Quote Unquote vs. Quote On Quote – Which is Correct?
The correct expression is “quote unquote,” not “quote on quote.” Use quote unquote to mark the beginning and end of a spoken or written quotation, or to signal skepticism about a word or phrase. “Quote on quote” is a common mishearing and should be avoided in careful speech and writing.
Quote Unquote or Quote On Quote – Which is Correct?
Quote unquote is the correct expression. It is used in speech to indicate quotation marks around a word, phrase, or passage. It can introduce and close an actual quotation, or it can show that the speaker is distancing themselves from, questioning, or criticizing the quoted term.
Quote on quote is not the standard idiom. It usually results from hearing quote unquote incorrectly, especially because the two expressions can sound similar when spoken quickly. Although people may understand the intended meaning, “quote on quote” should be avoided in formal writing and polished speech.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
Think of unquote as the opposite of quote. You say “quote” when the quoted material begins and “unquote” when it ends. The word on does not describe ending a quotation, so “quote on quote” fails this simple beginning-and-ending test.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| quote unquote | Fixed adverbial phrase | Signals the beginning and end of quoted material or expresses doubt about a term | He was, quote unquote, an expert. |
| quote on quote | Nonstandard expression | A common mishearing of “quote unquote” | Avoid “quote on quote” in formal communication. |
How to Use Quote Unquote
Quote unquote is primarily used in spoken English. A speaker may say “quote” immediately before quoted words and “unquote” immediately afterward. In writing, quotation marks normally perform this function, so the phrase is often unnecessary unless the writer is reproducing spoken language or deliberately commenting on a term.
The expression can also communicate irony, skepticism, or disagreement. In this use, the speaker does not necessarily endorse the quoted description. For example, calling someone a “quote unquote expert” may suggest that the person is not genuinely an expert.
Example 1: The manager described the plan as “quote unquote” revolutionary.
Example 2: She said, quote, “The project will be finished tomorrow,” unquote.
Example 3: He is a quote unquote professional, but he has very little experience.
Etymology of the Phrase Quote Unquote
The phrase developed from the verbs quote and unquote. Quote comes from the Latin quotare, meaning “to mark a passage with numbers” or “to cite.” Unquote was formed in English as its logical counterpart, indicating that the quoted passage has ended. Together, the words became a spoken substitute for opening and closing quotation marks.
Related Concepts
Understanding quotation conventions and tone helps explain why “quote unquote” is correct and why it can communicate more than a literal quotation.
- Quotation marks: Quotation marks show the exact words of a speaker or writer in written English. They can also indicate titles, special uses, or skepticism about a term.
- Direct quotation: A direct quotation reproduces someone’s precise words. The phrase “quote unquote” can verbally introduce and close such a quotation.
- Scare quotes: Scare quotes signal that a writer questions, distances themselves from, or uses a term unusually. For example, calling a claim “scientific” in scare quotes may express doubt.
- Irony and verbal distancing: “Quote unquote” can indicate that the speaker does not fully accept the quoted description, even when no exact source is being cited.
Examples from Media and Literature
The correct phrase commonly appears when speakers reproduce dialogue, discuss a title, or express skepticism about a description.
- News interviews: A guest may say, “The policy was, quote unquote, temporary,” signaling doubt about whether it was truly temporary.
- Film and television dialogue: A character may refer to someone as a “quote unquote hero” to challenge that person’s reputation.
- Literary criticism: A reviewer may explain that a novel’s “quote unquote happy ending” is deliberately ambiguous.
- Business reporting: An article may describe a company’s “quote unquote strategic restructuring” when the phrase comes from executives but the results remain uncertain.
- Everyday conversation: Someone might say, “He gave me his quote unquote honest opinion,” to suggest that the opinion was not entirely honest.
Quote Unquote Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| In quotation marks | Indicates that a word or phrase is being presented as a quotation or special expression. |
| So-called | Refers to a description or title while suggesting that it may be inaccurate or undeserved. |
| Supposed | Signals doubt about whether someone or something really has the stated quality. |
| Alleged | Describes something claimed to be true without presenting it as established fact. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “quote unquote” grammatically correct?
Yes. “Quote unquote” is a standard fixed expression in English. It can introduce and close spoken quoted material or signal skepticism about a word or phrase.
Question 2: Why do people say “quote on quote”?
“Quote on quote” is generally a phonetic mishearing or mistaken version of “quote unquote.” Because the phrase is often spoken quickly, listeners may incorrectly interpret unquote as on quote or quote on quote.
Question 3: Should I use “quote unquote” in formal writing?
Use it sparingly in formal writing. Standard quotation marks are usually clearer and more concise. “Quote unquote” is appropriate when reproducing speech, discussing spoken language, or intentionally expressing irony or doubt.
Conclusion
Quote unquote is the correct expression, while quote on quote is a common nonstandard mishearing. Use “quote unquote” to mark spoken quotations or distance yourself from a term, and remember that unquote signals the quotation’s ending. Pro tip: choosing the standard phrase protects your credibility in professional conversations and writing.
