In the last issue of Word Song, The Grammar Corner addressed the proper placement of commas, periods and quotation marks. As a reminder, commas and periods ALWAYS go INSIDE quotation marks. No Exceptions! Now, let’s think about two more marks of punctuation: colons (:) and semicolons (;). These two underused but important symbols ALWAYS go OUTSIDE quotation marks.There are absolutely NO exceptions to this rule. Remember: commas and periods always inside, colons and semicolons always outside.

In honor of National Punctuation Day (September 24), the following is important information for writers: ALL commas and periods belong INSIDE both single and double quotation marks. There are absolutely NO exceptions to this rule.

In honor of last week’s National Punctuation Day (September 24), the following is important information for every writer: ALL commas and periods go INSIDE both single and double quotation marks. There are absolutely NO exceptions to this rule.