When it works:
* To highlight a word or phrase: "This is the most important point."
* To call attention to a specific word: "He said he was 'fine,' but his voice trembled."
* To indicate irony or sarcasm: "He was 'so helpful,' offering to 'take care' of my belongings."
* To show that a word or phrase is being used in a particular way: "He was a 'genius,' but his ideas were impractical."
When it doesn't work:
* Overusing quotation marks: This makes your writing sound clunky and can distract from the actual message.
* Using quotation marks for general emphasis: There are better ways to emphasize text, like using boldface, italics, or even just strong wording.
* Using quotation marks for simple phrases: "He was very angry" doesn't need quotation marks.
Alternatives to using quotation marks for emphasis:
* Boldface: This is the most important point.
* Italics: *This is the most important point.*
* Strong wording: This is the crucial point.
* Short, declarative sentences: This is the most important point. Don't forget it.
Important note: Be mindful of the context and your audience when using quotation marks for emphasis. Sometimes, they can be effective, but other times they can be distracting or even confusing.