Punctuating Dialogue

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 exclamation points.

Front

When do you use quotation marks in dialogue?

Back

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

Front

What punctuation mark is used to indicate a question in dialogue?

Back

A question mark (?) is used at the end of a spoken question.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence that ends with dialogue?

Back

If the dialogue ends with a period, exclamation mark, or question mark, that punctuation goes inside the quotation marks.

Front

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

Back

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

Front

What punctuation follows the dialogue when a sentence continues?

Back

A comma (,) follows the dialogue before the closing quotation marks.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence that starts with dialogue?

Back

Start with quotation marks, write the spoken words, and end with the appropriate punctuation before the closing quotation marks.

Front

What is the correct way to write: 'Can we go outside' I asked?

Back

The correct way is: 'Can we go outside?' I asked.

Front

What do you do if the dialogue is a command?

Back

Use a comma before the closing quotation marks if the sentence continues after the command.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with an exclamation in dialogue?

Back

Use an exclamation mark (!) inside the quotation marks to indicate excitement or strong emotion.