Punctuating Dialogue

Front

What are quotation marks?

Back

Quotation marks are punctuation marks used to indicate the exact words spoken by someone. They look like this: " ".

Front

How do you punctuate dialogue correctly?

Back

When writing dialogue, use quotation marks to enclose the spoken words. A comma is used before the opening quotation mark if the dialogue is preceded by a speaker tag.

Front

Is this sentence correct? "The kids shouted, 'We love ice cream!'"

Back

Yes, this sentence is correct because it uses quotation marks properly.

Front

What punctuation follows a word in dialogue?

Back

A comma should follow the speaker's name before the dialogue begins, unless the dialogue starts a new sentence.

Front

Is this sentence correct? Sarah said, "I love to laugh."

Back

Yes, this sentence is correct because it uses quotation marks and punctuation properly.

Front

What is a speaker tag?

Back

A speaker tag is a phrase that identifies who is speaking, such as 'he said' or 'she asked.' It usually comes before or after the dialogue.

Front

When do you use a comma in dialogue?

Back

Use a comma before the opening quotation mark if the dialogue is preceded by a speaker tag.

Front

What is the purpose of quotation marks?

Back

Quotation marks are used to show that the words inside them are spoken by someone.

Front

How do you show a pause in dialogue?

Back

You can use ellipses (...) to show a pause in dialogue.

Front

What punctuation is used to end a spoken sentence?

Back

Use a period, question mark, or exclamation point inside the closing quotation marks to end a spoken sentence.