Dumb quotes are the straight quotation marks that appear when you press the quote key on a keyboard: "like this". They’re called “straight quotes” or “typewriter quotes,” too. In ordinary prose, they often look less polished than curly, or “smart,” quotes: “like this”. But straight marks aren’t a mistake in every setting. The right choice depends on what you’re writing and where the text will go.
Here’s a practical guide to telling the marks apart, choosing between them, and avoiding the common cases where a quotation mark is being used for something else.
What are dumb quotes?
A straight double quote is the same upright mark used for both the opening and closing quote: ". Its formal Unicode name is U+0022 QUOTATION MARK. A straight single mark, ', is commonly used for apostrophes as well as single quotation marks. These keyboard characters are convenient and widely supported, but they don’t show whether a quote is opening or closing. ([unicode.org](https://www.unicode.org/versions/Unicode18.0.0/core-spec/chapter-6/))
Curly quotes use separate opening and closing characters. In standard English typography, double quotes often look like “this”, and single quotes like ‘this’. The opening marks curl toward the text and the closing marks curl away. The exact shape can vary by font, language, and publication style, so follow the conventions for the language you’re writing in. ([unicode.org](https://www.unicode.org/versions/Unicode18.0.0/core-spec/chapter-6/))
The term “dumb” is an informal name, not a judgment about the person typing. It refers to the mark’s straight, context-neutral shape. If you’re editing for a reader-facing publication, “straight quotes” is a more neutral term.
Dumb quotes vs. smart quotes: which should you use?
For polished articles, essays, books, and other general prose, curly quotation marks usually make dialogue and quoted phrases easier to read. Straight quotes are often the better choice when the character itself matters, such as in programming, data, or instructions that need to match what someone types. Unicode describes the straight double quote as mainly appropriate for typewritten manuscripts, programming text, and similar uses; editing software can convert it to a language-appropriate typographic mark. ([unicode.org](https://www.unicode.org/versions/Unicode18.0.0/core-spec/chapter-6/))
| Situation | Best choice | Example or reason |
|---|---|---|
| Article or essay | Curly quotes | “Take your time,” she said. |
| Code or command | Straight quotes, when required | Use the exact character the syntax expects. |
| Plain-text field | Check the destination | Straight marks may be safer where formatting is limited. |
| Measurements | Prime symbols | Use ′ for feet and ″ for inches, not quotation marks. |
Use curly quotes for reader-facing prose
In a sentence such as “I’ll call after lunch,” Maya said., curly quotation marks make the opening and closing positions visible. They also help distinguish a closing quote from an apostrophe in a contraction, as in it’s. For a manuscript, blog post, or report, consistent typographic quotes are usually a simple finishing touch.
Keep straight quotes where exact characters matter
In code, a straight quote may be part of the required syntax. Replacing it with a curly mark can change the character and cause a command, snippet, or data value to fail. The same caution applies when copying an example into a configuration file, a search field, or a technical instruction: preserve the characters exactly as specified. Don’t switch to curly quotes just because they look nicer.
In plain text, compatibility matters more than appearance. If a platform or workflow requires straight quotes, use them. If the text will later be typeset or published, you can apply the publication’s style at the editing stage instead.
How to stop or fix dumb quotes in your document
Many word processors can automatically turn straight quotes into curly quotes as you type. Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, for example, include a setting for replacing straight quotation marks with smart quotes. In Word, Microsoft’s documented path is File > Options > Proofing > AutoCorrect Options; under AutoFormat As You Type, select or clear the option for replacing straight quotes with smart quotes. Menu labels can vary by version or platform, so look in your app’s AutoCorrect or typing preferences if the steps don’t match your screen. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/word/smart-quotes-in-word-and-powerpoint))
If a passage already contains the wrong style, use find and replace carefully. Replacing every straight double quote with one curly character can make both opening and closing marks face the same way. For a short passage, check each pair and convert the opening and closing marks separately. For a long document, use a trusted typography or editorial tool, then proofread the result. Automatic conversion can’t reliably infer every language convention or unusual usage.
Before you finish, use this quick check:
- Choose a quote style that fits the document and audience.
- Make sure opening and closing marks are paired correctly.
- Keep code, commands, and literal text unchanged.
- Check apostrophes in contractions and possessives, such as
we’reandJordan’s. - Follow the house style or language convention if one is specified.
Don’t mistake quote marks for measurement marks
Quote marks and prime symbols can look similar, but they serve different purposes. In traditional notation, a single prime (′) denotes feet or minutes, while a double prime (″) denotes inches or seconds. So a height may be written 5′ 8″, rather than with straight quotation marks. In everyday informal writing, people sometimes type quotes for measurements, but use prime symbols when precision or professional typesetting matters.
Likewise, a straight apostrophe and a straight single quote are not always doing the same job. In a phrase like the word 'maybe', the marks surround a quoted word; in don't, the mark is standing in for an apostrophe. Smart-quote features may convert a keyboard apostrophe to a curly apostrophe in prose. Unicode notes that U+2019 is preferred for a typeset punctuation apostrophe, while the straight apostrophe remains common on keyboards. ([unicode.org](https://www.unicode.org/versions/Unicode18.0.0/core-spec/chapter-6/))
Frequently asked questions about dumb quotes
Are dumb quotes incorrect?
Not by themselves. They’re appropriate in many technical and plain-text contexts. In polished prose, curly quotes are often preferred, but a publication’s style guide or the requirements of the destination should decide.
Are dumb quotes the same as straight quotes?
Yes. “Dumb quotes” is an informal name for straight quotation marks. “Straight quotes” is the more neutral term.
Can I use dumb quotes in an article?
You can, but curly quotes usually suit finished editorial prose better. The main thing is to use one style consistently and avoid changing literal characters in code or quoted technical examples.
Why do my quotes change shape when I type?
Your word processor may have smart quotes enabled, so it automatically converts straight marks into curly ones as you type. Look for a smart-quotes or AutoCorrect setting to change that behavior; in Microsoft Word, the option is in AutoCorrect settings. ([support.microsoft.com](https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/word/smart-quotes-in-word-and-powerpoint))
Bottom line: use curly quotes for most polished prose, straight quotes when a system or technical context calls for the exact keyboard character, and prime symbols for measurements. When in doubt, follow the style guide and check the text where it will actually appear.
