Punctuating Dialogue Flashcard

Front

What is the correct way to punctuate dialogue?

Back

Use quotation marks to enclose the spoken words, followed by a comma before the closing quotation if the dialogue is followed by a tag (e.g., 'he said').

Front

What is dialogue?

Back

Dialogue is two or more people speaking to each other in a written conversation.

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 the purpose of quotation marks in dialogue?

Back

Quotation marks indicate the exact words spoken by a character.

Front

How should you punctuate a statement followed by a dialogue tag?

Back

End the statement with a comma inside the quotation marks, then add the dialogue tag.

Front

What is an example of incorrect dialogue punctuation?

Back

Dan announced 'In third grade we learned about Egypt.' (should have a comma before the closing quotation).

Front

What punctuation is used to indicate a pause in dialogue?

Back

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

Front

How do you punctuate a quote within dialogue?

Back

Use single quotation marks for the quote within the dialogue.

Front

What is the correct punctuation for this sentence: 'I can't believe it' she said?

Back

It should be: 'I can't believe it,' she said.

Front

What is the rule for capitalizing the first word in dialogue?

Back

The first word of the spoken sentence should always be capitalized.