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 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 is used to indicate a pause in dialogue?

Back

A comma is used to indicate a pause in dialogue, especially before a dialogue tag (e.g., he said, she asked).

Front

How do you punctuate a question in dialogue?

Back

If a character asks a question, the question mark is placed 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

A period is used at the end of a statement inside the quotation marks, unless it is followed by a dialogue tag.

Front

What is the correct punctuation for this sentence: 'I love ice cream' she said?

Back

The correct punctuation is: 'I love ice cream,' she said.

Front

How do you punctuate dialogue that ends with an exclamation?

Back

If the dialogue ends with an exclamation, the exclamation mark is placed inside the quotation marks.

Front

What is the correct way to write: 'Can we go now' he asked?

Back

The correct way is: 'Can we go now?' he asked.

Front

What punctuation follows a dialogue tag?

Back

A comma usually follows a dialogue tag when it precedes the spoken words.