Note 52 – Take care when quoting direct speech

For the background to my writing challenge, please read my first blog by clicking the following link – http://wp.me/p1x6Ui-4. If you would prefer to dive straight into note 52, then please read on…

Quoting direct speech

Whilst reading about direct speech and the use of quotation marks today, I stumbled upon a very important point that I want to share with you.  When using a quote in your writing, it must always be the exact quote.  

Example:

Graham King in his book Collins Improve your Punctuation writes “When you are quoting direct speech you must ensure that the words enclosed by your quotation marks are exactly those spoken.  Not approximately, but exactly.”

Always double and triple check things like this, or legal action may taken against you.  Don’t worry, I have checked the above sentence!

What’s in store for tomorrow?

I have lots more exciting and useful tips on the use of punctuation with quotation marks, which I will blog about tomorrow.  I am finding, however, that the rules are different between British and American English, so I’ll prepare some comparisons too.

Hope you’ve had a good day.

Until tomorrow…

Sandra

This blog: https://mywritingnotebook.wordpress.com

My other blog: http://sandramadeira.wordpress.com

My website: www.tipsandluxuries.com (includes first chapter of my book)

Twitter: @madeirasandra and @tipsandluxuries

Reference list:

Graham King The Collins Improve your Punctuation, UK