Commas with Dialogue/Quotations

Front

What is the purpose of using commas in dialogue?

Back

Commas are used in dialogue to separate the spoken words from the speaker's tag (e.g., 'he said', 'she asked').

Front

When should a comma be placed before a quotation?

Back

A comma should be placed before a quotation when introducing the quoted material, especially if it follows a speaker's tag.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence with a quote at the beginning?

Back

If a quote is at the beginning of a sentence, it should be followed by a comma before the closing quotation mark if it is followed by a speaker's tag.

Front

What is the correct punctuation for a quote that ends a sentence?

Back

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

Front

How do you punctuate a quote that is interrupted by a speaker's tag?

Back

If a quote is interrupted by a speaker's tag, place a comma before the closing quotation mark of the first part and continue the quote after the tag.

Front

What is an example of a correctly punctuated dialogue?

Back

"I can't believe it," she said, "that we won the game!"

Front

What is the rule for punctuating quotes that are questions?

Back

If the quoted material is a question, the question mark should be placed inside the quotation marks.

Front

How do you punctuate a quote that is a statement?

Back

For a statement, place a comma before the opening quotation mark if it follows a speaker's tag.

Front

What is the correct way to punctuate a quote that is followed by a speaker's tag?

Back

Place a comma before the opening quotation mark of the quote if it follows a speaker's tag.

Front

What is the difference between a direct quote and an indirect quote?

Back

A direct quote is the exact words spoken, while an indirect quote paraphrases what was said without using the exact words.