Q. How do I punctuate the end of a specimen sentence, quoted from a style guide, contained within a sentence in which it is followed by an independent clause? For example:
Chicago illustrates the use of the period (6.12) with the sentence “Wait here.” but that doesn’t answer all my questions.
I feel I need to keep the period before the close quote to retain the integrity and purpose of the quoted sentence, but CMOS calls for a comma between independent clauses, and my ear calls for one as well. The period also violates the common practice of replacing a period by a comma to end a quote that doesn’t end a sentence. However, I can’t imagine where you would put a comma. How would you handle this?
A. You are right that it’s awkward to have a period in the middle of a sentence. You simply mustn’t do it! Rewrite the sentence so as to avoid the issue:
Chicago illustrates the use of the period (6.12) with the sentence “Wait here.” But that doesn’t answer all my questions.
Another option is to set off the example typographically so it doesn’t become part of the syntax of your sentence:
Chicago illustrates the use of the period (6.12) with the example {Wait here.}, but that doesn’t answer all my questions.