Punctuating Dialogue

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 exclamation points.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.2C

CCSS.L.4.2B

CCSS.L.5.2D

Front

When should you use quotation marks in dialogue?

Back

Quotation marks are used to enclose the exact words spoken by a character.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.2C

CCSS.L.4.2B

CCSS.L.5.2D

Front

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

Back

A comma is used to indicate a pause in dialogue, especially before a dialogue tag (e.g., 'he said', 'she asked').

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence that ends with dialogue followed by a dialogue tag?

Back

You place the punctuation mark inside the quotation marks before the closing quotation mark, followed by the dialogue tag.

Tags

CCSS.L.3.2C

CCSS.L.4.2B

CCSS.L.5.2D

Front

What is a dialogue tag?

Back

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

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2B

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.5.2B

Front

How do you punctuate a question in dialogue?

Back

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

Tags

CCSS.L.3.2C

CCSS.L.4.2B

CCSS.L.5.2D

Front

What is the correct punctuation for this sentence: 'I love ice cream' she said?

Back

The correct punctuation is: 'I love ice cream,' she said.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.6.2A

Front

What punctuation should be used when a character shouts?

Back

An exclamation mark should be used to indicate shouting or strong emotion.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2B

CCSS.L.4.3B

CCSS.L.K.2B

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence that starts with a dialogue tag?

Back

If the sentence starts with a dialogue tag, use a comma after the tag and start the spoken words with a capital letter.

Tags

CCSS.L.4.2B

CCSS.L.4.2C

CCSS.L.5.2B

Front

What is the correct way to write: 'I can't believe it' she exclaimed?

Back

The correct way is: 'I can't believe it!' she exclaimed.

Tags

CCSS.L.1.2B

CCSS.L.4.3B

CCSS.L.K.2B