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.

Front

When should you use quotation marks in dialogue?

Back

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

Front

What punctuation mark follows a dialogue tag?

Back

A comma is used before the opening quotation mark if the dialogue tag comes before the spoken words.

Front

How do you punctuate a question in dialogue?

Back

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

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'.

Front

How do you punctuate a statement in dialogue?

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If the spoken words are a statement, place a period inside the quotation marks at the end of the sentence.

Front

What punctuation is used to show excitement in dialogue?

Back

An exclamation mark is used at the end of the spoken words to show excitement.

Front

What is the correct way to write: 'Grandpa said , "You need to finish your homework."'?

Back

The correct way is: 'Grandpa said, "You need to finish your homework."' (no space before the comma).

Front

How do you punctuate dialogue when it is interrupted?

Back

Use a dash to indicate the interruption, and continue the dialogue after the dash.

Front

What is the correct way to write: '"We won" the team shouted!'?

Back

The correct way is: '"We won!" the team shouted.' (exclamation mark inside the quotes).