Punctuating Quotations What is a direct quotation A

Punctuating Quotations

What is a direct quotation?

A speaker’s exact words (also called dialogue).

That’s when Jane said, “You must have a tea party!”

What is an indirect quotation?

A restatement of what someone said, often introduced by the word that.

Jane said she thought Carla should have a tea party.

A direct quotation is a report of a speaker’s exact words Rule #1 Use quotation marks at the beginning and end of a direct quotation. “I would love to come to tea, ” she answered.

A direct quotation is a report of a speaker’s exact words Rule #2 Use commas to set off explanatory words ued with direct quotations (whether they occur at the beginning in the middle, or at the end of the sentence).

A direct quotation is a report of a speaker’s exact words For Example Mark said, “I didn’t get an invitation. ” “I also, ” said Jean, “didn’t get an invitation. ” “I wonder why that is? ” Mark said.

A direct quotation is a report of a speaker’s exact words Rule #3 If a quotation is a question or an exclamation, place the question mark or exclamation point inside the closing quotation marks.

A direct quotation is a report of a speaker’s exact words Rule #3 “Who wants to ask her if there was a mistake? ” asked Carla.

A direct quotation is a report of a speaker’s exact words Rule #4 If quoted words are part of a question or exclamation, place the question mark or exclamation point outside the closing quotation mark.

A direct quotation is a report of a speaker’s exact words Rule #4 Did Carla just say, “I hate drinking tea”? The entire phrase is a question.

Note Commas and periods always go inside closing quotation marks. They’re too little to stay outside. . .

An indirect quotation mark is a restatement of someone’s words. Rule #5 Do not use quotation marks to set off an indirect quotation. He told me that he couldn’t be there.

Divided Quotation Rule #6 Use quotation marks to enclose both parts of a divided quotation. “Carla, ” Jane called, “I have your invitation here. ”

Divided Quotation Rule #7 Do not capitalize the first word of the second part of a divided quotation unless it begins a new sentence. Capitalize: “If you want to come, ” Jane said, “let me know. ” Do Not Capitalize: “I’ll check my calendar, “ Carla said. “I will call you later. ”

Divided Quotation Rule #8 Use commas to set off the explanatory words used with a divided quotation. “Wow, ” Mark said, “she didn’t invite me, and I was standing right next to you. ”

Dialogue Rule #9 In dialogue, a new paragraph and a new set of quotation marks signal a change in speakers.

Try These Examples

Where should we place the quotation marks? John said, That’s my coat.

Where should we place the quotation marks? John said, “That’s my coat. ”

Where should we place the quotation marks? Help! shouted the scoutmaster. We can’t find our way out of this cave!

Where should we place the quotation marks? “Help!” shouted the scoutmaster. “We can’t find our way out of this cave!”

Where should we place the quotation marks? He said that he wasn’t going with us.

Where should we place the quotation marks? He said that he wasn’t going with us. No comma needed.

Where should we place the quotation marks? This beach, said Dad, is more beautiful than ever.

Where should we place the quotation marks? “This beach, ” said Dad, “is more beautiful than ever. ”

Where should we place the quotation marks? William exclaimed, I can’t believe we’re finally here!

Where should we place the quotation marks? William exclaimed, “I can’t believe we’re finally here!”

Complete Practice and Apply 2, page 260 and Exercise 4, page 637 (Yes, you have to write out the sentences. )