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When do you use single inverted commas?

Single inverted commas, also known as single quotation marks, are used in various ways depending on the context. Here are the most common instances:

1. Quoting within a quote:

* When you need to quote something that's already inside another quote, you use single inverted commas for the inner quote.

* Example: "She said, 'I saw him say, "Go away!"'"

2. Specific words or phrases:

* When you want to highlight a specific word or phrase, you can use single inverted commas. This is common when discussing a particular usage of a word or when highlighting a word for emphasis.

* Example: The term "influencer" has gained widespread popularity in recent years.

3. Titles of short works:

* Depending on style guidelines, single inverted commas are sometimes used for titles of short works like poems, songs, articles, and chapters.

* Example: I enjoyed reading the poem "The Raven."

4. Technical terms or jargon:

* In some contexts, single inverted commas are used to denote technical terms or jargon that might be unfamiliar to the reader.

* Example: The "API" allows communication between different applications.

5. Regional variations:

* In some English-speaking regions, single inverted commas are used as the standard quotation marks, while others prefer double inverted commas.

6. Specific style guides:

* Certain style guides, such as those used by academic journals or specific organizations, might have their own specific rules regarding the use of single inverted commas.

Important Note:

* While single inverted commas are commonly used in the situations mentioned above, there are also situations where they are not recommended. For example, using them for direct quotes when double inverted commas are the standard is generally discouraged.

It's always best to consult style guides or check with your editor to ensure you're using single inverted commas correctly.

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