Mastering Dialogue Formatting

Front

What is the correct way to format dialogue when it is a question?

Back

Dialogue that is a question should end with a question mark inside the quotation marks, followed by the dialogue tag. Example: "Can you help me with my homework?" asked Sarah.

Front

How should dialogue be punctuated when it is a suggestion?

Back

When dialogue is a suggestion, it should end with a comma inside the quotation marks, followed by the dialogue tag. Example: "Let's go to the park," suggested Tom.

Front

What punctuation is used for exclamatory dialogue?

Back

Exclamatory dialogue should end with an exclamation mark inside the quotation marks, followed by the dialogue tag. Example: "That's amazing!" cheered the crowd.

Front

What is the rule for punctuating dialogue that is a command?

Back

Dialogue that is a command should end with a comma inside the quotation marks if followed by a dialogue tag. Example: "Please pass the salt," said Mary.

Front

How do you punctuate dialogue that is a warning?

Back

Dialogue that is a warning should end with an exclamation mark inside the quotation marks. Example: "Watch out!" shouted the coach.

Front

What is the purpose of using quotation marks in dialogue?

Back

Quotation marks are used to indicate the exact words spoken by a character.

Front

When should a new paragraph be started in dialogue?

Back

A new paragraph should be started each time a different character speaks.

Front

What is a dialogue tag?

Back

A dialogue tag is a phrase that attributes the dialogue to a speaker, often using verbs like 'said' or 'asked'.

Front

How do you format dialogue that is interrupted?

Back

When dialogue is interrupted, use a dash to indicate the interruption. Example: "I was going to say—" she started.

Front

What is the difference between direct and indirect dialogue?

Back

Direct dialogue quotes the exact words spoken, while indirect dialogue paraphrases what was said without quotation marks.