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

How do you punctuate a sentence that includes dialogue followed by a tag?

Back

You place a comma before the closing quotation mark and continue the sentence with the tag, e.g., "I love reading," she said.

Front

What punctuation mark is used to indicate a pause or break in dialogue?

Back

A comma is used to indicate a pause or break in dialogue.

Front

How do you punctuate a question in dialogue?

Back

If the spoken words are a question, you place a question mark inside the quotation marks, e.g., "Are you coming?" he asked.

Front

What is a dialogue tag?

Back

A dialogue tag is a phrase that attributes the dialogue to a speaker, such as 'he said' or 'she asked.'

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How do you punctuate exclamatory dialogue?

Back

For exclamatory dialogue, use an exclamation mark inside the quotation marks, e.g., "Watch out!" she yelled.

Front

What happens to punctuation when dialogue is interrupted?

Back

If dialogue is interrupted by a tag, use a comma before the tag and continue the sentence, e.g., "I can't believe it," she said, "it's amazing!"

Front

How do you format a new paragraph for a new speaker in dialogue?

Back

Start a new paragraph each time a different character speaks to clearly indicate who is speaking.

Front

What is the rule for punctuating dialogue at the end of a sentence?

Back

If the dialogue ends a sentence, place the punctuation inside the quotation marks and follow with a period, e.g., "It's time to go."