Punctuating Dialogue

Front

What is the purpose of quotation marks in dialogue?

Back

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

Front

How should a comma be used in dialogue?

Back

A comma should be placed before the opening quotation mark when introducing a quote.

Front

What is the correct punctuation for a question in dialogue?

Back

A question mark should be placed inside the quotation marks if the quoted material is a question.

Front

What is the correct way to punctuate this sentence: Jane said, 'I love ice cream'?

Back

The correct way is: Jane said, 'I love ice cream.' (with a period inside the quotation marks if it's a statement).

Front

When do you use an exclamation mark in dialogue?

Back

An exclamation mark is used to show strong emotion and should be placed inside the quotation marks.

Front

What is the rule for capitalizing the first word in a quote?

Back

The first word of a direct quote should be capitalized if it is a complete sentence.

Front

How do you punctuate dialogue that is interrupted?

Back

Use a comma before the closing quotation mark and start the next part of the dialogue with a lowercase letter.

Front

What is the correct way to write: 'I can't believe it' she said?

Back

The correct way is: 'I can't believe it,' she said.

Front

What punctuation follows a quote when it is followed by a tag?

Back

A comma is used to separate the quote from the tag (e.g., he said, she asked).

Front

What are the two main types of dialogue punctuation?

Back

The two main types are quotation marks and commas.