1.5. Italics

Introductory Exercise on Wordwall:

https://wordwall.net/es/resource/109195516

Underlining and italics are often used interchangeably. Before word-processing programs were widely available, writers would underline certain words to indicate to publishers to italicize whatever was underlined. Although the general trend has been moving toward italicizing instead of underlining, you should remain consistent with your choice throughout your paper. To be safe, you could check with your teacher to find out which he/she prefers.

 

When do we italicize words?

 

1.- Italicize the titles of magazines, books, newspapers, academic journals, films, television shows, long poems, plays of three or more acts, operas, musical albums, artworks, websites, and individual trains, planes, or ships.

Time

Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

The Metamorphosis of Narcissus by Salvador Dali

Amazon.com

Titanic

 

2.- Italicize foreign words.

Semper fi, the motto of the U.S. Marine Corps, means "always faithful."

 

3.- Italicize a word or phrase to add emphasis.

The truth is of utmost concern!

 

4.- Italicize a word when referring to that word.

The word justice is often misunderstood and therefore misused. 

Italics vs Quotation Marks (“”)

In public relations and professional writing, both italics and quotation marks help signal how readers should interpret words or titles. However, they are used for different purposes and follow standard style conventions (often based on Associated Press style in PR and journalism).

Below are the key differences.

1. Purpose

Italics

• Used to highlight titles of major works or to emphasize a word.
• Shows that a word or phrase has special status (foreign word, emphasis, title).

Example

• The campaign referenced The New York Times investigation.
• The brand message should feel authentic.

“Quotation Marks”

• Used to show exact words spoken or written by someone.
• Also used for titles of short works or to indicate a term being discussed.

Example

• The CEO said, “Our customers come first.”
• The article titled “Marketing in a Digital World” went viral.

2. Types of Titles They Mark

Use	Italics	Quotation Marks
Books	Yes	No
Newspapers	Yes	No
Magazines	Yes	No
Movies	Yes	No
Long reports	Yes	No
Articles	No	“Yes”
Blog posts	No	“Yes”
Speeches	No	“Yes”
Short poems	No	“Yes”

Examples

• The Wall Street Journal (italics)
• “How Social Media Changed PR” (quotation marks)

3. Direct Speech vs. Emphasis

Italics

Used for emphasis in writing.

Example:

• This campaign must reach the right audience.

“Quotation Marks”

Used for direct quotations.

Example:

• The spokesperson said, “We are committed to transparency.”

4. Introducing or Discussing Terms

Italics

Sometimes used for foreign words or unfamiliar terms.

Example:

• The concept of zeitgeist influenced the campaign.

“Quotation Marks”

Used when introducing a term or label.

Example:

• This strategy is known as “moment marketing.”

5. Tone or Skepticism

Italics

Generally neutral emphasis.

“Quotation Marks”

Can signal irony or skepticism (so-called).

Example:

• The company announced a “temporary” price increase.

✅ Simple rule to remember in PR writing:

• Italics → Titles of big works and emphasis
• Quotation marks → Exact words and titles of short works

Collaborative Online Exercise about Italics

https://webapps.towson.edu/ows/exercises/Italics%20and%20Quotations%20-%20Exercise01.aspx

Individual Online Exercise about Italics

https://webapps.towson.edu/ows/exercises/Italics%20and%20Quotations%20-%20Exercise02.aspx

Last Update by Dark Prince in 2024