Punctuating Dialogues

Front

What is dialogue punctuation?

Back

Dialogue punctuation refers to the use of specific punctuation marks to indicate spoken words in writing, such as quotation marks, commas, and question marks.

Front

What punctuation marks are used to indicate spoken words?

Back

Quotation marks (" ") are used to indicate the beginning and end of spoken words.

Front

When do you use a comma in dialogue?

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A comma is used to separate the spoken words from the dialogue tag (e.g., 'he said', 'she asked') when the dialogue is followed by a tag.

Front

What is a dialogue tag?

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A dialogue tag is a phrase that attributes the spoken words to a speaker, such as 'said', 'asked', or 'exclaimed'.

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How do you punctuate a question in dialogue?

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If the spoken words are a question, use a question mark inside the quotation marks.

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How do you punctuate an exclamation in dialogue?

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If the spoken words are an exclamation, use an exclamation mark inside the quotation marks.

Front

What is the correct way to write: 'I love ice cream' said Sarah?

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The correct way is: 'I love ice cream,' said Sarah.

Front

What is the correct way to write: 'Are you coming?' asked Tom?

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The correct way is: 'Are you coming?' asked Tom.

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What happens if the dialogue is interrupted?

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If the dialogue is interrupted by a dialogue tag, use a comma before the tag and continue the sentence with a lowercase letter.

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How do you write a sentence with a dialogue tag at the beginning?

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Start with the dialogue tag, followed by a comma, then the spoken words in quotation marks.