Q. The following is a two-part quotation mark question: Is a quotation nested within a separate quotation of double quotes recognized by an additional set of double quotes? Or is the quotation in question enclosed by single quotes? If my question hasn’t confused you, perhaps my example will. The court transcript detailed Jack’s recollection of that fateful day. Jack took the stand and began his testimony. “Your honor, I distinctly remember Jill saying to me, “Jack, I will never climb that hill. Furthermore, what good is a pail of water?”” Please advise.
A. Quotation marks alternate, as follows: quotations within quotations are single, quotations within quotations within quotations are double, quotations within quotations within quotations within quotations are single, etc.
He said, “I have one request: never say ‘never say “never” ’ again.”
I hope this is clear enough. For more information, start with CMOS 13.30.