Punctuating Dialogue Practice

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What is dialogue punctuation?

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

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When should you use a comma before a quotation?

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A comma should be used before a quotation when introducing the spoken words, such as in 'According to Thoreau,' or 'He said,'.

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How do you punctuate a sentence that ends with a quote?

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

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What is the correct way to punctuate a quote followed by a dialogue tag?

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The correct way is to place a comma before the opening quotation mark, e.g., 'She said, "Hello!"'.

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How do you punctuate a question within a quote?

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If the quote itself is a question, the question mark goes inside the quotation marks, e.g., 'He asked, "Are you coming?"'.

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What is the rule for punctuating dialogue that is interrupted?

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When dialogue is interrupted by a dialogue tag, use commas to separate the parts, e.g., 'I can't believe,' she said, 'that you did that.'

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How do you punctuate a quote that is a statement?

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For a statement, use a comma before the opening quotation mark, e.g., 'He said, "It is a beautiful day."'.

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What is the correct punctuation for a quote that ends with a question mark?

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If the quote ends with a question mark, the question mark goes inside the quotation marks, e.g., 'Did you say, "I will go"?'.

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What punctuation is used to indicate a pause in dialogue?

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Ellipses (...) can be used to indicate a pause or trailing off in dialogue.

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How do you punctuate a quote that is followed by an exclamation?

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If the quote is followed by an exclamation, the exclamation mark goes inside the quotation marks, e.g., 'She shouted, "Watch out!"'.