Punctuation for Direct Quotations

This rule explains how to punctuate direct quotations (when someone's exact words
are quoted within a sentence):

1. Quotation Marks: Use double quotation marks (" ") to enclose the exact
words spoken or written by a person.
Example: She said, "I'll be there by 3 o'clock."
2. Comma Placement: Place a comma inside the closing quotation mark when
the quotation is followed by a dialogue tag (e.g., "he said," "she asked").
Example: "Are you coming to the party?" she asked.
3. Period or Comma Placement: Place the period or comma inside the closing
quotation mark when it is part of the quoted material. If the period or comma
is not part of the quoted material, it goes outside the closing quotation mark.
Example with period: He said, "I'll see you tomorrow." Example with comma:
She replied, "Yes, I'll be there."
4. Question Marks and Exclamation Points: Place question marks or
exclamation points inside the closing quotation mark when they are part of
the quoted material. If they are not part of the quoted material, place them
outside the closing quotation mark.
Example with question mark: Did he say, "What time is it?" Example with
exclamation point: She exclaimed, "This is amazing!"
5. Quotation within a Quotation: When you have a quotation within a
quotation, use single quotation marks (' ') to enclose the inner quotation.
Example: He said, "She told me, 'I can't make it today.'"
6. Ellipsis: Use an ellipsis (three dots: ...) within quotation marks to indicate that
a portion of the quoted material has been omitted.
Example: She said, "The book was long, but I enjoyed it..."

Understanding how to punctuate direct quotations correctly is essential for clear and
accurate writing, especially in academic and professional contexts.