RE: Quotes/Comma question

["Andrew Warren" <awarren -at- synaptics -dot- com>]

Butler, Darren J Ctr 584 CBSS/GBHAC wrote:

> Please help settle a debate. Is it correct to follow quotation marks
> with either a comma or a semi colon?
> 
> example: 
> 
> When the Test Path screen appears, type "C:\Applications\test
> programs\TS3.exe", then select NEXT.

Darren:

Your style rules for quoting someone's speech don't necessarily also have to be applied to quoting text that must be typed exactly as shown.  Even if your normal style is to put most punctuation inside the quotation marks, it doesn't make sense to do so in this case, and your style guide should reflect that... So, yes, it's "correct" to follow THOSE quotation marks with a comma or colon.

If it really bothers you, perhaps you could find another way (besides quotes) to mark text that's meant to be typed exactly as shown.  Bold, maybe, or a different font or something.

-Andrew

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