A Grammar question

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  1. GwennyOh profile image85
    GwennyOhposted 4 years ago

    I have tried to look this one up a number of times and can't find the right wording to find what I need. I need to know how to use quotes on words preceded by "a" or "the."

    Examples- ...it may have been a servitor or a construct.

    ...it may have been a servitor or "a construct.,"
    ...it may have been a servitor or a "construct."

    Both ways look wrong to me, but the second one looks less wrong. Lol. Help me out, if you will.

    1. theraggededge profile image83
      theraggededgeposted 4 years agoin reply to this

      I wouldn't use quotes on those at all smile  If you forced me, I'd say,

      a servitor or 'construct'.

      I've never understood the American way of putting the period before the end quote big_smile

      1. bravewarrior profile image83
        bravewarriorposted 4 years agoin reply to this

        I don't understand that either, theraggededge and I'm American. To me, the period should be placed after the quotation mark, unless the quotes indicate dialogue.

        1. GwennyOh profile image85
          GwennyOhposted 4 years agoin reply to this

          I get what you are saying, and largely agree. I have this one habit though. When I refer to a word that is uncommon and I cannot go off on a tangent to explain it, I use quotes to hint for a person to look it up themselves. Very subtle, but maybe it works. It seems like a good idea.

  2. Miebakagh57 profile image85
    Miebakagh57posted 4 years ago

    Either way, the British or American standard are traditions, not 'English' standards.                                                                Who would have though the difference between hotel and motel? Lift and elevator? The fullstop and the period?                                             That being said, I opined it is most appropriate to place the dot(.) withn the quotation.                                           Seriously, I will only place quotation  mark single('') or double("") by tagging a unique word that is not found elsewhere.

    1. theraggededge profile image83
      theraggededgeposted 4 years agoin reply to this

      Hotel and motel mean the same thing in US and UK smile

      A hotel is usually a single building with a main access.

      A motel is a complex of separate rooms/suites with their own access and very often their own parking.

      1. Miebakagh57 profile image85
        Miebakagh57posted 4 years agoin reply to this

        Agreed.                                               But the specifics or usuage are not common to both countries. American prefer motel to use over hotel. I noted well that is a standard and a tradition.                                      Back than when Nigeria was a British subject, and after independence, the French word 'hotel' was a common use. Post British Nigeria prefer standard British English in all communication.                                Enter 1st May, 1999. Nigeria adopted the American Constitution. The word motel is becoming more common in usuage in Nigeria.  Nigerians are going American standard.                          Nevertheless, the use of both words in Britain is as common nowadays in Nigeria.

        1. theraggededge profile image83
          theraggededgeposted 4 years agoin reply to this

          Nope. If they are use interchangeably, it is incorrect big_smile They are different kinds of buildings.

          https://www.rd.com/article/motel-vs-hotel/

          1. Miebakagh57 profile image85
            Miebakagh57posted 4 years agoin reply to this

            Again agreed.                                  But I am not advocating they be use interchangeably.                       Canadian, Australian, British, or American have they standard English. For example, any one of the standard is acceptable to be used on hubpages. In an English certificate examination in Nigeria, use either the American or British not both.                                  Bev, thanks for the link. It throws more light on what I do reaky know.

  3. Kenna McHugh profile image83
    Kenna McHughposted 4 years ago

    From the HubPages Writing Style Guide:

    If a word or phrase has already been referenced once in quotes, it doesn’t need to be quoted again (e.g. This tasty morsel, called a "cinnamon bun," should be eaten twice a day to keep the doctor away. Cinnamon buns are great for your health.).

    1. GwennyOh profile image85
      GwennyOhposted 4 years agoin reply to this

      You said a "cinnamon bun." That answered my question. Maybe I wasn't clear enough in how I asked, but just the same I got what I needed. Thank you!

    2. Miebakagh57 profile image85
      Miebakagh57posted 4 years agoin reply to this

      Well noted and thank you.

  4. Kenna McHugh profile image83
    Kenna McHughposted 4 years ago

    The guide says if you're British or American: Our community has international representation, so we accept both American English and British English standards.

    1. Miebakagh57 profile image85
      Miebakagh57posted 4 years agoin reply to this

      Either the British or American standard should be use consistently. No mixiing up.

 
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