How do I refer to a word?
When writing, I sometimes want to refer to a word, as opposed to its meaning. For example: when correcting someone's grammar or semantics (there versus their), or when pointing out exemplary vocabulary.
On websites like this, I can simply italicize the word in question.
Abjure is a good word.
This feature isn't always available, though - notably in simple online chatrooms, and even in this website's question titles.
I've been using quotation marks, but now I've started second-guessing myself.
"Abjure" is a good word.
Abjure is a good word.
Is there a good way to refer to a specific word without throwing off the reader?
There's two types of solutions that I can think of:
- Change the expression of the word to indicate that you refer to the word, e.g. by change of type (italics, small caps, etc.) or by enclosing it in some symbols (quotation marks).
- Explicitly state that you refer to the word, e.g. "The word Abjure is a good word."
If you use the former solution I think it's best to go with single quotation marks, e.g.
'Abjure' is a good word.
For reference Grammar girl says:
Use Single Quotation Marks to Highlight Words Not Being Used for Their Meaning
It's the convention in certain disciplines such as philosophy, theology, and linguistics to highlight words with special meaning by using single quotation marks instead of double quotation marks.
I don't have a reference handy, but I was taught in school to enclose the word in quotation marks. Normally double-quotes, but if it's nested inside a quote, then use single quotes.
While there are probably many cases where the meaning would be obvious, one can easily think of confusing cases. Like: "The word above should not be used here." Do I mean the word spelled a-b-o-v-e? Or do I mean a word mentioned earlier in the document?
It's like the old joke:
Boss: There's one word I never want to hear you use again when rejecting a customer's request. That word is "unacceptable". Please, never say it.
Employee: Sure boss. So what's the word?