Punctuating Dialogue

1
Punctuating Dialogue
2
Use quotation marks at the beginning and end of
a direct quotation.

• A direct quotation is the exact words of a writer
  or a speaker.
• The guide said, The giant squid is one of the
  largest creatures in the sea.
• Dont use quotation marks to set of an indirect
  quotation.
• The guide said that the giant squid is one of the
  largest creatures in the sea.

3
In dialogue punctuate a speakers words with a
comma, a question mark, or an exclamation mark.

• Early sailors believed giant squid were sea
  monsters, our guide explained.
• Just how big is a giant squid? asked Tyrell.
• Believe it or not, some may be 75 feet long!
  said the guide.

4
Place a comma after explanatory words, such as
she said and he asked, that appear at the
beginning of a sentence.

• Tyrell asked, Just how big is a giant squid?

5
Enclose both parts of a divided quotation in
quotation marks.

• Do not capitalize the first word of the second
  part unless it begins a new sentence.
• Wonder, said Rebecca, whether the giant squid
  is dangerous to humans.
• You wonder? asked Tyrell. Look at the size of
  those tentacles!

6
Start a new paragraph and begin the paragraph
with a set of quotation marks to show a change in
speakers.

• Dont be afraid, said Rebecca.
  Although the giant squid is large, it doesnt
  usually come into contact with humans.
• Im glad to hear that, Tyrell replied,
  because that toothed tongue looks nasty.

7
You Try It!Correct the punctuation errors.

• 1. Are you surprised to learn that, a great
  majority of deep-sea fishes have light-generating
  capabilities? asked the guide.
• 2. Richard Ellis explains in his book Deep
  Atlantic that there are three ways whereby sea
  animals create living light by releasing energy
  to special organs, by ejecting glowing chemicals,
  and by hosting bacteria that glow.

8
What do we need to do here?

• Thats pretty cool, Tim stated. Yes, it really
  is agreed the guide.