Punctuating Dialogue

Front

What is dialogue punctuation?

Back

Dialogue punctuation refers to the rules and conventions used to punctuate spoken words in writing, ensuring clarity and proper structure.

Front

What punctuation mark is used to indicate the start of a quotation?

Back

A quotation mark (" ") is used to indicate the start and end of a quotation.

Front

How should a comma be used in dialogue?

Back

A comma should be placed before the closing quotation mark when a dialogue tag follows the spoken words.

Front

What is a dialogue tag?

Back

A dialogue tag is a phrase that attributes spoken words to a speaker, often using verbs like 'said' or 'asked'.

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 a dialogue tag.

Front

What is the correct punctuation for a question in dialogue?

Back

A question mark should be placed inside the quotation marks if the spoken words are a question.

Front

How do you punctuate a sentence that ends with an exclamation in dialogue?

Back

An exclamation mark should be placed inside the quotation marks if the spoken words are an exclamation.

Front

What is the rule for punctuating dialogue with interruptions?

Back

If a dialogue is interrupted by a dialogue tag, use a comma before the tag and continue the sentence after the tag.

Front

How do you punctuate a quote within a quote?

Back

Use single quotation marks (' ') for the inner quote and double quotation marks for the outer quote.

Front

What is the correct way to punctuate a sentence with a dialogue tag at the beginning?

Back

If the dialogue tag comes first, use a comma before the opening quotation mark.