Punctuating Dialogue

Front

What is dialogue punctuation?

Back

Dialogue punctuation refers to the use of quotation marks, commas, and other punctuation marks to indicate spoken words in writing.

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 follows a dialogue tag?

Back

A comma is used to follow a dialogue tag when it precedes the spoken words.

Front

How do you punctuate a question in dialogue?

Back

If the spoken words are a question, place a question mark inside the quotation marks.

Front

What is a dialogue tag?

Back

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

Front

How do you punctuate a statement in dialogue?

Back

If the spoken words are a statement, place a period inside the quotation marks.

Front

What is the correct punctuation for interrupted dialogue?

Back

Use a dash to indicate an interruption in dialogue.

Front

How do you format dialogue when a new speaker begins?

Back

Start a new paragraph each time a different character speaks.

Front

What is the correct punctuation for a quote within dialogue?

Back

Use single quotation marks for a quote within dialogue, and double quotation marks for the main dialogue.

Front

What is the rule for punctuation when a dialogue tag follows the spoken words?

Back

If the dialogue tag follows the spoken words, the spoken words should end with a comma inside the quotation marks.