Ever notice that there are two different styles for quotes? Sometimes they’re curly, and sometimes they’re straight. Just like fries. How do you know when to use straight quotes or curly quotes?
Straight vs Curly
Thing is, they mean different things. Straight quotes, like ＂ or ＇ are used to denote measurements. 1＂ = one inch. 1＇ = one foot.
The curly quotes are for the rest. Quoting someone, showing the possessive, contractions,
In typography, the curly quotes are referred to as “smart quotes”.
Do you know the difference between when to use curly quotes or straight quotes? Do you know the difference? Which is correct? 12＇ 2＂ or 12‘ 2”? How about you＇re vs you’re? or ＂I guess＂ vs “I guess”? Straight quotes are for measurements and curly quotes are for the rest. So often I’ll notice a big headline – for instance on a billboard – that does not get this right. It always looks unprofessional, and I cringe for the graphic designer who made the mistake that everyone will see. Or am I the only one who notices or cares?
