Punctuating Dialogue

Front

What is the purpose of punctuation in dialogue?

Back

Punctuation in dialogue helps clarify the meaning of spoken words, indicates pauses, and shows the structure of conversations.

Front

What punctuation mark is used to indicate a question in dialogue?

Back

A question mark (?) is used to indicate a question in dialogue.

Front

How should a comma be used when attributing dialogue to a speaker?

Back

A comma should be placed inside the quotation marks before the attribution (e.g., "I love ice cream," she said).

Front

What is the correct way to punctuate a sentence that ends with dialogue followed by attribution?

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The dialogue should end with a comma inside the quotation marks if followed by attribution (e.g., "It's a beautiful day," he said).

Front

When should a period be used in dialogue?

Back

A period is used at the end of a sentence when the dialogue is not followed by attribution (e.g., "I am going home.").

Front

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

Back

An exclamation mark (!) should be used at the end of the dialogue, followed by the attribution in lowercase (e.g., "Watch out!" she yelled).

Front

How do you punctuate dialogue that is interrupted by attribution?

Back

Use a comma to separate the dialogue from the attribution, and continue the dialogue after the attribution with a lowercase letter (e.g., "I can't believe it," she said, "it's finally happening!").

Front

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

Back

The first word of the dialogue should be capitalized, regardless of whether it is at the beginning of a sentence or after attribution.

Front

How do you punctuate a quote within dialogue?

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Use single quotation marks for the quote within the dialogue (e.g., "He said, 'It's time to go.' ").

Front

What is the correct way to punctuate a sentence with multiple speakers?

Back

Each speaker's dialogue should start on a new line, and punctuation should follow the same rules as single speaker dialogue.