Inverted commas are punctuation marks that are used in writing to show where speech or a quotation begins and ends. They are usually written or printed as ‘ ’ or “ ”. Inverted commas are also sometimes used around the titles of books, plays, or songs, or around a word or phrase that is being discussed.
[British]regional note: in AM, use quotation marks
2.
See in inverted commas
inverted commas in British English
(ɪnˈvɜːtɪd ˈkɒməz)
plural noun
1. British
quotation marks
2. in inverted commas
Examples of 'inverted commas' in a sentence
inverted commas
She's gone to "powder her nose",' says Graham, sardonically carving two sets of inverted commas out of the air with his fingers.
Alex George LOVE YOU MADLY (2002)
It was as if he put his words in inverted commas and so detached himself from them, reserving his position.
Alan Judd THE DEVIL'S OWN WORK (2002)
More even than before, he gave his opinions in inverted commas, which made it sound as if he did not trust the words he used.
Alan Judd THE DEVIL'S OWN WORK (2002)
In other languages
inverted commas
British English: inverted commas /ɪnˈvɜːtɪd ˈkɒməz/ NOUN
Inverted commas are the punctuation marks (` ') or (" ") which are used in writing to show where speech or a quotation begins and ends.