Quotation Marks English 7

A direct quotation is a report of a speaker’s EXACT words. Use quotation marks at the beginning and ending of a direct quotation. Example: Mrs. Turner said, “Stop talking.”

An indirect quote is when a person’s words are paraphrased and not exact. Example: Mrs. Turner told everyone to be quiet.

Never use quotation marks with an indirect quote. Example: Direct Quote: Mrs. Turner said, “Mark Twain is a good writer”. Indirect quote: Mrs. Turner talked about how Mark Twain is a good writer.

Commas and periods always go inside of the quotation marks. If a quotation is a question or an exclamation, place the question mark or exclamation point inside of the quotation marks. Example: “What did Mrs. Turner say?” I asked.

If quoted words are part of a question or exclamation of your own, place the question or exclamation point outside of the quotation marks. Example: What makes Mark Twain such a “good writer”?

Use commas to separate explanatory words used with direct quotations. Examples: Mrs. Turner said, “Stop talking.” “Students,” said Mrs. Turner, “stop talking.” “Stop talking,” said Mrs. Turner

Use quotation marks to enclose both parts of a divided direct quotation. Example: “Mark Twain,” she said, “is a good writer.”

Do not capitalize the first word of a new quotation unless it begins a new sentence. Example: “Mark Twain,” she said, “wrote many books.” “Mark Twain wrote many books,” she said. “I have read several of them.”