Dialogue Punctuation

Front

What is dialogue punctuation?

Back

Dialogue punctuation refers to the specific rules and symbols used to indicate spoken words in writing, including the use of quotation marks, commas, and exclamation points.

Front

When should you use quotation marks in dialogue?

Back

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

Front

What is a dialogue tag?

Back

A dialogue tag is a phrase that attributes the spoken words to a speaker, often including verbs like 'said', 'asked', or 'replied'.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a dialogue tag?

Back

If the dialogue comes before the tag, use a comma before the tag. If the tag comes before the dialogue, use a comma before the opening quotation mark.

Front

What is the correct punctuation for a question in dialogue?

Back

A question in dialogue should end with a question mark inside the quotation marks.

Front

How do you capitalize the first word in a quotation?

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Always capitalize the first word of a quotation, regardless of its position in the sentence.

Front

What is the rule for punctuation when a sentence ends with a quote?

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If the sentence ends with a quote, the punctuation (like a period or question mark) should be placed inside the quotation marks.

Front

What is an example of a correct dialogue sentence?

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"I can't believe it's already Friday!" exclaimed Sarah.

Front

How do you handle interruptions in dialogue?

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Use dashes to indicate interruptions in dialogue, e.g., "I was just thinking—".

Front

What is the difference between direct and indirect dialogue?

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Direct dialogue quotes the exact words spoken, while indirect dialogue paraphrases what was said without quotes.