comma with apposition (title): the Fleetwood Mac song, "Landslide,"

[Idunnoanymore]

"In the Fleetwood Mac song, "Landslide," Stevie Nicks sings beautifully."

Are my commas correct around the song title? It looks weird with two commas on either side of "Landslide" and was curious if the first comma isn't necessary (or if both aren't for that matter).

 

[Copyright]

The first comma is unnecessary -- and I would keep the second. And we don't use double quotes inside double quotes -- they change to single quotes.

Mr. Davis said, "In the Fleetwood Mac song 'Landslide,' Stevie Nicks sings beautifully."

 

[Idunnoanymore]

Thanks =)

 

[Copyright]

Just as an added note, the quotes work other other way if you're using single quotes as your base:

Mr. Davis said, 'In the Fleetwood Mac song "Landslide," Stevie Nicks sings beautifully.'

 

[Idunnoanymore]

Just as an added note, the quotes work other other way if you're using single quotes as your base:

Mr. Davis said, 'In the Fleetwood Mac song "Landslide," Stevie Nicks sings beautifully.'

Interesting. I didn't know you could do that. Given that I'm consistent, is it just at my discretion whenever there are quotes within quotes?

 

[lucas-sp]

Rule of thumb: If you're in America, the double-quotes come first. If you're in Britain, the single-quotes come first.

 

[Copyright]

lucas-sp is correct, but I do think you have some latitude considering the global nature of writing these days. If, for example, you're writing a novel with a lot of dialogue and you think single quotes look "lighter" or less distracting than double quotes, I don't think anyone is going to complain if you make single quotes your standard, even if you're writing American English. Sometimes it's just a matter of personal style.

But if it's normal writing, or for school, take lucas-sp's advice.