Punctuating Dialogue

Front

What is dialogue?

Back

A conversation between/amongst characters.

Front

How should you punctuate this sentence? "Dogs are the most amazing animals", said Mrs. Hutchens.

Back

Incorrect. It should be: "Dogs are the most amazing animals," said Mrs. Hutchens.

Front

Is this sentence correct? The kids shouted, "We love ice cream!"

Back

Correct.

Front

What punctuation mark should follow the word 'whined' in the sentence: Miller whined "Are we there yet?"

Back

A comma should follow 'whined': Miller whined, "Are we there yet?"

Front

Is this sentence correct? The teacher warned us, "that a surprise quiz was coming."

Back

Incorrect. It should be: The teacher warned us, "that a surprise quiz was coming." (Remove the comma before 'that').

Front

What punctuation is used to indicate a speaker's exact words?

Back

Quotation marks (" ").

Front

When do you use a comma in dialogue?

Back

Use a comma before the opening quotation mark if the dialogue is preceded by a tag (e.g., said, asked).

Front

What is the purpose of dialogue in a story?

Back

To show conversations between characters and to develop the plot.

Front

How do you punctuate a question in dialogue?

Back

Use a question mark inside the quotation marks if the spoken words are a question.

Front

What is a dialogue tag?

Back

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