Business & Technical Writing/use of quotation marks

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Expert: Alice J. Bogert - 9/24/2006


Question
I have written an essay on a magazine ad from Nike. When I use their "Just Do It" phrase, do I put it in quotation marks?

Answer
Dear Ganelle,

The grammar rule that applies in this case is that material that is quoted or emphasized is enclosed in quotation marks.

"Just do it" is a Nike slogan/icon.  The context in which you are using it is in an essay about a Nike ad, so, in essence, you are quoting Nike, and their words should be enclosed in quotation marks.

Thank you for the question.

Alice J.Bogert

Business & Technical Writing

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Alice J. Bogert

Expertise

I have taught English grammar to elementary school, high school, and college students for several years in addition to private tutoring for students struggling with writing assignments. I also teach adult writing classes for business professionals in the private sector as well as for various government agencies. I have edited manuscripts and other writings submitted by various authors for publication to magazines and journals

Experience

I have studied English grammar for many years. While employed as a federal probation officer, I wrote hundreds of pre-sentence reports to assist federal judges in making fair and appropriate sentencing decisions. I've written short stories and poetry for publication, and I've helped write policy and procedure manuals for various government offices.

Organizations
National Association of Retired Federal Employees Writers Guild of America Professional Women's Assoc.

Publications
"Journal of Juvenile and Family Courts," 1978. "International Library of Poetry," 2003.

Education/Credentials
I have an M.A, Degree in Sociology, and I minored in English.

Awards and Honors
I received three meritorious quality step awards for excellence during my career as a federal probation officer. I was also a nominee for National Probation Officer of the Year in 1986. I am listed in the 1998 edition of "Who's Who in Professions."

Past/Present Clients
California County and State government Federal government Various School Districts Los Rio Community College District Readers' Digest

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