inverted comma
B2Formal, technical (grammar/publishing), occasionally informal when referring to 'scare quotes'.
Definition
Meaning
A punctuation mark (' ' or " ") used to indicate direct speech, a quotation, or to highlight a word or phrase for a specific purpose.
Used, often in the plural form, to denote the concept of quoting or distancing oneself from a term (e.g., 'scare quotes'), implying skepticism, irony, or non-standard usage.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a term for the symbol itself. In everyday use, 'quotation mark' or 'quote' is more common. The plural form 'inverted commas' is often used as a general term for the punctuation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Predominantly a British English term. American English almost exclusively uses 'quotation marks' or 'quotes'.
Connotations
In BrE, it can sound slightly more formal or old-fashioned than 'quotes'. The term itself is neutral.
Frequency
Much more frequent in BrE, though 'quotes' is common in informal BrE. Very rare in AmE, where it might be misunderstood.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[put/place/embed] + NP + [in/within] + inverted commas[use/employ] + inverted commas + [to mark/indicate] + NPVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in inverted commas: used when saying a word or phrase that is being quoted or used ironically, e.g., 'He's a real "expert", in inverted commas.'”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in reports or communications when directly citing a source or referencing a specific term from a document.
Academic
Common in style guides, grammar texts, and linguistic discussions about punctuation and direct speech.
Everyday
Mainly used when explaining punctuation or when discussing the ironic use of 'scare quotes'.
Technical
Used in typography, publishing, and word processing software settings and documentation.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In English, we use inverted commas to show what someone says.
- My name is in inverted commas on the list.
- Remember to put the title of the poem in single inverted commas.
- She said, 'I'll be there soon,' and closed the inverted comma.
- The author frequently uses double inverted commas for dialogue, but single ones for quotations within dialogue.
- The term 'greenwashing' is often placed in inverted commas to indicate its dubious nature.
- Critics argued that the politician's use of the word 'reform' in inverted commas revealed his cynical attitude towards the policy.
- The style guide stipulates that scare quotes should be indicated with single inverted commas throughout the manuscript.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a comma (,) being flipped upside down or inverted to make the shape of a quotation mark (') at the beginning of a quote.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONTAINER for words (the quoted text is enclosed within the marks).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'перевёрнутая запятая' in most contexts, as the standard Russian term is 'кавычки'. The literal translation would be confusing.
Common Mistakes
- Using a single inverted comma for possession (the apostrophe), e.g., *'the cat’s tail' vs. 'the cat's tail'.
- In BrE, inconsistently mixing single and double inverted commas within the same document without a defined style.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a primary function of inverted commas?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for all practical purposes. 'Inverted commas' is the common British English term, while 'quotation marks' is preferred in American English and is widely understood globally.
It depends on the style guide. British English often uses single inverted commas for direct speech and double for a quote within a quote. American English typically does the reverse. Always be consistent.
When spoken, saying a word is 'in inverted commas' signals that you are using the term ironically, skeptically, or not in its literal sense. People often make quote gestures with their fingers to indicate this.
Yes, the term refers to the punctuation mark in general. The specific opening and closing marks are usually just called 'inverted commas', though one might specify 'opening inverted comma' or 'closing inverted comma' in detailed typography.