Using Quotation Marks Why are quotation marks important? Direct quotations Dialogue Quotations within quotations Quotation marks for titles Review A Review B

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.

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 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]

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.

Dialogue and quotations within quotations On Your Own Correct the following passage by adding quotation marks where needed. Also tell where each new paragraph should begin. What’s that noise? Jack asked. It sounds spooky. I think it’s just the wind, Mia replied. No, whispered Karli. That sounds like an animal or something! Don’t be silly, said Mia. There’s nothing out there. What do you think, Carlos? asked Karli. Do you think it sounds spooky? [End of Section]

Quotation marks for titles Use quotation marks to enclose titles of short works such as short stories, poems, essays, articles, songs, and chapters from books. Short story “All Summer in a Day” Song “America the Beautiful” Book chapter “Landing on the Moon”

Quotation marks for titles On Your Own Correct each sentence by adding quotation marks where needed. 1. The Fun They Had is one of Mrs. Banister’s favorite short stories. 2. I think The Toaster is the funniest poem I’ve ever read. 3. One article in the newspaper this morning is titled Black Scientists Make History. 4. She’s already read the chapter called Caring for Your Hamster. [End of Section]

Review A Add quotation marks where they are needed in the following sentences. 1. Ms. Fields asked, When is the Earth Day Festival? 2. Adam exclaimed, Look how tall those giant redwoods are! 3. I have read Robert Hayden’s poem Those Winter Sundays several times. 4. Tomorrow, Chang predicted, will be hot and sunny. 5. I’m sure Mary said to meet her at 2:00, said Steve. [End of Section]

Review B Correct the following passage by adding quotation marks where needed. Also tell where each new paragraph should begin. We’re starting a video game club, said Michael. Would you like to join us? That sounds like fun, replied Audra. What games are you going to play? We’re open to suggestions, said Michael. Well, Audra responded, I might just have some for you! [End of Section]

The End