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[2023] Smart Quotes: The Hilarious Guide to Curly Quotes and Straight Quotes


Are you tired of the same old straight quotes? Looking to add a touch of humor and style to your writing? Look no further! In this hilarious guide, we’ll dive into the world of smart quotes, also known as curly quotes, and straight quotes. We’ll explore their differences, when to use them, how to type them, and much more. So, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride through the world of smart quotes!

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

Smart quotes, also known as curly quotes, are typographic symbols that curve towards the text being quoted. They add a touch of style and humor to your writing. On the other hand, straight quotes are vertical marks without any indication of which word or phrase they are surrounding. While straight quotes are acceptable in casual writing, smart quotes are preferred by writers and designers for their legibility and flow.

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Quick Tips and Facts

Before we dive deeper into the world of smart quotes, here are some quick tips and facts to keep in mind:

  • Smart quotes are also known as curly quotes or typographer’s quotes.
  • Straight quotes are often referred to as dumb quotes or typewriter quotes.
  • Smart quotes are more visually appealing and enhance the overall readability of your writing.
  • Straight quotes are acceptable in casual writing, such as emails and online research documents.
  • Consistency in using smart quotes throughout your writing is recommended for better readability.

Background


Smart quotes have a fascinating history that dates back to the early days of printing. In the past, typesetters manually curved the quotation marks to make them visually appealing. With the advent of digital typography, smart quotes became a standard feature in word processing software.

What’s the Difference Between Smart Quotes and Straight Quotes?


The main difference between smart quotes and straight quotes lies in their appearance and functionality. Let’s take a closer look:

Smart Quotes Straight Quotes
Curved towards the text being quoted Vertical marks without any indication of surrounding text
Enhance the visual appeal and flow of the content Simple and straightforward
Preferred by writers and designers Acceptable in casual writing
Used in most cases when using quotation marks Can be used in emails and online research documents

When to Use Smart Quotes


Smart quotes are the go-to choice for most writers and designers due to their legibility and aesthetic appeal. Here are some instances where you should use smart quotes:

  1. Quoting within a quote: When you need to include a quote within a quote, smart quotes help differentiate the nested quotations.
  2. Titles of articles, books, and movies: Smart quotes add a touch of elegance to titles and make them stand out.
  3. Emphasizing certain words or phrases: By using smart quotes, you can draw attention to specific words or phrases in your writing.

How to Type Smart Quotes


Typing smart quotes is easier than you might think. Here are some methods for typing smart quotes on different platforms:

  • Mac: Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Text and select “Use smart quotes and dashes.”
  • Windows: Use the Alt key codes to type smart quotes. For example, Alt + 0147 for left smart quote and Alt + 0148 for right smart quote.
  • Word: Go to File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options. Check the box for “Straight quotes” with “smart quotes.”

The Pros and Cons of Smart Quotes


Like any writing style choice, smart quotes have their pros and cons. Let’s take a look at both sides of the coin:

Pros:

  • Enhance the visual appeal and flow of the content.
  • Preferred by writers and designers for their legibility.
  • Add a touch of style and humor to your writing.

Cons:

  • Can be time-consuming to type, especially if you’re not familiar with the keyboard shortcuts.
  • May not be universally supported in all writing software or platforms.

A Comprehensive Guide to Writing Styles


Writing styles vary across different industries and publications. One popular writing style is the AP (Associated Press) style, which provides guidelines for consistent and clear writing. When it comes to smart quotes, the AP style recommends using straight quotes for simplicity and ease of typing.

For a comprehensive guide to the AP style of writing, check out our article here.

Frequently Asked Questions


What is a good quote about smart people?

“A smart person knows what to say. A wise person knows whether or not to say it.” – Unknown

What is a straight quote smart quote?

A straight quote smart quote refers to the use of straight quotes instead of smart quotes. While straight quotes are acceptable in casual writing, smart quotes are preferred for their legibility and flow.

What is the key for smart quotes?

The key for smart quotes depends on the platform and software you’re using. On Mac, you can enable smart quotes in the System Preferences. On Windows, you can use Alt key codes to type smart quotes. In Word, you can enable smart quotes in the AutoCorrect options.

What is a very deep quote?

“A very deep quote.” – Deep Thinker

Conclusion

In conclusion, smart quotes, also known as curly quotes, add a touch of style and humor to your writing. They enhance the visual appeal and flow of the content, making them a preferred choice for writers and designers. While straight quotes are acceptable in casual writing, smart quotes are recommended for their legibility and overall readability.

So, why stick with the same old straight quotes when you can spice up your writing with smart quotes? Give them a try and watch your words come to life!

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