Would you consider this an error?

Sara Rispo · Post by **Sara Rispo** » 21 Sep 2023, 13:39

Good evening!

I'd like to ask for an opinion.

Would you consider direct speeches missing the opening or closing double quotation marks as an error that needs to be reported?

For example: “I’ll see what I can do,” she said. She looked at his chart on her device. (Missing double quotation marks) My guess is that you have about another week before you will be well enough to be discharged. I expect Commissioner Davenport in a couple of days. You realize the only reason you are in this facility is because she put in a request.”

I consider this an error. What do you think?

Claudia Angelucci · Post by **Claudia Angelucci** » 22 Sep 2023, 08:38

Yes, I consider that a mistake as well, Sara.
Might I ask, just out of interest, why you are asking that? Is it related to a review that you wrote?

Sara Rispo · Post by **Sara Rispo** » 22 Sep 2023, 11:07

Yes, it's related to my last review. I'm waiting for the editor scorecard. However, I have been asked to provide more detailed notes regarding the list of errors I previously submitted. The editor informed me that some of the errors I listed were not considered actual errors. Specifically, I mentioned seven instances where direct speech was missing opening or closing double quotation marks, as well as other grammar errors. I wanted to understand if I'm the only one considering these actual errors.

Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis · 23 Sep 2023, 08:35

Leaving out quotation marks is definetly an error. If the editor rules that it is not an error, I would then ask for a re-check and have a moderator step in.

The Keeper Jr · Post by **The Keeper Jr** » 23 Sep 2023, 11:37

I would also count those as errors. I actually came up with missing quotation marks once and noted it on my errors list as well. The author also accepted the error. So it's an obvious error and I hope your review doesn't get rejected for that.

Sara Rispo · Post by **Sara Rispo** » 24 Sep 2023, 01:55

Thank you for your answers! I'll let you know.

mazen2008 · Post by **mazen2008** » 22 Oct 2023, 10:12

The quotations are certainly essential for the direct speech.

Rakesh+12345 · Post by **Rakesh+12345** » 02 Mar 2024, 00:26

Certainly The quotation are required for the direct speech.

Nikita Wallace · Post by **Nikita Wallace** » 17 Oct 2024, 08:13

I agree as well. Quotations are essential for direct speech.

Elavarasi Charles · Post by **Elavarasi Charles** » 17 Dec 2024, 06:12

I marked one absent double quotation as error in my list too. Usually I put them as uncounted errors if there is only one of its kind. The book I read contained 4 such errors. So I included them all as objective errors. But I got a comment in the scorecard that it is an error concerning a dialogue and had 30 points reduced for breaching guidelines. Errors within a dialogue are not be mentioned in the list as per guidelines. But this instance confused me. I am waiting for a recheck from the editor.

Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis · 17 Dec 2024, 09:00

Errors within a dialogue are in the guidelines.
- Typos and Unintentional Grammar Errors: If you notice any typos or objective unintentional spelling/grammar errors, you must take notes of them, up to at least the first ten. If you notice more than 10, you can stop taking notes of them after 10. Please only note typos/errors that are clearly unintentional typos or clearly unintentional objective grammar errors, not matters of style or poetic license. For example, whether or not someone uses the Oxford comma is merely a matter of style, so you would never note that as an objective grammar error. Likewise, you would not note would-be errors that occur inside dialogue. When you provide your notes of the typos/errors, you will be required to quote the full sentence in which the alleged error occurs, along with the page or location number, so keep both those points in mind when taking your notes while reading.

Post by **Diana Lowery** » 17 Dec 2024, 10:34

Shirley,
I think you might me misinterpreting this guideline sentence. (Likewise, you would not note would-be errors that occur inside dialogue.) I believe it refers to errors in the actual dialogue. For instance, if a character says, “I were going there yesterday.” You would not note a verb error because it is how the person said it. However, the dialogue punctuation must follow standard rules regarding quotation marks, etc.

Post by **Diana Lowery** » 17 Dec 2024, 10:35

Shirley,
I think you might be misinterpreting this guideline sentence. (Likewise, you would not note would-be errors that occur inside dialogue.) I believe it refers to errors in the actual dialogue. For instance, if a character says, “I were going there yesterday.” You would not note a verb error because it is how the person said it. However, the dialogue punctuation must follow standard rules regarding quotation marks, etc.

Tiffany Dowell · Post by **Tiffany Dowell** » 23 Dec 2024, 00:47

Missing quotation marks is a HARD LINE error, meaning it is NOT open to discussion, or a mattor of differing opinions or style, in English Grammar, according to ANY reputable source, or school of thought, end of story.

Meera kadiwar · Post by **Meera kadiwar** » 18 Apr 2025, 05:21

Yes, I would definitely consider this an error. I recently reviewed a book that had many missing quotations. These were accepted as errors. You may need to request a recheck in such cases.