Selecting Correct Punctuation in Quotations

Understanding Proper Punctuation in Quotations

Thoreau says that "We are determined to be starved before we are hungry." This sentence presents a common challenge when it comes to using punctuation in quotations. Let's analyze the options provided and determine the correct choice.

The Options

A. Thoreau says that "We are determined to be starved before we are hungry." B. Thoreau says that, "We are determined to be starved before we are hungry." C. Thoreau says that; "We are determined to be starved before we are hungry." D. Thoreau says that "We are determined to be starved before we are hungry." (no punctuation) E. Thoreau says that: "We are determined to be starved before we are hungry."

Analysis of Options

Upon reviewing the provided options, it's essential to remember the rules for punctuating quotations. When introducing a quote, there should be no unnecessary punctuation that disrupts the flow of the sentence.

Correct Answer

The correct option is A, which uses the appropriate quotation marks without adding extra punctuation before the quote.

Explanation

The correct punctuation for the given sentence from Thoreau should be 'Thoreau says that "We are determined to be starved before we are hungry."' Therefore, the correct option is A. This option correctly places the quotation marks without adding unnecessary punctuation such as a comma, semicolon, or colon before the quotation. There should be no punctuation between 'that' and the beginning of the quotation in this context. The comma is not needed as the clause 'Thoreau says that' is smoothly followed by the quote, making the sentence flow directly into the quotation.

What is the correct punctuation in the statement "Thoreau says that "We are determined to be starved before we are hungry."?

The correct punctuation in the statement "Thoreau says that "We are determined to be starved before we are hungry."" is Option A.

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