引号的英文名称是 quotation mark ,也被称为 quotes, quote marks, speech marks, talking marks 或 inverted commas 。之所以被称为“inverted commas”,是因为其形状就像是倒过来的逗号。其具体用法如下:
1. 直接引用,即将人说的话完整的记录下来。
2. 英式英语常用单引号(single quotation marks)。如果直接引语内还有需要用到引号,则在单引号内用双引号。
- 'We must find him,' she said urgently.
3. 美式英语常用双引号(double quotation marks)。如果直接引语内还有需要用到引号,则在双引号内用单引号。
- "I'm going out this evening," she said.
4. 单独加在一个专门需要强调或专业术语上面,以示区别和强调。
- Ben never forgets to say "Please" and "Thank you".