The error “SyntaxError: EOL while scanning string literal” occurs when Python reaches the end of a line (EOL) while parsing a string but does not find a proper closing quotation mark.
This guide will explain the causes of this error and provide step-by-step solutions to fix it.
1. Understanding the Error
Python expects strings to be enclosed within single ('), double ("), or triple quotes (''' or “””`). If the closing quote is missing, Python cannot determine where the string ends, leading to a SyntaxError.
Example of the Error
message = "Hello, World # ❌ Missing closing quote
print(message)
🔴 Error Message:
SyntaxError: EOL while scanning string literal
✅ Corrected Code:
message = "Hello, World" # ✅ Closing quote added
print(message)
2. Common Causes and Solutions
2.1. Missing Closing Quote
Forgetting to close a string with a matching quote is a common mistake.
❌ Incorrect Code:
text = "This is a string # ❌ Missing closing quote
✅ Solution:
text = "This is a string" # ✅ Closing quote added
2.2. Using Mismatched Quotes
Python requires matching quote types. Mixing single (') and double (") quotes will cause an error.
❌ Incorrect Code:
text = "Hello, World' # ❌ Opening and closing quotes do not match
✅ Solution:
text = "Hello, World" # ✅ Both quotes match
2.3. Unescaped Quotes Inside a String
If you use the same quote type inside a string without escaping (\), Python will think the string ends early.
Incorrect Code:
quote = "She said, "Hello!" " # ❌ Inner double quotes cause an issue
Solution 1 (Use Escape Character \):
quote = "She said, \"Hello!\"" # Escape inner quotes
Solution 2 (Use Single Quotes Outside):
quote = 'She said, "Hello!"' # Use different quotes
2.4. Multiline String Without Triple Quotes
Multiline strings must use triple quotes (''' or """).
Incorrect Code:
text = "This is a
multiline string" # ❌ Python expects the string to end before a new line
Solution:
text = """This is a
multiline string""" # ✅ Use triple quotes
2.5. Unintentional Line Break in a String
If a string is too long and continues onto the next line without proper syntax, Python raises an error.
Incorrect Code:
message = "Hello, this is a very long
string that goes to the next line" # ❌ Unintentional line break
Solution 1 (Use Triple Quotes):
message = """Hello, this is a very long
string that goes to the next line""" # ✅ Triple quotes allow multiline strings
Solution 2 (Use \ to Continue a Line):
message = "Hello, this is a very long \
string that goes to the next line" # ✅ Backslash allows line continuation
3. How to Fix the Error Step by Step
- Check if you forgot a closing quote (Single
', Double", or Triple'''/"""). - Ensure matching quotes—do not mix
'with". - Escape inner quotes using
\if they match the outer quotes. - Use triple quotes (
'''or""") for multiline strings. - Avoid accidental line breaks inside strings without using
\or""".
4. Using an IDE to Avoid Errors
A good IDE (Integrated Development Environment) helps prevent syntax errors.
- VS Code – Highlights missing quotes.
- PyCharm – Warns about string syntax errors.
- Jupyter Notebook – Displays clear error messages.