“Quotation Marks” And Writing Dialogue

Use quotation marks to enclose a direct quotation—a person’s exact words. –Example: “I am going to the grocery store,” said Dad.

Now you try….#1 “What do you think of my hair?” asked Harold.

Do not use quotation marks for an indirect quotation—a rewording of a direct quotation. –Example: Mom asked Dad if he had gone to the store this afternoon.

Now you try…#2 Mom said I couldn’t go outside and play until I finished my homework.

A direct quotation begins with a capital letter. –Example: Abe Lincoln said, “The ballot is stronger than the bullet.”

Now you try…#3 Mom exclaimed, “I think we took a wrong turn somewhere!”

When the expression identifying the speaker interrupts a quoted sentence, the second part of the quotation begins with a small letter. –Example: “What are some of the things,” asked Mrs. Perkins, “that astronauts discovered on the moon?”

Now you try…#4 “Hey, is anyone,” yelled the soldier, “in the mood for sushi?”

A direct quotation is set off from the rest of the sentence by a comma, a question mark, or an exclamation point, but not by a period. –Example: “I’ve just finished reading a book about Harriet Tubman,” Alison said.

Now you try…#5 “Look, you dirty dogs! I’m in charge here,” said the brave cat.

A period or comma is always placed inside the closing quotation marks. –Example: Mr. Aaron said, “The story is set in Fresno, California.”

Now you try…#6 The cat said to the mouse, “We’re going to make a fortune on America’s Funniest Home Videos.”

When you write dialogue, begin a new paragraph each time you change speakers. –Example: “I am very tired,” Mike said to his mom. “That is understandable,” she said, “especially after a long day of work.”

Now you try…#7 “Your hair looks great,” complimented the orange tabby, gently patting her head. “Thanks, I just got back from the salon,” responded the yellow chick.

DOES YOUR DIALOGUE LOOK LIKE THIS? “How do I write dialogue?” asked Marty as he was walking out of class. “It is easy!” replied Sarah. “All you have to remember is the correct punctuation.” “I know,” replied Marty, “but I need practice.” He looked dejected. Sarah tried to console him and said, “Cheer up, Marty! I will help proofread your short story. We’ll make it perfect.”

Now you try…#8

Don’t Forget! There Are Other Uses for Quotation Marks: Use quotation marks to enclose titles of short works such as short stories, poems, articles, songs, and chapters and other parts of books. –Examples:“The Dinner Party” “Greensleeves” “Casey at the Bat”