Quotations and Quotation Marks

Direct Quotation A direct quotation gives a person’s exact words and is enclosed in quotation marks (“ ”).

DQ Punctuation Direct quotations begin with capital letters and end with proper punctuation. End punctuation is inside the closing quotation marks. Words that tell who is speaking are set off from the quotation by punctuation.

Examples Jamie asked, “What was the Titanic?” When the quotation comes last in a sentence, set it off with a comma.

Examples “It was the largest passenger ship in the world,” replied May. “It was enormous!” she added. When the quotation comes first in a sentence, a comma, question mark, or exclamation mark sets off the quotation.

Examples “It was built in Belfast, Ireland,” she added, “over a two year period.” When the quotation is interrupted by words that tell who is speaking, use two sets of quotation marks. Notice that words telling who is speaking are followed by punctuation. Use a comma if the second part of the quotation does not begin a new sentence.

Examples “What happened to the Titanic ?” asked Jamie. “Is it still in existence today?” Use end punctuation and a capital letter if the second part of the quotation does begin a new sentence.

Practice (write on the tv screen with an erasable marker) I’m going on a hot-air balloon ride said Sherry.

Practice Wow that’s so cool exclaimed Phil.

Practice He asked earnestly do you think I could come too.

Practice I’ll ask my dad Sherry said.

Practice What is it like inquired Phil.

Practice She replied dreamily it’s like floating on a cloud.

Practice The buildings and cars below look like toys she continued.

Practice How do you make it go up and down asked Phil.

Practice A burner heats the air explained Sherry.

Practice More hot air takes you up she said and less takes you down.