Use quotation marks to enclose a direct quotation-what the speaker says. Example Our team leader says, “I’ll try to practice everyday.”

A directly quoted sentence begins with a capital letter Example Mrs. Guider said, “Please get a pencil.”

When the speaker interrupts the quote, the second part of the quotation begins with a lowercase letter Example “Will you take care of my lawn and my pets,” asked Mrs. Anderson, “while I’m on vacation next month?”

When the quote is before the speaker, it is separated by a comma, question mark or exclamation point but not a period Example “No, and I never will!” he said.

When the quote is before the speaker, it is separated by a comma, question mark or exclamation point but not a period Example “I can not wait until spring break,” Dan asked.

When the quote is after the speaker, it is set off by a comma. Example Maria asked, “What makes you say that?”

If a quoted sentence is divided, a comma usually follows the first part of the quote and comes after the speaker Example “Oh,” Dan commented, “she’s just never had a cat before.”

A period or comma should be placed inside closing quotation marks Example “I love cats!” Jamie said. “I am getting a new one tomorrow.”

A question mark or an exclamation point should be placed inside closing quotation marks when the quotation itself is a question or an exclamation. Example “What time is your birthday party?” asked Timmy.