Giving Your Character Life By Using Quotation Marks ©2014HappyEdugator

The expression identifying the speaker is called a speaker’s tag. The expression identifying the speaker is called a speaker’s tag.

Use quotation marks to enclose a direct quotation – a person’s exact words. Use quotation marks to enclose a direct quotation – a person’s exact words. Our team leader says, “I try to practice every day.” Our team leader says, “I try to practice every day.” “Let’s go home,” Jeanne suggested. “Let’s go home,” Jeanne suggested. ©2014HappyEdugator

A directly quoted sentence begins with a capital letter. A directly quoted sentence begins with a capital letter. Mrs. Talbot said, “Please get a pencil.” Mrs. Talbot said, “Please get a pencil.” Kristina asked is it my turn Kristina asked is it my turn ©2014HappyEdugator Direct Quotations

Answer: Kristina asked, “Is it my turn?”

Quote at the Beginning… If a quotation mark comes at the beginning of a sentence, a comma, question mark, or exclamation point usually follows it. If a quotation mark comes at the beginning of a sentence, a comma, question mark, or exclamation point usually follows it. “Dogs make better pets than cats do,” said Jared. “Dogs make better pets than cats do,” said Jared. “Have you ever had a cat?” Emily asked. “Have you ever had a cat?” Emily asked. “No, and I never will!” he replied. “No, and I never will!” he replied. ©2014HappyEdugator

Quote at the Beginning… If a quotation mark comes at the beginning of a sentence, a comma, question mark, or exclamation point usually follows it. If a quotation mark comes at the beginning of a sentence, a comma, question mark, or exclamation point usually follows it. I’m going to the store now said Jared I’m going to the store now said Jared What are you going to be for Halloween Emily asked What are you going to be for Halloween Emily asked No way he replied No way he replied ©2014HappyEdugator

Quote at the Beginning… “I’m going to the store now,” said Jared. “I’m going to the store now,” said Jared. “What are you going to be for Halloween?” Emily asked. “What are you going to be for Halloween?” Emily asked. “No way!” he replied. “No way!” he replied. ©2014HappyEdugator

Quote at the End… If a quotation comes at the end of a sentence, a comma usually comes before it. If a quotation comes at the end of a sentence, a comma usually comes before it. Terra asked, “What makes you say that?” Terra asked, “What makes you say that?” ©2014HappyEdugator

Quote at the End… If a quotation comes at the end of a sentence, a comma usually comes before it. If a quotation comes at the end of a sentence, a comma usually comes before it. Terra asked what is your favorite TV show Terra asked what is your favorite TV show ©2014HappyEdugator

Answer: Terra asked, “What is your favorite TV show?” Terra asked, “What is your favorite TV show?”

Split Dialogue When an expression identifying the speaker interrupts a quoted sentence, the second part of the quotation begins with a lowercase 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?” “Will you take care of my lawn and pets,” asked Mr. Franklin, “while I’m on vacation next month?” * The expression identifying the speaker is called a speaker’s tag. ©2014HappyEdugator

Split Dialogue If a quoted sentence is divided, a comma usually follows the first part and comes before the second part. If a quoted sentence is divided, a comma usually follows the first part and comes before the second part. “I would love to,” I replied, “but I really need to get home.” “I would love to,” I replied, “but I really need to get home.” ©2014HappyEdugator

OK class said the teacher tomorrow we will learn more about continents

“OK class,” said the teacher, “tomorrow we will learn more about continents.”

Punctuation inside Quotes A period or a comma should always be placed inside the quotation marks. A period or a comma should always be placed inside the quotation marks. “I can’t wait to see Shirley Caesar’s new video,” James said. “It’s supposed to come out next week.” “I can’t wait to see Shirley Caesar’s new video,” James said. “It’s supposed to come out next week.” ©2014HappyEdugator

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