" " or ' "

[Emma C]

Hi,

When do you use " vs. ' in this kind of example.

Is it Cindy was the "good dog" of the pack or Cindy was the 'good dog' of the pack?

I'm leaning towards " " but when do you use ' ' then?

Thanks

[Queen V]

I'm prepared to be pounced on if I am wrong, but here goes:

" " - for direct quotes, or speech.

' ' - for quotes inside of quotes, or for emphasis, as in your example.

So I think you should use ' '.

Again, if I am wrong, I'll happily take my lumps!

[Murg]

Check the Chicago Manual of Style.

[Heather Brewer]

I'm with Queen V on this. '' is the way to go.

[Heather Brewer]

Hmmm...that would look better with a space. ' '. There. Now I feel better

[Wonky]

Use "this." It's not really a direct quotation but the meaning is the same.

[Ryan Bruner]

I can't recall ever seeing single quotes used in that context. Double quotes are what I've seen...and, in fact, when people are speaking and use body language to "quote" something they say, they always use both hands, two fingers...indicating double-quotes.

The single quote is, as mentioned, used for quotes within quotes.

[Heather Brewer]

Truth be told, I've seen both. But personally, I'd resort to the 'single'.

[Wonky]

how about italics?

[Carol O]

I believe it'd be double-quotes, unless it was inside of dialog, in which case it'd be single. (This is American usage, mind you. IIRC, in Britain they're reversed.)

She was the “good dog” of the bunch.

“She was the ‘good dog’ of the bunch.”