Punctuating Dialogue

Front

What is the correct punctuation for dialogue when a question is asked?

Back

Use a question mark inside the quotation marks, followed by the dialogue tag. Example: "Can you help me?" asked the student.

Front

How do you determine if dialogue is divided?

Back

Check if the dialogue can be combined into one or two sentences when squished together.

Front

What punctuation is used at the end of a statement in dialogue?

Back

Use a period inside the quotation marks. Example: "I wish it was a three day weekend."

Front

What is the correct punctuation for dialogue when an exclamation is made?

Back

Use an exclamation mark inside the quotation marks, followed by the dialogue tag. Example: "We are going to the book fair tomorrow!"

Front

What is a dialogue tag?

Back

A dialogue tag is a phrase that attributes the dialogue to a speaker, such as 'said', 'asked', or 'whispered'.

Front

How should you punctuate dialogue that is interrupted?

Back

Use a comma to separate the dialogue from the dialogue tag, and use a dash to indicate the interruption. Example: "I was going to say—" she started.

Front

What is the rule for capitalizing the first word in dialogue?

Back

Always capitalize the first word of the dialogue, regardless of whether it follows a dialogue tag.

Front

How do you punctuate dialogue that is split across multiple sentences?

Back

Use quotation marks at the beginning and end of each part, and ensure proper punctuation at the end of each sentence.

Front

What is the difference between direct and indirect dialogue?

Back

Direct dialogue quotes the exact words spoken, while indirect dialogue paraphrases what was said.

Front

When should you use a comma in dialogue?

Back

Use a comma to separate the dialogue from the dialogue tag when the dialogue is a statement. Example: "I love reading," she said.