7: Spelling, Distinctive Treatment of Words, and Compounds

7.59: “So-called”

Chapter Contents / Italics, Capitals, and Quotation Marks / Highlighting Key Terms and Expressions

A word or phrase preceded by so-called need not be enclosed in quotation marks. The expression itself indicates irony or doubt. If, however, it is necessary to call attention to only one part of a phrase, quotation marks may be helpful.