Scribd
Upload
114 views2 pages

Proper Punctuation - Quotes

This document provides rules for using quotation marks when writing direct quotes or dialogue: 1. Use double quotation marks for direct quotes and single quotation marks for quotes within quotes. Place punctuation inside the closing quotation mark. 2. Start a new paragraph each time the speaker changes in dialogue. Identify the speaker so the reader knows who is talking. 3. Follow correct punctuation and capitalization rules, with end punctuation inside the closing quotation mark unless the quote is a question or exclamation.

Uploaded by

Nicole Paul
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
114 views2 pages

Proper Punctuation - Quotes

This document provides rules for using quotation marks when writing direct quotes or dialogue: 1. Use double quotation marks for direct quotes and single quotation marks for quotes within quotes. Place punctuation inside the closing quotation mark. 2. Start a new paragraph each time the speaker changes in dialogue. Identify the speaker so the reader knows who is talking. 3. Follow correct punctuation and capitalization rules, with end punctuation inside the closing quotation mark unless the quote is a question or exclamation.

Uploaded by

Nicole Paul
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Proper Punctuation – Quotes

When you’re writing something that is a direct quote, meaning


that it is the exact words that someone spoke, you need to
use double quotation marks. Using them properly can be a
little tricky, so remember these rules.

1. If you start by telling who said it, use a comma and then
the first quotation mark.
o Taylor said, “You can’t be serious.”
2. If you put the quote first and then tell who said it, use a
comma at the end of the sentence, and then the second
quotation mark.
o “I had no idea it was so late already,” said Jenna.
3. Punctuation always goes inside the quotation marks if it
is a direct quote. If you use an exclamation point or a
question mark, do not use a comma.
o “It’s great!” he exclaimed.
o She asked her mother quietly, “Is it time for bed?”
4. If you quote someone within a quote, use single
quotation marks and follow the same rules.
o He began to tell us the story, “As soon as I walked
in the room the principal said, ´You’ve been here a
lot lately John,´ so I just sat there quietly.”
5. If you are writing a story, every time a new speaker is
talking, start a new paragraph.
o “Good morning,” I said as I came down the stairs.
o “Good morning,” said my mother.
o “Is it nice outside?” I asked
o “It’s a beautiful day,” she answered with a smile.

There are some rules to follow when writing direct dialogue in


your narratives:

Rule #1: Use quotation marks to indicate the words that are
spoken by the characters.

Example: “Help me!” exclaimed the little girl.

Rule #2: Always begin a new paragraph when the speaker


changes.
Example:

“I am coming home,” Sue announced. “I am really tired and


can’t work anymore.”

“Okay, I think you should do that,” her husband agreed.

Rule #3: Make sure the reader knows who is doing the talking.

Rule #4: Use correct punctuation marks and capitalization.

Example: “May I buy a new pair of shoes?” Lauren asked her


mom.

Note that the quotation marks are outside


the end punctuation of the quote; the rest
of the sentence has its own end
punctuation.
If the quote is not a question or exclamation, use a comma
and not a period before the second quotation marks.

“I bought a new jacket yesterday,” Tammy said.

You might also like