Punctuating Dialogue

Front

What is dialogue in writing?

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Dialogue is a conversation between two or more characters in a story, often indicated by quotation marks.

Front

What punctuation is used to indicate spoken words?

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Quotation marks (" ") are used to indicate spoken words in dialogue.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence that ends with a question and is followed by dialogue?

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Place the question mark inside the quotation marks if the spoken words are a question, e.g., John asked, "What time is it?"

Front

What is the correct way to punctuate dialogue that is interrupted?

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Use commas to separate the dialogue from the tag, e.g., "I can't believe it," she said, "that we won!"

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When do you use a comma before a dialogue tag?

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A comma is used before a dialogue tag when the dialogue is a complete sentence, e.g., "It's a beautiful day," he said.

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What is a dialogue tag?

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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 a statement followed by a dialogue tag?

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Use a comma before the closing quotation mark, e.g., "I love reading," she said.

Front

What is the rule for punctuating dialogue that is a command?

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Use a comma before the dialogue if it is preceded by a tag, e.g., Bill said, "Close the door."

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How do you punctuate a quote within dialogue?

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Use single quotation marks for the inner quote, e.g., "I heard her say, 'Let's go!'"

Front

What is the correct punctuation for a sentence that ends with an exclamation in dialogue?

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Place the exclamation mark inside the quotation marks, e.g., "Watch out!" she shouted.