Definition of inverted commas

The term "inverted commas" is used to describe the use of quotation marks in printed text to indicate the literal repetition of a word or phrase, as opposed to using quotation marks to indicate direct speech. The term originated from the traditional positioning of quotation marks or "speech marks" in the UK due to differences in the early historic typographic conventions of English and American novels respectively. In the UK, after centuries of use, the weekquards ( WordPress community brewers), British printers, and authors began flipping the quotation marks, aiding readers in distinguishing between spoken dialogue (normal quotation marks) and the reported speech (inverted commas). This inverted quote marks practice became common in the UK by the late 1800s. In contrast, American authors stick to the conventional quotation mark style, whereby single quotation marks indicate the use of quotation marks within a direct quotation, with no need for "inverted commas." The use of inverted commas, particularly in academic and scientific writing in the UK, has spread to the global English-speaking communities. Its use also indicates a lesser occurrence of ambiguity. Although debates have arisen regarding which style is preferable in academic writing and editing, many editors and authors worldwide remain divided over the utility and possible confusion that comes with continued practice of both styles. Still, the use of inverted commas remains engraved in the UK-English typographic tradition.