Punctuating Dialogues

Front

What is dialogue punctuation?

Back

Dialogue punctuation refers to the use of specific punctuation marks to indicate spoken words in writing, such as quotation marks, commas, and question marks.

Front

What punctuation marks are used to indicate spoken words?

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

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When do you use a comma in dialogue?

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A comma is used before the closing quotation mark when a dialogue tag (like 'said' or 'asked') follows the spoken words.

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How do you punctuate a question in dialogue?

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

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What is a dialogue tag?

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

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How do you punctuate an exclamation in dialogue?

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If the spoken words are an exclamation, place an exclamation mark inside the quotation marks.

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What is the correct way to write: 'Do you want to go out and play?' asked Alec.

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The correct way is: Alec asked, "Do you want to go out and play?"

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What is the correct way to write: 'What time does the movie start?' asked Ernesto.

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The correct way is: "What time does the movie start?" asked Ernesto.

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What is the correct way to write: 'I love dancing to this song!' exclaimed Isabella.

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The correct way is: "I love dancing to this song!" exclaimed Isabella.

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What is the correct way to write: 'Are we there yet?' asked the kids.

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The correct way is: "Are we there yet?" asked the kids.