Left Single Quotation Mark

A symbol from the Punctuation collection. Click the symbol or the button below to copy.

Symbol: ‘
Unicode: U+2018
HTML entity: ‘
Category: Punctuation

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28 of 45 in the punctuation collection

About the left single quotation mark symbol

Known as the Left Single Quotation Mark, this character serves as the opening curly or smart quote in typography. It is part of the Common script and is categorized as general punctuation. Unlike the vertical straight quote found on standard keyboards, this mark curves toward the text it introduces, mirroring the shape of a small numeral six. It is not spoken aloud but indicates the start of a nested quotation or a specific term within a sentence.

Typographers and writers frequently use this mark in formal publishing to create a polished, professional appearance in books and articles. It is the standard choice for surrounding a quote that appears inside a set of double quotation marks. Additionally, it is used in branding and graphic design to signify the start of a word or phrase, ensuring that the punctuation fits the aesthetic flow of the surrounding typeface.