Here's a breakdown:
Function of Speech Marks:
* Direct Quotation: Speech marks are used to indicate that you are directly quoting someone else's words.
* Example: "I'm going to the store," she said.
* Titles of Short Works: They enclose the titles of short works like songs, poems, articles, and short stories.
* Example: I enjoyed reading the short story "The Lottery".
* Words Used in a Special Way: Speech marks can be used to highlight a word or phrase that is being used in a specific way, such as slang, sarcasm, or technical terms.
* Example: He called her "the boss" of the office, even though she was just a junior employee.
Cause and Effect Doesn't Apply:
Speech marks don't have a cause and effect relationship in the same way that actions do. They are a tool used by writers to convey specific information, not a force that creates a reaction.
Think of it like this:
* You wouldn't say a hammer causes a nail to be hammered. The hammer is a tool used by someone to achieve a result.
* Similarly, speech marks are a tool used by writers to achieve the specific effect of indicating direct speech, titles, or special use of words.
Let me know if you have any further questions about the use of speech marks!