Proper Punctuation – Quotes

When you’re writing something that is a direct quote, meaning

that it is the exact words that someone spoke, you need to
use double quotation marks. Using them properly can be a
little tricky, so remember these rules.

1. If you start by telling who said it, use a comma and then
the first quotation mark.
o Taylor said, “You can’t be serious.”
2. If you put the quote first and then tell who said it, use a
comma at the end of the sentence, and then the second
quotation mark.
o “I had no idea it was so late already,” said Jenna.
3. Punctuation always goes inside the quotation marks if it
is a direct quote. If you use an exclamation point or a
question mark, do not use a comma.
o “It’s great!” he exclaimed.
o She asked her mother quietly, “Is it time for bed?”
4. If you quote someone within a quote, use single
quotation marks and follow the same rules.
o He began to tell us the story, “As soon as I walked
in the room the principal said, ´You’ve been here a
lot lately John,´ so I just sat there quietly.”
5. If you are writing a story, every time a new speaker is
talking, start a new paragraph.
o “Good morning,” I said as I came down the stairs.
o “Good morning,” said my mother.
o “Is it nice outside?” I asked
o “It’s a beautiful day,” she answered with a smile.

There are some rules to follow when writing direct dialogue in

your narratives:

Rule #1: Use quotation marks to indicate the words that are
spoken by the characters.

Example: “Help me!” exclaimed the little girl.

Rule #2: Always begin a new paragraph when the speaker

changes.
Example:

“I am coming home,” Sue announced. “I am really tired and

can’t work anymore.”

“Okay, I think you should do that,” her husband agreed.

Rule #3: Make sure the reader knows who is doing the talking.

Rule #4: Use correct punctuation marks and capitalization.

Example: “May I buy a new pair of shoes?” Lauren asked her

mom.

Note that the quotation marks are outside

the end punctuation of the quote; the rest
of the sentence has its own end
punctuation.
If the quote is not a question or exclamation, use a comma
and not a period before the second quotation marks.

“I bought a new jacket yesterday,” Tammy said.