Reduct Transcription Guidelines - Inverted commas
- Inverted commas
Double inverted commas
Use double inverted commas or quotation marks “ “ when reporting direct speech. Note the correct usage of punctuation marks accompanying double inverted quotes:
Incorrect
So I said, “Let’s schedule the meeting for later.”. To which he replied, “no, it needs to be done now.”. I’m like relax it can wait. Then he asked, “If I could text him the details later.”. (there should always be a space between the comma and inverted commas)
Correct
So I said, “Let’s schedule the meeting for later,” to which he replied, “No, it needs to be done now.” I’m like, “Relax, it can wait.” Then he asked if I could text him the details later.
Also note the capitalization rules when using double inverted quotes in the above example, and the difference in direct and indirect speech.
Native English speakers use ‘like’ to signal the start of direct speech. Use quotation marks after ‘like’ if it is used this way.
Example
I told them I wanted it done right away. But they were like, “Chill, man. There’s no need to rush this.”
While ending a sentence, always put the full stop before the double inverted commas.
Example
Tatiana during an interview said, “I want to raise my children in the suburbs.”
Single inverted commas
When the speaker emphasizes something or highlights the term, use single inverted commas.
Example
Do you see the menu on the top left of the screen? There’s an ‘about’ page and ‘how it works’ under it.
