Punctuating Dialogue

Front

What is dialogue punctuation?

Back

Dialogue punctuation refers to the use of quotation marks, commas, and other punctuation marks to indicate spoken words in writing.

Front

When do 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 spoken sentence before the tag?

Back

A comma is used before the closing quotation mark when a spoken sentence is followed by a tag (e.g., said, asked).

Front

How do you punctuate a question in dialogue?

Back

If the spoken sentence is a question, use 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?

Back

Use a comma before the closing quotation mark if the statement is followed by a dialogue tag.

Front

What is the correct way to write: 'I love ice cream' said John?

Back

The correct way is: 'I love ice cream,' said John.

Front

How do you punctuate an exclamation in dialogue?

Back

If the spoken sentence is an exclamation, use an exclamation mark inside the quotation marks.

Front

What is the correct way to write: 'Watch out' shouted Carl?

Back

The correct way is: 'Watch out!' shouted Carl.

Front

What do you do if a character speaks for more than one sentence?

Back

Use quotation marks at the beginning and end of the entire speech, and punctuate each sentence correctly.