Quotation Marks Rules for using quotation marks

Use quotation marks to enclose a direct quotation– a person’s exact words. Do not use quotation marks for INDIRECT quotation- a rewording of a direct quotation Direct Quotation: Juan said, “The bus is late.” (Juan’s exact words) Indirect Quotation: Juan said that the bus was late. (Not Juan’s exact words) Quotations

Mrs. Talbott said, “Please get a pencil.” Kristina asked, “Is it my turn?” A directly quoted sentence begins with a capital letter.

When an expression identifying the speaker interrupts a quoted sentence, the second part of the quotation begins with a lowercase letter. “Will you take care of my lawn and pets,” asked Mr. Franklin, “while I’m on vacation next month?” Quotations When the second part of a divided quotation is a new sentence, it begins with a capital letter. “Yes we will,” I said. “We can use the extra money.”

Quotations If a quote comes at the beginning of a sentence, a comma, question mark, or an exclamation point usually follows it. “Dogs make better pets that cats do,” said Frank. “Have you ever had a cat?” Donna asked. “No, and I never will!” he replied.

Quotations If a quote comes at the end of a sentence, a comma usually comes before it. Maria asked, “What makes you say that?”

Quotations If a quote is divided, a comma usually follows the first part and comes before the second part. “Oh,” Donna commented, “he’s probably just saying that because he’s never had a cat.”

Quotations A period or comma should be placed INSIDE the closing quotation marks. “I can’t wait to see Taylor Swifts new video,” Mark said. “It’s supposed to come out next week.”

Quotations A question mark or an exclamation point should be placed inside closing quotation marks when the quote itself is a question or exclamation. Otherwise, it should be placed outside. “What time will you be home form work, Mom?” asked Michael. (the quotation is a question) Who said, “all the world’s a stage”? (the sentence, not the quotation is a question) “Stop!” yelled the crossing guard. (the quotation is an exclamation) What a surprise to hear Susana say, “We’re moving back to Puerto Rico in June”! (the sentence, not the quotation, is an exclamation)