What punctuation is primarily used for direct quotations?

Quotation marks are primarily used for direct quotations to specify the exact words spoken or written by someone. They serve to indicate that the enclosed text is not the writer's own words but rather a reproduction of another person's statements. This punctuation helps to differentiate the quoted material from the rest of the text, providing clarity and proper attribution.

When quoting someone in writing, it is conventional to enclose their words in quotation marks, making it easy for readers to understand which parts are the original speaker's words. This use is essential in maintaining the integrity of the quoted material and ensuring that the source is acknowledged correctly.