What are the rules for using quotation marks?

The rules for using quotation marks are as follows:

1. Quotation marks are used to enclose direct quotations. When someone is speaking or when a text is being quoted word-for-word, the exact words should be enclosed in quotation marks.

Example: She said, "I will be there at 5 o'clock."

2. Quotation marks are also used to indicate the titles of shorter works such as articles, poems, short stories, or songs. These titles should be enclosed in quotation marks.

Example: I read an interesting article titled "The Importance of Sleep."

3. When a quotation is divided into multiple paragraphs, each paragraph should begin with an opening quotation mark, but only the final paragraph should end with a closing quotation mark.

Example:
He said, "I have a dream
that one day this nation will rise up
and live out the true meaning of its creed."

4. Quotation marks should not be used for indirect quotations or paraphrasing. When summarizing or rephrasing someone's words, quotation marks are not necessary.

Example: She mentioned that she would arrive at 5 o'clock.

5. Punctuation marks such as commas, periods, and question marks should be placed inside the closing quotation mark if they are part of the quoted material. However, if the punctuation mark is not part of the quoted material, it should be placed outside the closing quotation mark.

Example: He asked, "Are you coming?"

I hope these rules help you understand the proper usage of quotation marks.