How to punctuate when someone is talking Dialogue How to punctuate when someone is talking

Most of us think about using quotation marks when we’re writing out a direct quotation (or someone’s exact words). Mrs. Brigman said, “It is a good idea to complete an outline as a prewriting strategy before you start to write your article.”

Especially important … Notice that periods, commas, and other punctuation marks that end or interrupt a quotation go inside the second (or ending) set of quotation marks. Mary said, “I haven’t seen such a mess since the last tornado.” “I haven’t seen such a mess since that last tornado,” said Mary.

“I haven’t seen such a mess,” said Mary, “since the last tornado.” “I haven’t seen such a mess in ages,” said Mary. “The last time was the last tornado.”

How SHOULD these sentences be written How SHOULD these sentences be written? (Hint: What punctuation is missing and where should it go?) Mrs. Barton said “I will never forget my adorable Molly”. “We have searched the entire river, but found no sign of the little girl” Detective Miller stated. “I know my parents have given up hope” Chris said to Pat “but I never will”.

Mrs. Barton said, “I will never forget my adorable Molly.” “We have searched the entire river, but found no sign of the little girl,” Detective Miller stated. “I know my parents have given up hope,” Chris said to Pat, “but I never will.”