Why are quotation marks important? When you talk with your friends or family, it’s easy to tell who said what. Did you finish your essay yet? No, but I’ll be done soon.

Why are quotation marks important? In writing, the only way to tell exactly who is speaking, and when, is by the quotation marks. “ No, but I’ll be done soon, said Paul. ” Did you finish your essay yet? Lynn asked. “ ” [End of Section]

Direct quotations Use quotation marks to enclose a direct quotation—a person’s exact words. Mimi said, “Reptiles are my favorite animals.” “Are turtles considered reptiles?,” asked Brian.

Grammar Gal Says... Direct quotations Do not use quotation marks for an indirect quotation—a rewording of a direct quotation. Grammar Gal Says... Juan said, “The bus was late today.” Direct quotation Juan said that the bus was late today. Indirect quotation

Direct quotations When an interrupting expression divides a direct quotation into two parts, place quotation marks around both parts of the quoted statement. “Will you take care of my pets,” Mr. Yates asked, “while I’m on vacation?” One quoted sentence with an interrupting expression “Yes, I will,” said Ted. “You can count on me.” New quoted sentence following the interrupting expression

Direct quotations A direct quotation can be set off from the rest of a sentence by a comma, a question mark, or an exclamation point, but not by a period. “Dogs make better pets than cats do,” said Frank. Comma Question mark “Have you ever had a cat?” Amy asked. Exclamation point “No, and I never will!” he replied.

Direct quotations Place commas and periods inside the closing quotation marks. “The wildlife park opens at 9:00,” Aunt Jenny announced. Mason said, “I think you’ll like learning about the animals.”

Direct quotations Place question marks and exclamation points inside the closing quotation marks if the quotation itself is a question or an exclamation. “Does anyone want to go swimming?” Maria asked. The quoted sentence is a question. “Yes!” I answered. “Let’s leave now!” Both direct quotations are exclamations.

Direct quotations If the quotation itself is not a question or an exclamation, place the question mark or exclamation point outside the quotation marks. What made Janice say, “I don’t even care anymore”? The quoted part is not a question, but the whole sentence is. I couldn’t believe it when Jeff said, “I’ll go with you”! The quoted part is not an exclamation, but the whole sentence is.

Direct quotations Add quotation marks where they are needed in the following sentences. 1. Jared said, I’ll bring the sandwiches. 2. May I go with you? Brenda asked. 3. Look at that lizard! Rich yelled. It’s huge! 4. Let’s find some seats, suggested Marta, before the theater gets too crowded.

Direct quotations Add quotation marks where they are needed in the following sentences. “ ” 1. Jared said, I’ll bring the sandwiches. The quotation marks go before and after the direct quotation. The period is placed inside the closing quotation marks.

Direct quotations Add quotation marks where they are needed in the following sentences. “ ” 2. May I go with you? Brenda asked. The quotation marks go before and after the direct quotation. The question mark is placed inside the closing quotation marks because the quotation itself is a question.

“ ” “ ” Direct quotations Add quotation marks where they are needed in the following sentences. “ ” “ ” 3. Look at that lizard! Rich yelled. It’s huge! Quotation marks must enclose both parts of the direct quotation. Both exclamation points go inside the closing quotation marks because the quotations themselves are exclamations.

” “ “ ” Direct quotations Add quotation marks where they are needed in the following sentences. 4. Let’s find some seats, suggested Marta, before the theater gets too crowded. “ ” “ ” Quotation marks must enclose both parts of the direct quotation. Periods and commas go inside closing quotation marks.

Direct quotations On Your Own Add quotation marks where they are needed in the following sentences. We’re going tubing next Saturday, said Carlos. 2. I’d like to go along, said Barbara. 3. Eric asked, Who will bring tubes for everyone? 4. Barbara shouted, I’ll bring them! 5. My dad will drive, said Carlos. He has a van. 6. The water will feel good, Eric said, if Saturday is as hot as today. [End of Section]

“ ” “ ” “ ” “ ” “ ” “ ” ” “ “ ” Direct quotations Answers Add quotation marks where they are needed in the following sentences. We’re going tubing next Saturday, said Carlos. 2. I’d like to go along, said Barbara. 3. Eric asked, Who will bring tubes for everyone? 4. Barbara shouted, I’ll bring them! 5. My dad will drive, said Carlos. He has a van. 6. The water will feel good, Eric said, if Saturday is as hot as today. “ ” “ ” “ ” “ ” “ ” “ ” ” “ “ ”

Dialogue When you write dialogue (a conversation), use quotation marks around each speaker’s words, and begin a new paragraph every time the speaker changes. “How long have you been making beaded jewelry?” Krista asked. “For a few years now,” Kim answered. “It’s a lot of fun.” “I would like to learn how to do that too,” said Krista.

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