quotation marks rules for using quotation marks. use quotation marks to enclose a direct...

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

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.”

QuotationsA 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)