in quotation marks

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in quotation marks" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to denote that the following words are quoted from another source and/or are being emphasized. For example, the author wrote that "no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Springsteen in quotation marks?

The New York Times - Arts

"And help is in quotation marks".

The New York Times

Or maybe sincere in quotation marks.

The New York Times - Arts

It lives in quotation marks.

The Guardian - Opinion

Camp sees everything in quotation marks.

The Guardian - Film

Original file labels are in quotation marks.

Harvard University

"Ladies' lunch" is pronounced in quotation marks.

The New Yorker

Strings are enclosed in quotation marks.

Columbia University

Phrases in quotation marks float free of any source.

The New York Times - Books

Once again, "only" must be in quotation marks.

The New York Times

Everything he says seems to be in quotation marks.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When quoting material, ensure that the text is accurately reproduced and properly attributed. Using "in quotation marks" clearly signals that the words are not your own.

Common error

Avoid using quotation marks solely for emphasis, as this can be seen as sarcastic or unclear. If you intend to emphasize a word, consider using italics or bold text instead. The phrase "in quotation marks" should primarily denote direct quotations or specific terms being discussed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in quotation marks" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase modifying a noun or verb. It indicates that a word, phrase, or passage is presented as a direct quote, a specific term, or used in a non-literal sense. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Academia

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in quotation marks" is a common and grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate that text is a direct quote, a specific term, or used in a non-literal sense. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used properly in written English. It appears frequently in news, academic, and scientific writing. To ensure clarity, use it to signal direct quotations and consider italics for simple emphasis. Alternatives include "enclosed in quotes" and "within quotation marks". Understanding its function and purpose will enhance the precision and clarity of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

within quotation marks

Specifies that the text is enclosed inside quotation marks, similar to the original phrase but with a slightly different preposition.

enclosed in quotation marks

Highlights the action of enclosing text with quotation marks, emphasizing the visual aspect.

between quotation marks

Focuses on the placement of text, being situated between the opening and closing quotation marks.

in quotes

A shortened, more informal version of the original phrase.

within double quotes

Specifies the type of quotation marks being used.

denoted by quotation marks

Emphasizes the role of quotation marks in indicating a quote or special meaning.

indicated by quotation marks

Focuses on how quotation marks serve as indicators.

with quotation marks

A more general way of saying that quotation marks are present, but less specific about their function.

using quotation marks

Highlights the act of using quotation marks to set off text.

surrounded by quotation marks

Similar to 'enclosed in quotation marks', but emphasizes the idea of the marks encompassing the text.

FAQs

How do I use "in quotation marks" in a sentence?

You can use "in quotation marks" to describe text that is being directly quoted or to indicate a specific term being discussed. For example, "The term 'artificial intelligence' is often used "loosely"."

What does it mean when something is "in quotation marks"?

When a word or phrase is "in quotation marks", it typically indicates that the text is a direct quote from another source, or that the word is being used in a special or non-literal sense. It can also signal that the writer is discussing the word itself, rather than its meaning.

When should I use italics instead of "in quotation marks" for emphasis?

Use italics for emphasis when you want to highlight a word or phrase without implying that it's a direct quote or being used sarcastically. Quotation marks around a single word can sometimes suggest skepticism or a non-standard usage.

What are some alternatives to saying "in quotation marks"?

Alternatives to "in quotation marks" include phrases like "enclosed in quotes", "within quotation marks", or simply "in quotes", depending on the context and level of formality required.