beginning and end of quotes or dialogue.
However, we also use them to:
- set off titles of certain works
- indicate slang, mottos, single letters, and translations
- show that you are referring to the use of that word or phrase, rather than using it as part of the sentence
Examples of these include:
- Her favorite hymn is "Amazing Grace." (shows title)
- She lived by the motto "Any job worth doing, is worth doing right." (motto)
- He told her bonjour, “good day,” when they met that day. (referring to phrase)
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AndyN1
Premium
Hi Diane
I use Grammarly and I find it very helpful. As you say you have to check and not always accept the proposed change. One that I find it often gets wrong - for my eyes anyway - it always wants to turn "may" and "be" into "maybe". Obvious examples would be
Maybe we will come tomorrow - I think that is correct.
but
We may be coming tomorrow. - I think is also correct.
I find it also has trouble when you try to use subjunctive forms. Or maybe I shouldn't be using the subjunctive case at all.
Like you, I find really bad grammar and punctuation to be distracting after a while. Reading aloud is also a good way to catch sloppy writing.
A great lesson!
Thanks
Andy
I use Grammarly and I find it very helpful. As you say you have to check and not always accept the proposed change. One that I find it often gets wrong - for my eyes anyway - it always wants to turn "may" and "be" into "maybe". Obvious examples would be
Maybe we will come tomorrow - I think that is correct.
but
We may be coming tomorrow. - I think is also correct.
I find it also has trouble when you try to use subjunctive forms. Or maybe I shouldn't be using the subjunctive case at all.
Like you, I find really bad grammar and punctuation to be distracting after a while. Reading aloud is also a good way to catch sloppy writing.
A great lesson!
Thanks
Andy
Dhind1
Premium Plus
This is excellent, thank you for taking the time to put this together.
I really appreciate anything that will help to improve my grammar skills. I am a native speaker and I know that any help is good for me.
I have spent almost 30 years overseas where I have listened to shortened versions of English as my friends and co-workers struggle to "talk" to me.
I appreciate their efforts as I am sure they appreciate my efforts to communicate in their language. But, over time basic skills become eroded, so a refresher is always welcome.
Alex
I really appreciate anything that will help to improve my grammar skills. I am a native speaker and I know that any help is good for me.
I have spent almost 30 years overseas where I have listened to shortened versions of English as my friends and co-workers struggle to "talk" to me.
I appreciate their efforts as I am sure they appreciate my efforts to communicate in their language. But, over time basic skills become eroded, so a refresher is always welcome.
Alex